Paul Atkins has been confirmed as the new chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Senate approved his nomination on April 9, 2025, with a 52-44 vote, largely along party lines. Atkins, a former SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008 and a known advocate for lighter regulation, is seen as a pro-crypto figure due to his past criticisms of the SEC’s “regulation by enforcement” approach and his involvement with the Token Alliance, a crypto advocacy group. His confirmation marks a shift from the tenure of Gary Gensler, who stepped down in January 2025, and is expected to bring a more favorable stance toward digital assets and market innovation. Atkins will assume the role once sworn in, succeeding acting chair Mark Uyeda.
