Key Points to Note:
- Paul Atkins emphasized the SEC’s commitment to delivering transparent and predictable regulations for the digital asset industry.
- Promises were made to modernize existing rules to encompass aspects like tokens, staking, and trading systems under a singular regulatory framework.
- Atkins asserted that most tokens do not qualify as securities and indicated a future clarity regarding custody and platform regulations.
U.S. SEC Chair Paul Atkins announced that the time for cryptocurrencies has arrived, committing to updates to the current securities regulations and expanding “Project Crypto” to facilitate on-chain market operations.
Highlights from Atkins’ Speech:
During a significant address at the OECD conference in Paris, Atkins made clear that the SEC is transitioning from a focus on enforcement to a model emphasizing clearer rules regarding tokens and trading platforms. He stated that “Policy will no longer be set by ad hoc enforcement actions,” a shift that he described as opening a new era of financial innovation in the U.S.
“Atkins promised bright-line regulations to determine when digital assets fall under SEC jurisdiction.”
He voiced the necessity for entrepreneurs to secure capital on-chain without ongoing legal ambiguities and promised a regulatory framework that integrates various financial services under a single license. Custody regulations will also adapt to provide investors and intermediaries with multiple choices.
Atkins showcased Project Crypto’s potential to streamline tokenized securities and introduce new asset classes via decentralized finance protocols, safeguarding investor interests. Additionally, he called attention to the prospects for advanced “super-app” trading platforms and the need to retain competitive advantages for innovation within the U.S.
The SEC chair first introduced Project Crypto on July 31, 2025, framing it as a guide in alignment with President Trump’s vision of positioning the U.S. as a global leader in cryptocurrency.
“Atkins criticized the challenges surrounding cross-border listings and urged the adoption of coherent standards to elevate the competitive position of American markets.”
His comments came shortly after Nasdaq President Tal Cohen highlighted the opportunities in tokenization through social media, accentuating that major corporations are transitioning towards blockchain technology.
