SEC Shifts to Clear Rules Under New Chair Atkins

Key Takeaways
- SEC Chair Paul Atkins announces a shift in U.S. crypto regulation.
- Future focus will be on clear rules rather than pure enforcement policy.
- Over 70 crypto ETF applications are awaiting SEC approval.
- Market participants are optimistic about the new direction.
A New Tone at the SEC
With Paul Atkins now leading the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a significant shift in crypto regulation is emerging. At the SEC roundtable on May 12 titled “Tokenization – Bringing Assets On-Chain,” Atkins presented his vision for transparent and practical regulation of digital assets. He spoke of a “new day” for the industry and emphasized that the era of spontaneous enforcement actions is over.
Regulation Over Repression
Atkins announced that the SEC will now focus on a structured regulatory framework for crypto assets. The goal is to establish clear guidelines for issuance, custody, and trading of cryptocurrencies. At the same time, the SEC will continue to address illegal activities, but without casting a blanket suspicion over the entire industry. Particularly noteworthy: the SEC is currently reviewing rule changes that could allow brokers with Alternative Trading Systems (ATS) to trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum that are not classified as securities.
Dialogue with the Industry
Even before the event, representatives from BlackRock met with the SEC’s crypto working group. Discussions included staking models, technical infrastructure for tokenization, and standards for exchange-traded crypto products (ETPs). Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano (ADA), also announced a strategic shift for his platform—moving away from a slow, methodical approach toward greater agility.
Hope for Crypto ETF Approvals
According to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas, more than 70 applications for crypto ETFs are currently pending with the SEC. The agency’s new openness could accelerate this process. The market is already responding: the global market capitalization of cryptocurrencies stands at around USD 3.4 trillion—a sign of growing confidence in regulatory clarity.
Challenges Remain
Despite the positive signals, challenges remain. The prolonged legal battle between the SEC and Ripple (XRP) highlights the complexity of legally classifying cryptocurrencies. Implementing a consistent regulatory framework will also require time and coordination with other agencies.
Our Assessment
With Paul Atkins at the helm of the SEC, U.S. crypto regulation could undergo a fundamental transformation. The shift away from the previous “enforcement-first” strategy toward a more collaborative approach sends an important signal to investors and developers. Clear rules create planning certainty and foster innovation. However, it remains to be seen how quickly the SEC will implement concrete measures and how it will handle ongoing conflicts such as the Ripple case. For you as an investor or industry observer, this means: the regulatory landscape is becoming more transparent—but patience is still required.
You should read that too:
-
Asian Slots – The Best Asia-Themed Online Slot Games
Reading time: ~ 3 minutes
-
Christmas Slots – Best Christmas-Themed Slot Machines
Reading time: ~ 3 minutes
-
Easter Slots – Best Easter-Themed Slot Games
Reading time: ~ 3 minutes
-
Food and Drink Slots: The Best Slot Games Inspired by Culinary Delights
Reading time: ~ 3 minutes
-
Space Slots – Best Space-Themed Slots
Reading time: ~ 3 minutes