With Paul Atkins now at the helm, the agency’s tone toward digital assets is showing signs of a major shift. One of his first public signals came after the high-profile Ripple lawsuit officially wrapped up — a case that had long been a thorn in the side of both the industry and investors.
Rather than dwelling on the legal battle, Atkins framed the outcome as a green light for regulatory progress.
In a post on X, he praised Commissioner Hester Peirce’s take on the case, saying it’s time to channel energy into writing policy instead of fighting in court. For a community accustomed to years of aggressive enforcement under former Chair Gary Gensler, the message landed as a refreshing change.
Atkins’ comments also hinted at where he wants to steer the SEC next: toward establishing clear rules for digital assets, supporting blockchain innovation, and protecting investors without stifling market growth.
His stance is in step with broader political momentum, including President Trump’s recent executive moves touching on retirement and digital asset investments.
Industry watchers believe such reforms won’t come overnight. Crafting a balanced framework will mean working closely with lawmakers, market participants, and other regulators — a process likely to stretch over several years. Still, Atkins’ SEC has already been more engaged with the crypto sector, hosting multiple roundtables in 2025 and planning more before the year ends.
For many, the Ripple verdict marks more than the close of a legal saga. It could be the starting point for a more collaborative era between Washington and the crypto industry — one where the conversation shifts from courtroom battles to building the foundations of the digital economy’s future.
