New SEC Chairman Paul Atkins Announces Plans to Overhaul Cryptocurrency Regulation

In a move that could redefine the future of digital assets in the United States, newly appointed SEC Chairman Paul Atkins has announced plans for a sweeping overhaul of the agency's approach to cryptocurrency regulation.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set for a major shift in cryptocurrency policy as newly appointed Chairman Paul Atkins unveils plans for a sweeping overhaul of the agency's approach to digital assets, sources familiar with the matter told ChainGPT on Friday.

The move, which could redefine the future of digital assets in the United States, follows the departure of former Chairman Gary Gensler and the appointment of Atkins, a former SEC commissioner known for his pro-market views.

Atkins, who took office last week, has already signaled his intent to modernize the regulatory framework surrounding digital assets, aiming for clear, consistent rules that foster innovation while still safeguarding investors, sources said.

"Chairman Atkins is bringing a fresh perspective and a commitment to tailoring regulations for today's technology," said a source close to the administration.

Atkins is expected to assemble a specialized task force within the SEC to focus on drafting a new set of guidelines specifically tailored for blockchain-based technologies, the sources added.

Early proposals reportedly include a "safe harbor" provision for new crypto projects to operate with minimal SEC oversight, updated standards for token issuers to align with DeFi practices, and a streamlined process for crypto exchanges seeking SEC registration.

The news has been met with cautious optimism from the cryptocurrency community, who have long pressed for greater clarity and predictability in crypto regulations.

Industry groups such as the Blockchain Association and the Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI) praised Atkins's remarks, warning that a failure to create a coherent regulatory framework could hinder U.S. competitiveness in the global crypto market.

"Chairman Atkins's focus on common sense, bi-partisan solutions and crypto is exactly what the industry has been asking for," said Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association.

However, some consumer advocacy groups expressed concern that a lighter regulatory touch could open the door to fraud and market manipulation if not paired with robust enforcement mechanisms.

Atkins, in his brief remarks at a press conference on Friday, emphasized that investor protection remains a core priority for the SEC.

"We are not tearing down investor safeguards and starting over," Atkins said. "We are building a regulatory framework that matches the reality of today's technology and the needs of today's investors."

Over the coming months, the SEC is expected to release a series of public consultations and draft proposals, which will be open for feedback from industry stakeholders, legal experts and the broader public.

The process is likely to spark intense debate across Washington, Wall Street and Silicon Valley, and could ultimately reshape how the U.S. asserts leadership in the global crypto economy.