5 December 2024
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Paul Atkins, a former SEC commissioner and cryptocurrency advocate, to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission. Atkins is known for favoring clearer, less restrictive regulations on cryptocurrencies and has criticized the Dodd-Frank legislation. His appointment signals a potential shift towards a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment, contrasting with the approach of outgoing SEC Chair Gary Gensler. The crypto industry has welcomed this nomination, with bitcoin surging above $100,000 following the announcement.