I heard the new SEC chair, Paul Atkins, is pro-crypto. Does that mean big changes are coming?

Atkins is a positive step for the industry, but big changes won’t happen overnight. The SEC operates within existing laws and ongoing lawsuits that take time to address.

What makes Atkins different from previous SEC chairs?

Atkins is a former SEC commissioner who opposes excessive regulations. He supports innovation and prefers clear rules to enforcement-heavy tactics. He’s also a proponent of policies like the Token Safe Harbor Act, which could help crypto startups grow.

Why are crypto companies optimistic about him?

He’s focused on making the US a more welcoming environment for crypto by reducing regulatory uncertainty. Atkins has argued that heavy-handed approaches drove innovation overseas, and he wants to reverse that trend.

So, will lawsuits like the ones against Coinbase and Ripple be dropped?

Not easily. While Atkins could influence the SEC’s stance, reversing or dropping ongoing lawsuits involves a legal process. Changes would need to be justified and take time.

What can we realistically expect under his leadership?

Expect gradual progress. Atkins might refine existing rules or push for legislation like stablecoin bills to provide more clarity. His focus will likely be on collaboration and creating a clearer regulatory framework.

That sounds promising. Do you think it’ll help the US catch up in the crypto space?

If implemented effectively, yes. Clearer rules and less aggressive enforcement could attract innovation back to the US. But it will take time to rebuild trust with crypto companies.

Got it. So, it’s good news, but we’ll need patience.

Exactly. Atkins’ leadership could make a big difference, but the crypto industry will need to give it time to see results.