Newly appointed SEC Chairman Paul Atkins spoke at the agency’s third roundtable discussion focused on cryptocurrency regulation, emphasizing the potential for blockchain technology to improve efficiency, reduce risk, enhance transparency, and decrease costs. He also highlighted his desire to develop clear rules for digital assets, a move to resolve regulatory uncertainty created under former Chair Gary Gensler’s tenure. Atkins pledged to collaborate with market participants and policymakers from both the Trump and Biden administrations, aiming to create a framework that appropriately addresses crypto assets. critics have raised concerns about Atkins’ nomination due to his ties to the crypto industry, potentially leading to conflicts of interest in his regulatory role. A notable example is Exodus chief legal officer Veronica McGregor who commented on the improved regulatory environment under Atkins. She stated that the focus has shifted from unfounded accusations against the SEC and suggests a more relaxed approach towards crypto regulations. While the future direction of the SEC remains uncertain, the task force will hold two additional roundtables in May and June, focusing on tokenization and decentralized finance respectively. Commissioner Hester Peirce, who leads the task force, expressed her enthusiasm for working with Atkins to reorient the agency toward a more favorable regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies. Several meetings have been held between the SEC’s task force and digital asset firms to discuss potential policy options related to a new regulatory framework for crypto.