Ripple’s executives have expressed support for Paul Atkins assuming a leadership role at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Atkins, a former SEC commissioner known for his crypto-friendly stance, to succeed Chair Gary Gensler. Atkins’ potential leadership is anticipated to foster a more accommodating environment for digital assets, marking a departure from Gensler’s stringent regulatory policies.
Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, shared in a post last week on social media platform X:
An outstanding choice – Paul Atkins at the helm of the SEC will bring common sense back to the agency. Along with Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda, it’s time to swiftly and definitively end the prohibition era on crypto, restoring freedom of choice, economic growth, and innovation.
Garlinghouse’s remarks reflect optimism for a more balanced regulatory approach under Atkins, along with SEC commissioners Peirce and Uyeda. Peirce and Uyeda have consistently advocated for clearer and more accommodating regulatory frameworks for digital assets. They have criticized the SEC’s enforcement actions against crypto firms, arguing that such measures add ambiguity to the industry and hinder innovation. Both commissioners have called for transparent guidelines to support compliance and growth within the crypto sector. Their position contrasts with that of Gensler, who advocated stricter regulations and enforcement against cryptocurrency platforms.
Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, shared a similar viewpoint. Writing on X last week, he emphasized the potential of the SEC leadership to align the agency’s actions with investor protection and rational policymaking. The Ripple legal chief wrote:
The triumvirate of Atkins, Peirce, and Uyeda at the SEC will not only bring common sense back to the agency, but true investor protection as well.
His statement highlights the anticipation within the crypto industry for a shift away from policies viewed as overly restrictive.
Gensler has announced his resignation, effective Jan. 20, 2025, coinciding with President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Following Gensler’s announcement, SEC Commissioner Jaime Lizárraga also declared his intent to step down on Jan. 17, 2025, citing personal reasons. These departures are expected to lead to significant shifts in the SEC’s regulatory approach, particularly concerning cryptocurrency oversight.
These endorsements from Ripple’s top executives come amid ongoing scrutiny of the SEC’s handling of cryptocurrency regulation. Both Garlinghouse and Alderoty have been vocal advocates for reform, arguing that a more forward-looking approach is needed to support innovation and economic growth while ensuring market integrity. Their support for the SEC’s new leadership signals hope for a regulatory framework that balances these priorities effectively.
