Key Takeaways
- Trump’s SEC chief pick, Paul Atkins, is reportedly set for a Senate confirmation hearing.
- Many expect Atkins’ confirmation to accelerate pending crypto-related decisions.
- Trump nominated Atkins in early December, but the Senate process has faced months of delays.
President Donald Trump’s nominee for SEC chair, Paul Atkins, is finally set for a Senate confirmation hearing on March 27 after months of procedural delays.
Atkins, a former SEC commissioner known for his deregulatory stance, was tapped by Trump in early December to replace Gary Gensler.
However, despite the nomination, his confirmation process stalled due to missing paperwork from the White House—postponing key regulatory decisions at the commission, particularly those affecting the crypto industry.
Now that a date has been set for his hearing, industry watchers anticipate movement on long-pending matters, from enforcement actions to crypto ETFs.
Atkins Senate Hearing Inches Closer
According to Semafor’s Eleanor Mueller , the Senate Banking Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Atkins on March 27.
The delay—caused in part by incomplete financial disclosures—had left the SEC in a holding pattern, with interim chair Mark Uyeda overseeing operations in the meantime.
While the wait has been unusually long, a spokesperson for Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott noted that past SEC chairs, including Jay Clayton and Gary Gensler, were also confirmed in March.
The hearing will serve as a key moment for lawmakers to scrutinize Atkins’ regulatory philosophy, particularly in comparison to that of his predecessors.
Atkins, a vocal critic of aggressive financial regulation, is widely expected to bring a more pro-business approach to the SEC. His stance on crypto, in particular, has fueled speculation that major industry shifts could be imminent.
Key SEC Decisions Hanging in the Balance
The prolonged confirmation process has stalled several major SEC decisions, many of which directly impact the crypto sector.
Under interim chair Uyeda, the agency dismissed several enforcement actions against crypto firms, signaling a policy shift.
However, major decisions—such as approvals for XRP, Solana, and Dogecoin spot ETFs—remain in limbo. Industry insiders suggest that if they happen, these approvals will likely follow Atkins’ confirmation.
Meanwhile, speculation continues around a possible settlement in the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple, which has dragged on for four years.
Atkins’ appointment could push the SEC toward a more defined crypto policy, potentially aligning it with the deregulatory stance Trump has promised on the campaign trail.
With Atkins on track for confirmation, all eyes are on the Senate hearing—and what his leadership could mean for the future of financial regulation in the U.S.
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