Paul Atkins, former SEC commissioner and known crypto advocate, has been nominated by Donald Trump to lead the SEC. The move has drawn praise from key industry figures, including Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, who called it a chance to "end the prohibition era on crypto," and Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, who highlighted Atkins’ balanced regulatory approach.

Atkins served at the SEC from 2002 to 2008 and has long pushed for clear and consistent oversight of digital assets. His nomination signals a potential shift towards more crypto-friendly policies, aligning with Trump’s recent pro-crypto initiatives, including making the U.S. a global crypto leader.

While the nomination excites many in the industry, critics like Representative Brad Sherman warn it could lead to insufficient safeguards, increasing risks of fraud. As the Senate confirmation looms, the crypto world watches closely, hopeful for regulatory clarity under Atkins’ potential leadership. Show Less