ChainCatcher news, according to three informed sources, Trump has selected Paul Atkins to serve as the Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). One source revealed that Trump has contacted Atkins and is waiting for him to accept. Atkins' spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Current SEC Chairman Gary Gensler will leave office on January 20. Additionally, Atkins will need to be confirmed by the Senate, unless Trump chooses to make a recess appointment during the Senate's recess. Paul Atkins previously served as an SEC Commissioner during the George W. Bush administration and is known for opposing 'imposing hefty fines on companies for violations of securities laws.' He has consistently supported the cryptocurrency industry and is still serving at his consulting firm, Patomak Global Partners, which he founded in 2009. Meanwhile, since 2017, he has also served as co-chair of the industry association Token Alliance, which advocates for digital assets and the blockchain industry.