SEC Chair Atkins Confirmed: What It Means for Ripple and XRP

Paul S. Atkins officially assumed the role of Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on April 21, 2025, after being sworn in by President Donald J. Trump. This appointment comes at a time when the agency is facing pressure to provide greater regulatory clarity for the cryptocurrency industry and settle outstanding enforcement matters. As Atkins returns to the SEC after serving as Commissioner from 2002 to 2008, he emphasizes investor protection and efficient capital markets in his first official statement.