Trump Nominates Crypto Advocate Paul Atkins to Lead SEC

Atkins' appointment signals a shift toward crypto-friendly policies and continued antitrust scrutiny of Big Tech under the Trump administration.

Paul Atkins, a crypto advocate and former SEC commissioner, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Atkins is expected to reverse many of the regulatory policies of outgoing SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who had pursued aggressive oversight of the cryptocurrency sector.
The nomination has been welcomed by the crypto industry, with Bitcoin surpassing $100,000 in anticipation of a more favorable regulatory environment.
Critics, including progressive groups and Senator Elizabeth Warren, have raised concerns about Atkins' light-touch regulatory philosophy and ties to the financial industry.
Trump's administration also plans to maintain tough antitrust scrutiny of Big Tech, with Gail Slater nominated to lead the Justice Department's antitrust division.