SEC Chair Paul Atkins Advocates for Crypto Innovation
U.S. SEC Chair Paul Atkins stated that the time for cryptocurrency has arrived, emphasizing a commitment to modernizing the U.S. securities framework and expanding “Project Crypto” to incorporate on-chain markets.
During his speech on September 10 in Paris at the OECD’s inaugural Roundtable on Global Financial Markets, Atkins indicated that the SEC is moving away from enforcement-centric policymaking, aiming to establish clear regulations for tokens, custody, and trading platforms. “Policy will no longer be set by ad hoc enforcement actions,” he remarked, describing this new direction as “a golden age of financial innovation on U.S. soil.”
Atkins asserted that most tokens do not qualify as securities and promised to implement clear guidelines for identifying when crypto assets fall under SEC jurisdiction. He emphasized that entrepreneurs should be able to raise capital on-chain without facing “endless legal uncertainty” and committed to creating a framework for platforms that combine trading, lending, and staking under a single license. Moreover, he stated that custody regulations will be revised to provide investors and intermediaries with various options.
The SEC chair noted that Project Crypto would facilitate the development of tokenized securities, new on-chain asset classes, and decentralized finance software, all while maintaining protections for investors. He also pointed out the potential for “super-app” trading platforms and highlighted the necessity of preserving innovation within the United States.
Atkins initially introduced Project Crypto on July 31, 2025, in Washington, framing it as the SEC’s guiding principle in supporting President Trump’s ambition to establish the U.S. as the leading hub for cryptocurrency. His comments in Paris further elaborated on this vision, providing additional details regarding custody, capital formation, and platform regulations.
His statements came just two days after Nasdaq President Tal Cohen shared on LinkedIn that tokenization presents an “extraordinary opportunity” for global markets. Cohen mentioned that Nasdaq had submitted a filing to the SEC to enable trading of tokenized securities, illustrating how significant institutions are advancing toward blockchain integration.
In addition to discussing crypto, Atkins addressed topics such as foreign company listings, accounting standards, and European regulations. He expressed concerns regarding “double materiality” in EU reporting requirements, advocated for stable funding for the IASB, and suggested that the SEC might reconsider its 2007 decision to permit IFRS without reconciliation to U.S. GAAP should funding issues continue.
Atkins also emphasized the impact of artificial intelligence as a transformative force for financial markets. He described a transition to “agentic finance,” where autonomous AI systems could carry out trades, allocate capital, and manage risk at speeds unattainable by humans, embedding compliance directly within their code.
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He explained that such systems could provide faster and more cost-effective markets while making advanced strategies accessible to a broader range of investors. When combined with blockchain technology, these tools could empower individuals, enhance competition, and pave the way for new developments.
Nevertheless, Atkins warned that regulators must implement “commonsense guardrails” without overreacting out of apprehension. He argued that on-chain capital markets and AI-driven finance are imminent, and that the U.S. needs to embrace leadership to guarantee the next generation of financial innovation flourishes domestically.
In closing, Atkins asserted that regulators must find a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring investor protection. “Crypto’s time has come,” he stated, adding that U.S. markets should spearhead the next phase of financial innovation rather than observing it unfold abroad.
