In a bold and defining address, newly appointed SEC Chair Paul Atkins declared, “This is a new day at the SEC,” signaling a significant shift in the agency’s direction and regulatory philosophy.
Atkins emphasized a return to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s original three-part mission established by Congress over 90 years ago: protecting investors, facilitating capital formation, and ensuring fair, orderly, and efficient markets.
“Investor protection is vital to our mission—holding accountable those who lie, cheat, and steal,” said Atkins. “Capital formation is also at the root of what we do, enabling investors’ capital to directly fuel entrepreneurs and industry.”
He noted that while regulation is necessary, it must be applied thoughtfully to avoid unnecessary burdens that could hinder innovation or economic growth.
Drawing on his experience in both public service and the private sector, Atkins stressed the practical impact of regulation on markets and investors. “Regulations can either stoke innovation and create opportunity—or impose burdens that stifle competition and service,” he said.
A key priority under Atkins’ leadership will be the development of a “rational regulatory framework” for crypto asset markets. He called for the establishment of clear rules for issuance, custody, and trading, ensuring investor protection without stifling innovation.
“Policymaking will be done through notice-and-comment rulemaking—not through regulation by enforcement,” he asserted.
Atkins pledged a return to Congress’s original vision for SEC enforcement: focusing on policing fraud and manipulation of established obligations. He promised that rulemaking would return to regular order, with public comment periods that are not “artificially short,” allowing for meaningful feedback.
In a notable move, Atkins announced plans to seek Congressional approval to disband FinHub, the SEC’s innovation-focused office. “Innovation must be ingrained in the culture SEC-wide—not siloed into one small office,” he said.
The Chair also revealed a broader review of the SEC’s technology infrastructure and contractual obligations, aimed at modernizing the agency and reducing inefficiencies.
In closing, Atkins committed to working collaboratively with Congress, the administration, and fellow financial regulators to strengthen the economy and reestablish public trust in the SEC’s role.
Kosta Gushterov
Reporter at Coindoo
Kosta has been a part of the team since 2021 and has solidified his position with a thirst for knowledge, incredible dedication to his work and a “detective-like” mindset. He not only covers a wide range of trending topics, he also creates reviews, PR articles and educational content. His work has also been referenced by other news outlets.
Source: https://coindoo.com/a-new-day-at-the-sec-chair-paul-atkins-with-important-message-for-market-regulation/