U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins emphasized the need to strike a careful balance between firm regulatory enforcement and fostering innovation in the crypto space. Speaking on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” Wednesday morning, Atkins reaffirmed the SEC’s commitment to protecting investors, preventing fraud, and maintaining fair and orderly markets.
Atkins addressed concerns regarding coordinated trading activities on platforms like Telegram and Signal, especially in the context of crypto tokens. One notable example mentioned was “Sorkin Coin,” a satirical meme token that briefly achieved a market cap in the hundreds of millions despite its parody origins.
“Fraud is fraud, regardless of the technology behind it,” Atkins said. He also acknowledged that some SEC actions might have inadvertently stifled innovation in the crypto industry. “We understand we are sometimes seen as an obstacle, but our goal is to maintain balance,” he added.
Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnXGWBa7u2k&t=6s
🔹 Congress, Trading, and Transparency
Atkins also responded to questions about SEC’s oversight of congressional stock trading. While the STOCK Act was passed to improve transparency, enforcement remains a challenge. He noted that the SEC receives thousands of whistleblower tips and takes each one seriously.
🔹 Modern Disclosure and Fair Access
With the evolving nature of how companies release information—ranging from press releases to podcasts and social media—Atkins stressed the importance of ensuring fair access for all investors. “It’s up to the issuers to guarantee that information reaches everyone fairly,” he said.
🔹 Private Credit Markets: A Word of Caution
A key issue in the interview was the growing pressure to allow retail investors access to private credit markets. Atkins warned that less sophisticated investors might end up holding “the worst credits” that institutions have already rejected. He indicated that the SEC is considering revising its criteria for accredited investors to ensure better protection.
“Given the ongoing evolution of private markets, having strong safeguards in place is more critical than ever,” Atkins concluded.
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