President-elect Donald Trump recently announced Paul Atkins, a former federal regulator known for his pro-business stance and support for the cryptocurrency industry, as his pick to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Trump made the announcement on Wednesday via Truth Social, describing Atkins as a “proven leader for common-sense regulations.”
Following Trump’s announcement, Bitcoin surged to a record high of over $100,000 on Wednesday.
The SEC, an independent agency tasked with protecting investors from fraud and ensuring market fairness, is expected to lean towards deregulation under Atkins’ leadership. This marks a shift from the more stringent policies of outgoing chairman Gary Gensler, who was appointed by President Joe Biden and is stepping down in January.
In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at key facts about the new SEC chair.
1. Educational Background
Atkins graduated from Wofford College with an A.B. degree in 1980 and earned a J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1983, where he served as Senior Student Writing Editor of the Vanderbilt Law Review.
2. Background in Regulation
Paul Atkins served as a commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from 2002 to 2008 under President George W. Bush.
3. Early Career as a Lawyer
Atkins began his career at Davis Polk & Wardwell, specialising in corporate transactions such as securities offerings and mergers and acquisitions. He also worked in the firm’s Paris office, where he became admitted as conseil juridique in France.
4. Current Role
Atkins is the CEO and founder of Patomak Global Partners, a financial consulting firm that advises clients across various sectors, including cryptocurrency.
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5. Former SEC Commissioner
During his tenure as SEC commissioner (2002–2008), Atkins worked alongside chairmen Harvey Pitt, William H. Donaldson, and Christopher Cox.
6. Advisor to President-elect Trump
In 2016, Atkins joined a business forum established by Donald Trump to provide strategic and policy advice on economic issues.
7. Cryptocurrency Advocacy
Atkins is recognised for his support of the cryptocurrency industry. He has been actively involved with the Digital Chamber’s Token Alliance, which advocates for favourable regulations for digital currencies.
8. Crypto Industry Leadership
He serves as co-chair of the Token Alliance, an initiative of the Chamber of Digital Commerce that lobbies for cryptocurrency-friendly policies.
9. Personal Life
Atkins, 66, originally from Lillington, North Carolina, and raised in Tampa, Florida, is married with three sons.
10. SEC Nominee
On Wednesday, 4 December 2024, Trump formally nominated Atkins to chair the U.S. SEC, succeeding Gary Gensler.
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