Paul Atkins, chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), said the agency can continue shaping cryptocurrency rules even without new laws from Congress.
Speaking in a CNBC interview released on December 2, he explained that the SEC is helping lawmakers by providing “technical assistance” as they consider new digital asset legislation, likely referring to the market structure bill under review in the Senate.
Atkins noted that although the recent government shutdown affected some of the SEC’s work, the agency is still moving ahead with efforts to support the crypto industry.
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He said, “I’m looking forward to having an innovation exemption that we’ve been talking about now. We’ll be able to get that out in a month or so”.
His approach fits with President Donald Trump’s broader policies, which include several executive orders related to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Additionally, Atkins rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. He outlined his vision for the SEC as it prepares for “America’s 250th anniversary”.
Appointed by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate in April, Atkins has sought to ease enforcement pressure on crypto businesses. Under his direction, the SEC has issued no-action letters to decentralized physical infrastructure projects, which signals a less aggressive stance toward emerging blockchain models.
Recently, FDIC acting chair Travis Hill announced a proposal detailing how the agency will enforce the GENIUS Act for stablecoins. What did he say? Read the full story.
