Peirce sees SEC shift with new chair and $5 million crypto focus

Hester Peirce, a member of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and head of its crypto task force, outlined potential changes under new SEC Chair Paul Atkins following his April 21 swearing-in.

Peirce, who served as Atkins’ counsel from 2004 to 2008, expressed optimism about working with him again.

“He cares about economic growth and how the markets that we regulate can support economic growth,” she said.

Peirce added she looks forward to collaborating with Atkins to “reorient the agency so that it does take into consideration all aspects of our mission.”

Atkins was appointed by former President Donald Trump, a move seen by some as favorable to the crypto industry, replacing former Chair Gary Gensler.

During his Senate Banking Committee confirmation hearing, concerns were raised about Atkins’ ties to the crypto sector and potential conflicts of interest in regulating digital assets.

“I expect that he will continue to follow the ethics rules. I worked for [him] and I have very high regard for his integrity,” Peirce responded.

Atkins assumes leadership amid a reduced SEC commission, with only four commissioners currently serving and one expected to depart before 2026.

Mark Uyeda, who served as acting chair earlier in 2025, indicated plans to return to his commissioner role, suggesting Atkins will soon oversee all chair responsibilities.

The leadership transition occurs as the crypto industry seeks regulatory clarity after a period marked by aggressive enforcement under Gensler, including lawsuits against Coinbase, Ripple Labs, and Binance.

Since January, the SEC has dropped many of those cases, signaling a possible change in approach.

Peirce emphasised the goal of achieving “some clarity around crypto, some regulatory clarity,” reflecting industry hopes for a more defined regulatory environment under Atkins.