Paul Atkins Advocates for Crypto-Friendly Regulation as SEC Chair Nominee
This is a segment from the Empire newsletter.
Paul Atkins on Crypto Regulation
Former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins described crypto as “really exciting” in a podcast interview. He noted that the FTX collapse highlighted issues of fraud, comparing Sam Bankman-Fried’s actions to those of Bernie Madoff.
Atkins is President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for SEC chair and has been involved in crypto for years. His background indicates a pro-crypto stance, raising interest in how he might lead the SEC.
Experience and Approach
Atkins has served on Securitize’s advisory board since 2019. Securitize CEO Carlos Domingo remarked that Atkins is expected to adopt a regulatory approach focused on fostering industry growth rather than enforcement. Domingo emphasized that Atkins would likely engage in dialogue with industry participants to achieve investor protection while allowing the industry to flourish.
In the same podcast, Atkins expressed concern over existing regulations that hinder compliance for many crypto companies. He praised fellow SEC commissioner Hester Peirce and suggested that more accommodating SEC policies would encourage crypto firms to operate within the US instead of relocating overseas.
Domingo believes the US will benefit from Atkins as a potential SEC leader, calling him a “really good” choice.