The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins appeared before lawmakers for his first hearing since assuming office, offering insights into his plans for regulating the cryptocurrency industry. During a May 20 oversight hearing, Atkins reaffirmed his commitment to prioritize digital asset regulation as chair, while providing limited details on the SEC’s crypto task force headed by Commissioner Hester Peirce. While refusing to specify how much of the regulator’s budget was allocated to the task force, he indicated that the first report from the task force is expected in the coming months, with proposed actions being developed. This appearance marked one of Atkins’ initial engagements since his April inauguration. As a former commissioner himself, Atkins was seen by many stakeholders and lawmakers as someone capable of shifting the SEC’s stance on crypto.