SEC's New Chief Shifts Crypto Strategy From Lawsuits to Clear Rules
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a sharp turn in its approach to cryptocurrency regulation. Under new Chairman Paul Atkins, the agency is now pushing for clearer rules instead of relying on enforcement actions. This shift comes as lawmakers debate two major crypto bills—the CLARITY Act and the GENIUS Act—both of which have gained strong bipartisan backing in the House.
Atkins, who replaced Gary Gensler in April 2025, has quickly reshaped the SEC's stance on digital assets. Gensler's tenure was marked by aggressive lawsuits against firms like Coinbase, Kraken, and Binance, as well as high-profile cases involving figures such as Justin Sun. Since taking over, Atkins has withdrawn or settled many of these cases, instead launching a Crypto Task Force and Project Crypto—initiatives aimed at updating regulatory frameworks.
The new chairman has also called for 'clear rules' in digital asset markets and expressed eagerness to work with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on crypto legislation. His support aligns with the White House's recent push for the CLARITY Act, a bill that Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse previously predicted had an 80% chance of passing by the end of April.
Representative French Hill (R-AR) has highlighted the broad bipartisan support for both the CLARITY and GENIUS Acts in the House. Hill noted that while the issue of third-party platform rewards could be addressed separately, the focus remains on passing a comprehensive market structure bill.
The SEC's shift under Atkins signals a move away from litigation toward regulatory clarity. With bipartisan momentum behind the CLARITY and GENIUS Acts, lawmakers and industry leaders now await further legislative progress. The outcome could reshape how digital assets are regulated in the US.
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