Trump’s team interviewed Paul Atkins to lead the SEC, replacing Gary Gensler.
Trump pledged to create a Bitcoin reserve and appoint crypto-friendly regulators.
President-elect Donald Trump’s team has interviewed former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins as a candidate to replace Gary Gensler as SEC Chairman. Atkins, a Republican commissioner during the George W. Bush administration, is known for his pro-innovation stance on cryptocurrency and financial regulation. Trump is expected to announce his decision in the coming days.
Atkins is a strong contender for the role, alongside Mark Uyeda, a current SEC commissioner, Heath Tarbert, a former Commodity Futures Trading Commission chairman, and Robert Stebbins, a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. Trump’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, highlighted the rapid pace of transition decisions but clarified no final choices have been made.
After his tenure at the SEC, Atkins founded Patomak Global Partners, a consulting firm advising major financial clients. He advocates for digital assets and fintech companies and has proposed ways to streamline SEC operations. His leadership could signal a shift toward clearer guidelines for crypto companies, departing from the enforcement-heavy approach under Gensler.
Crypto Policy Transformation
Trump had vowed to fire Gensler on “day one” of his administration. However, Gensler announced earlier this month he would step down in January. Gensler’s tenure included an aggressive crackdown on crypto, following major collapses like the FTX implosion. Industry players often criticized his regulatory strategy for lacking clarity.
During his campaign, Trump embraced cryptocurrency after initially opposing it. He promised to establish a Bitcoin reserve, appoint regulators supportive of crypto, and put an end to the Biden administration’s “anti-crypto stance.” Atkins’ potential appointment aligns with Trump’s vision to position the U.S. as a global crypto leader.
The SEC under new leadership is expected to focus on fraud prevention, insider trading, Ponzi schemes, and ensuring transparency in financial disclosures. Atkins’ selection would likely emphasize balanced regulation, fostering innovation while safeguarding investors.
Trump’s upcoming decision could reshape U.S. crypto policy, aiming for a more supportive environment for digital assets. Atkins’ appointment would mark a significant departure from the regulatory policies of the Gensler era.Highlighted Crypto News TodayStellar (XLM) Rally Shows Signs of Exhaustion as Market Interest Wanes
