SEC's Atkins makes crypto policy 'job one' for agency

SEC Chair Paul Atkins told attendees at DC Fintech Week on Wednesday that the United States is "probably 10 years behind" on cryptocurrency regulation. Speaking in Washington, D.C., Atkins said crypto policy is now "job one" for the SEC.

Paul Atkins said the Commission wants to build a framework to attract innovators who left the country. He called the agency "the securities and innovation commission now" and said the SEC plans to set clear rules for the U.S. market.

The chair said the SEC is working full-time on crypto policy. He flagged the Commission's exemption authority as a tool to create an "innovation exemption" that would allow controlled experimentation with new models and technologies. Atkins said the SEC could be "very forward-leaning" in using exemptions "to accommodate new ideas."

Atkins pointed to integrated "superapp" platforms that combine payments and investing under appropriate oversight. He also called for better coordination among U.S. financial regulators, describing regulatory coordination "as an app in and of itself."

Since taking office, Atkins has outlined plans to change digital-asset oversight. His plans include clearer rules for token issuance, custody and trading. He also wants broader cooperation with other markets supervisors.

The comments come as U.S. officials weigh how to balance market integrity with competitiveness in financial technology.

SEC aims to close 10-year crypto regulation gap