According to a report by Unchained Crypto on December 3, three sources familiar with the discussions revealed that President-elect Donald Trump has selected pro-crypto Paul Atkins to serve as the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It is reported that Atkins is the first libertarian to serve as an SEC commissioner during the George W. Bush administration and has long supported the crypto industry. One source noted that Trump has reached out to Atkins but is waiting for his acceptance.
Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for Trump-Vance Transition Team, told Unchained: "President-elect Trump has made wise decisions at lightning speed regarding who will serve in his second term administration. Remaining decisions will continue to be announced by him as they are made."
Atkins served as a SEC commissioner during President George W. Bush's administration, and since leaving the commission, he has publicly supported the cryptocurrency industry, serving as co-chair of the Token Alliance under the Digital Chamber of Commerce since 2017. As the founder and CEO of consulting firm Potomak Global Partners, Atkins has been advising digital finance companies on regulatory compliance since 2009.