SEC Chair Nominee Paul Atkins Faces Scrutiny Over $328M Wealth, Financial Ties
As Senate confirmation hearings approach, concerns grow over potential conflicts of interest tied to Atkins' extensive financial portfolio and industry connections.
- Paul Atkins, President Trump's nominee for SEC chair, has disclosed personal and family assets exceeding $328 million, with an upper estimate of $588.8 million.
- Atkins has pledged to divest from his consulting firm, Patomak Global Partners, valued between $25 million and $50 million, within 90 days of confirmation.
- Senator Elizabeth Warren has raised concerns about Atkins' financial ties, including his firm's role as a creditor in FTX's bankruptcy, and requested a four-year lobbying ban post-tenure.
- Ethics filings reveal Atkins' investments and compensation from major corporations like Bank of America, Exxon Mobil, and Barclays, sparking conflict-of-interest concerns.
- Atkins' confirmation hearing on Thursday will address his regulatory philosophy, particularly his pro-industry stance and its implications for SEC oversight of cryptocurrency and financial markets.
Rolling Stone 
