SEC Chairman Paul Atkins is marking a major shift in how the agency approaches the regulation of crypto and digital assets. Atkins has outlined a comprehensive strategy to move away from unpredictable enforcement and toward clear, simple rules built through public rulemaking. This change is aligned with President Trump’s goal to establish the United States as a global leader in digital assets.

Atkins’ new vision is centered around “Project Crypto,” an initiative aimed at updating securities regulations to better fit the realities of the crypto market. He has underscored that “most crypto assets are not securities,” signaling a break from the previous administration’s more restrictive stance. The plan is to deliver explicit guidance on crypto asset distribution, custody, and trading—areas where regulatory ambiguity has previously hindered innovation and growth.

A key component of Atkins’ approach is support for both self-custody and oversight for firms acting as custodians. He emphasizes the right for individuals to hold their assets in self-custodial wallets, while also providing straightforward regulatory requirements for institutional custodians. Atkins also champions the development of “super-apps,” allowing businesses to offer a wide range of crypto and traditional financial services under a streamlined license, eliminating the need for excessive state and federal licensing.

Recognizing the need to foster innovation, Atkins is pushing for an “innovation exemption” designed to allow crypto companies to introduce new products more easily. He aims for this new framework to be in place by the end of the year. By building a stable, predictable regulatory platform, the SEC intends to encourage crypto firms and innovators to base their operations in the U.S., reversing a trend of companies moving overseas to avoid restrictive regulations.

Atkins is also moving to adjust quarterly financial reporting requirements, suggesting greater flexibility that could reduce burdens on emerging crypto firms without sacrificing transparency or investor protection. The objective is to make the U.S. market more attractive for crypto projects while continuing to deter bad actors.

Ultimately, these moves are designed to foster a “golden age” for American crypto, providing clear, balanced regulation that supports both innovation and responsible market oversight. As Congress considers new laws governing digital assets, Atkins is positioning the SEC to adapt quickly, providing leadership that aims to make the U.S. the world’s hub for crypto entrepreneurship and investment.