Trump-Nominated Paul Atkins Sworn In as 34th SEC Chairman, Aims to Review 72 Crypto ETF Applications

Paul Atkins was sworn in as the 34th Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Monday, following a 52-44 Senate vote on April 9, 2025, after being nominated by President Donald Trump. Atkins, who previously served as an SEC Commissioner from 2002 to 2008, is known for his pro-crypto stance and is expected to bring a more favorable approach to digital asset regulation.

Atkins replaces Gary Gensler, whose tenure was marked by aggressive enforcement actions against crypto firms. The new chairman, with a net worth of approximately $327 million, including up to $6 million in crypto investments, is one of the wealthiest individuals to lead the SEC in decades. He has vowed to push the SEC's mission to facilitate capital formation, maintain fair markets, and protect investors. Atkins has also committed to developing a 'rational, coherent, and principled approach' to crypto regulation, contrasting with the previous administration's policies.

His appointment is seen as a potential turning point for the crypto industry, with expectations of clearer regulations and fewer enforcement actions. The SEC is currently reviewing 72 ETF applications tied to various altcoins, including Solana, XRP, Dogecoin, and MELANIA. President Trump's SEC picks, including Atkins and his predecessor Jay Clayton, show a pattern of selecting individuals with strong Wall Street connections.

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