Former US SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins has emerged as the most prominent candidate to serve as the agency’s chairman under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
According to an X post by financial reporter Eleanor Terrett, Atkins is reputed to be capable of “returning the agency to the so-called ‘gold standard'” and is recognized for his crypto expertise and pro-innovation stance.
This prospective appointment of Atkins coincides with rumors that the Trump administration may transfer cryptocurrency regulatory oversight from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This shift in policy could have a substantial impact on the cryptocurrency industry.
The potential for Atkins to become the SEC chief following Gary Gensler’s resignation in January 2025 would have significant implications for US crypto regulations, potentially fostering innovation rather than impeding it.
Will Atkins Replace Gensler?
Atkins, who previously served as an SEC commissioner under two chairmen, Richard Breeden, and Arthur Levitt, is renowned for his comprehensive comprehension of securities law and balanced regulatory approach.
His leadership is anticipated to establish a more conducive environment for innovation in US crypto regulations, potentially reversing the overreach critics have attributed to the current SEC leadership.
Additionally, Trump is purportedly contemplating establishing a new White House position exclusively dedicated to crypto policy.
Trump administration considers CFTC for cryptocurrency
According to reports, the Trump administration is contemplating transferring the regulatory authority over cryptocurrencies and crypto exchanges from the SEC to the CFTC.
This action would transfer the responsibility for regulating digital assets classified as commodities, such as Bitcoin, to an agency generally considered more pro-innovation.
As early as 2017, the agency established itself as a supporter of innovation by approving Bitcoin options under the leadership of former CFTC Chair Chris Giancarlo, who served during Trump’s first administration.
