Paul Atkins: SEC Aims to 'Focus on Real Fraud, Not Small Errors'

Key Highlights Paul Atkins wants clear fair rules for crypto and financial ￰0￱ SEC could stop punishing technical violations under ￰1￱ investors may see a predictable and transparent regulatory ￰2￱ Atkins Sets a New Direction for the SEC Paul Atkins who took office as SEC Chair in April 2025 is signaling a major shift in the ￰3￱ and Exchange Commission's approach to ￰4￱ for his pro-crypto stance

Atkins emphasizes transparency and predictability in ￰5￱ his predecessor Gary Gensler Atkins believes the SEC should focus penalties on clear cases of fraud and criminal activity rather than minor technical ￰6￱ Rules and Fair Enforcement for Crypto In a recent interview with the Financial Times Atkins explained that companies committing technical violations should not face the same harsh treatment as fraudsters: ”You can't just suddenly show up

break down their door and say 'We caught you you're doing something wrong and it's a technical violation.' ” This approach aims to create a more predictable environment for businesses helping the industry grow while avoiding unnecessary fines and ￰7￱ also criticized multibillion-dollar fines issued under Gensler

noting that violators often had no chance to correct ￰8￱ is advocating for the systematization of accounting rules and a clearer framework for tokenized ￰9￱ This Means for the Crypto Industry Under Atkins the SEC is likely to adopt a pro-business transparent approach to ￰10￱ initiatives include: Clarifying which crypto assets are considered securities Issuing regulatory guidance to avoid arbitrary enforcement Supporting innovation while protecting investors The Project Crypto initiative is one example of this new direction aimed at forming a clear and structured approach to regulating the ￰11￱ crypto investors and companies

Atkins’ leadership promises a more stable predictable and fair regulatory environment.