- Paul Atkins advances SEC nomination after 13-11 Senate panel party-line vote.
- Tim Scott says Atkins will clarify digital asset rules and boost capital access.
- Senate floor vote will determine future crypto regulation under Trump’s SEC pick.
The Senate Banking Committee has approved Paul Atkins’ nomination to lead the SEC, advancing it to a full vote. The decision signals a major regulatory shift, with Atkins expected to overhaul crypto policy and restore financial oversight.
Crypto Veteran Atkins Gains Traction Following Party-Line Vote
In a report on X by Angry Crypto Show, Paul Atkins passed the Senate Banking Committee vote by 13-11 on April 3. The crypto-friendly nominee’s advancement followed a party-line split, securing full Senate consideration under the Trump administration.
Atkins, who spoke at the Cardano Summit in 2020, supported innovation and reducing government interference in blockchain use cases. His past SEC tenure under President Bush positioned him as a pro-market reformer, now aligned with current deregulation efforts.
Besides the SEC nod, Jonathan Gould also advanced to lead the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Chairman Tim Scott emphasized Gould’s experience and intent to eliminate politically motivated debanking in the financial system.
Both nominations aim to remove roadblocks for digital finance firms, enhancing access to banking infrastructure and investor protections. Scott linked the confirmations to Trump’s economic revival strategy, dubbed the “Golden Age of Prosperity.”
Atkins Set to Reshape Crypto Oversight Post-Gensler
Atkins is expected to replace Gary Gensler, who left the SEC in January after a term marked by enforcement-heavy crypto regulation. The new leadership aims to depart from that approach, focusing on clear frameworks for asset classification and token sales.
Acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda began implementing changes before Atkins’s vote, including the dismissal of key lawsuits against Ripple and Coinbase. The SEC also reversed controversial accounting rules that restricted digital asset custody for institutions.
Atkins stated that building a “regulatory foundation” for digital assets would become his top priority if confirmed. His vision focuses on certainty, capital formation, and ensuring the U.S. remains competitive in blockchain adoption.
Despite resistance from Democrats like Senator Warren, Trump’s picks are positioned to reshape how crypto is governed. Warren raised concerns about Atkins’ ties to FTX and Trump-affiliated World Liberty Financial, but these did not derail the nomination.
Senate Floor Vote Will Decide Crypto’s Regulatory Direction
If confirmed, Atkins would serve two full SEC terms, bringing long-term leadership aligned with pro-crypto federal policies. Senate Republicans appear ready to finalize the nomination, accelerating structural changes to U.S. capital markets.
Atkins’ confirmation would represent a pivotal moment for blockchain regulation, aligning the SEC with Trump’s market-driven strategy. Clarity on token classifications and fair access rules could encourage institutional adoption and industry growth.
