Trump has chosen crypto advocate Paul Atkins to head the SEC, according to three sources familiar with the talks.
A source said Trump has reached out to Atkins but is still waiting for her to accept.
Paul Atkins was an advisor to the RSR token, RSR rose by 20% following the news.
Trump’s decision to nominate Atkins is in line with his campaign promises to support the crypto industry. While Atkins has yet to officially accept the position, her selection is seen as a direct response to widespread dissatisfaction with the tenure of SEC Chairman Gary Gensler.
Gensler, who announced his resignation effective January 20, had faced heavy criticism for his sanctions-focused approach to regulating the crypto industry.
During his tenure at the SEC, Gensler has taken numerous enforcement actions against exchanges, token issuers and other crypto assets, often citing violations of securities laws. His critics have argued that he has failed to provide clear regulatory guidelines and fostered uncertainty across the industry.
Paul Atkins is a well-known figure in financial and regulatory circles. He served as SEC commissioner under President George W. Bush and is widely respected in conservative and establishment Republican circles.
Since leaving the SEC, Atkins has emerged as a strong supporter of the crypto industry and has served as co-chair of the Token Alliance at the Chamber of Digital Commerce since 2017.
*This is not investment advice.
