SEC Chairman Paul Atkins unveiled an ambitious plan to modernize cryptocurrency regulation in the United States, promising a clear framework that will seek to balance investor protection and blockchain innovation.
At a pivotal moment for the global cryptocurrency and digital asset market, Paul Atkins, the new chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has laid out a clear and strategic vision for transforming cryptoasset regulation in the country.
During his keynote address at the SEC Working Group Roundtable on Asset Tokenization, Atkins outlined the need for a regulatory framework that protects investors from fraud and scams while also fostering technological innovation in blockchain.
ENTER AND TRADE WITH THE MAJOR CRYPTOCURRENCIES HEREIn contrast to previous approaches, Atkins is opting to implement clearer regulations for the crypto industry with the intention of ensuring market stability while driving innovation in the United States, following President Donald Trump's vision to make the country the crypto capital of the world.
A clear regulatory framework for an evolving market
Paul Atkins has stressed that one of the main obstacles to the healthy development of the cryptocurrency market in the United States has been the lack of clear rules and tailored to the unique nature of digital assets. In his intervention, stated that regulations designed for traditional off-chain securities often result in incompatible or unnecessary for on-chain assets, which may slow the growth of blockchain technology.
Therefore, Atkins has proposed working on a new, clearer, and more streamlined framework that establishes precise rules for the issuance, custody, and trading of cryptoassets. In his words:
“For the United States to become the cryptocurrency capital of the world, the Commission must keep pace with innovation and consider regulatory changes that allow for the integration of on-chain securities and other cryptoassets.”
With this approach, Atkins makes it clear that he seeks to avoid improvisation in law enforcement, replacing ad hoc enforcement actions with clear and consistent rules that provide legal certainty for both investors and companies.
BUY AND SELL BITCOIN WITHOUT HASSLEInnovation and protection: the necessary balance for American leadership in technology
Atkins also emphasized that regulation should not be a hindrance to innovation, but rather a facilitator that enables the development of new blockchain-based financial models.
In his speech, the SEC chairman compared the migration from traditional securities to tokenized securities to the revolution brought about by the shift from analog to digital audio in the music industry. He stated:
“The migration to on-chain securities has the potential to reshape aspects of the securities market by enabling entirely new methods of issuing, trading, owning, and using securities.”
However, he also emphasized that the progress represented by the integration of cryptocurrencies and digital assets into traditional markets must be accompanied by mechanisms that protect investors, especially against fraud and scams. Atkins considers this objective fundamental to the success of the new US regulatory framework. He emphasized that clear rules will allow investors to better identify legitimate offerings and avoid unnecessary risks, thus fostering confidence in the broader crypto market.
Three strategic pillars: issuance, custody and trading
The plan Atkins outlined in his speech focuses on three key areas to modernize crypto regulation in the United States: crypto asset issuance, custody, and trading.
Regarding issuance, the SEC chairman criticized the lack of adaptation of traditional forms and requirements for tokenized assets, noting that only four issuers have registered cryptoasset offerings to date. Therefore, he pledged to develop clear and flexible guidelines for these assets, exploring new exemptions and mechanisms to facilitate their registration.
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Regarding custody, Atkins challenged previous regulations that discouraged the provision of legitimate custody services and proposed reforms to clarify standards for qualified custodians, including allowing advisors and investors to self-manage assets in certain cases.
Finally, on the trade front, he supported expanding options for intermediaries to offer trading in both securities and non-securities, including pairs trading between cryptocurrencies and traditional securities, and updating alternative trading systems to adapt to this new reality.
The United States is on its way to becoming the cryptocurrency capital of the world.
Aware of the global competition to lead the crypto industry, Atkins emphasized that the United States must position itself as the cryptocurrency capital of the world, following the vision expressed by President Trump. To achieve this, noted that the SEC must be proactive and adaptive, creating a regulatory environment that not only protects investors, but also drives innovation and attracts investment.
Atkins' new approach marks a radical shift from previous policies that focused excessively on strict and punitive enforcement of the crypto market. Atkins noted that His administration will seek a balance that allows the country to take advantage of the opportunities offered by tokenization and blockchain technology without sacrificing market integrity or public trust. This commitment could transform the United States into a global leader in the adoption and regulation of cryptoassets.
USE YOUR CRYPTOS WITH EASE AND SECURITYIn short, Paul Atkins is driving a historic shift in cryptocurrency regulation in the United States with a strategic plan that seeks to balance innovation and investor protection. His proposal establishes a clear framework for the issuance, custody, and trading of crypto assets, promoting a more transparent, secure, and dynamic market.
With this vision, Atkins aims to position the United States as the cryptocurrency capital of the world, facilitating a regulatory environment that fosters responsible growth and mass adoption of blockchain technologies, while reducing legal uncertainties and strengthening the confidence of market participants.
Investing in cryptoassets is not fully regulated, may not be suitable for retail investors due to high volatility and there is a risk of losing all invested amounts.
