SEC Chair Atkins’ First Year Sees Major Crypto Shift

In Washington, April 2026 marks one year since Chair Paul Atkins began directing the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission toward a markedly different approach to digital assets. Consequently, what was once a period of aggressive enforcement under Gary Gensler has transitioned into a phase of regulatory clarity and accommodation. The shift began even before Atkins’ formal confirmation, following Donald Trump‘s 2024 election win and Gensler’s subsequent resignation.

Acting chair Mark Uyeda initiated a new SEC crypto task force and dropped civil actions against firms like Coinbase. However, under Atkins’ confirmed leadership over the past 12 months, the agency has accelerated its pro-industry policies. These include approving multiple crypto-linked exchange-traded funds and signing a memorandum with the CFTC for coordinated oversight.

Meanwhile, the regulator issued an interpretative notice stating most cryptocurrencies are not securities under federal law. Atkins said, “I promised a new day at the SEC when I came aboard, and we have.” He emphasized pivoting from “regulation through enforcement.” Conversely, Democratic lawmakers like Senator Elizabeth Warren have criticized the chair’s actions.

Warren accused Atkins of misleading Congress and cited agency data showing a decade-low in enforcement actions last fiscal year. She specifically questioned dropped investigations tied to Trump and his family. Thus, the SEC’s new direction remains a contentious issue on Capitol Hill, despite broad industry approval for its recent regulatory pivot.

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