President-elect Donald Trump’s pick of Paul Atkins to lead the SEC has the potential to radically change the current crypto regulatory landscape. Cointelegraph reports that Atkins, a staunch advocate for innovation, could undo years of harsh policies under Gary Gensler, triggering a seismic shift in how the U.S. handles crypto.
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Expect a Slow, But Explosive Overhaul
While the excitement is palpable, experts like Charlyn Ho from Rikka Group caution that these changes won’t be instant. Atkins aims to eliminate regulatory roadblocks, but don’t expect a sudden transformation. According to Anderson PC, his approach will be marked by a focus on proportionality, ensuring penalties aren’t overblown, though it will take time to untangle existing policies.
Atkins Will Challenge the Status Quo—Just Not Overnight
Industry leaders, including Cody Carbone of the Digital Chamber, have high hopes for Atkins, anticipating his collaboration with current SEC leadership will speed things up. However, as Ho notes, Atkins will be bound by legal processes, meaning the seismic changes are likely to unfold slowly. “He would still be bound by certain things,” she points out. A shift in crypto regulation is coming, but it will be a careful, methodical process.
