![New SEC Chair]()
The crypto and tech communities are gaining clarity on the regulatory landscape as President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Paul Atkins to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This nomination is expected to bring a more lenient regulatory approach to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin compared to the previous chair, Gary Gensler, who had a reputation for strict oversight.
Paul Atkins, who has been a prominent advocate for the cryptocurrency industry, served as co-chairman of the Digital Chamber of Commerce's Token Alliance since 2017. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Atkins as a "proven leader for common-sense regulations," emphasizing his belief in fostering innovative capital markets that respond to investor needs. Trump noted that Atkins recognizes the importance of digital assets in enhancing America's economic potential.
On the technology front, Trump plans to nominate Gail Slater, a former Fox Corporation executive and economic policy adviser from his first administration, to head the Justice Department’s antitrust division. This nomination indicates Trump's commitment to addressing competition issues among large tech platforms. In his announcement, he expressed concerns about Big Tech's influence, stating that it has "run wild for years," stifling competition and infringing on the rights of many Americans.
During his first term, Trump was vocal in his criticism of the tech industry, notably suing Google for monopolistic practices. Slater brings a wealth of experience in technology policy, having previously worked at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and developed policies on 5G telecommunications and cybersecurity during her time in the Trump White House.
The crypto community reacted positively to Atkins' nomination, with Bitcoin experiencing a surge of over $1,000 shortly after the announcement. Atkins' background includes serving as an SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008 and founding Patomak Global Partners, a consultancy that advises clients in financial services and cryptocurrency.
As Trump prepares to take office again, he aims to implement pro-crypto policies that include creating a "strategic national bitcoin stockpile" and changing how seized cryptocurrencies are handled. With these nominations, both the crypto and tech industries are bracing for significant changes in regulatory approaches over the next four years.