Paul Atkinson is expected to be appointed as the new head of the SEC in the U.S.
Who is he?
Atkinson previously served as SEC chair from 2002 to 2008, promoting light-touch regulation that boosted economic growth. Markets flourished during his tenure until the 2008 crisis. He later worked with the RSR project (focused on RWA + stablecoins) and is a strong advocate for cryptocurrency.
What to Expect
1. Development Boom and Mass Adoption
Clear regulations will attract new players, boost competition, and speed up industry growth. Coinbase has already enabled crypto purchases via Apple Pay. Retail participation is expected to surge, with massive inflows driving parabolic growth for successful projects.
2. Institutionalization of Crypto
Transparent rules will encourage institutions (funds, banks) to enter crypto. When similar conditions were created for stock markets, the Dow Jones rose 80x. Issues with Ripple, Coinbase, and Ethereum could be resolved, and ETH staking ETFs might be approved, triggering massive revaluation.
3. Short-Term Momentum
Leading up to January 20 (inauguration day), anticipation alone could fuel a strong rally. Investors often price in expected changes, driving prices higher. This optimism creates short-term momentum that may lead to longer-term growth, regardless of SEC policies.
Conclusion
Atkinson's appointment could mark a new era for crypto, with regulatory clarity, institutional adoption, and significant growth, especially in the altcoin market, fueled by traditional capital inflows.