SEC Chairman Atkins to Outline Digital Asset Regulation Strategy at NYSE Keynote

New York, NY – U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins is scheduled to deliver a public keynote address today at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) boardroom. The highly anticipated speech is expected to detail the agency's strategy for digital asset regulation and broader market revitalization efforts under his leadership. Financial markets are keenly awaiting insights into the SEC's evolving approach, with journalist Kristen Scholer providing further preview in the Market Update.

Atkins, who previously served as an SEC Commissioner from 2002 to 2008, was nominated by President Donald J. Trump in December 2024 and officially sworn in as the 34th SEC Chairman on April 21, 2025. His appointment signaled a significant shift in regulatory philosophy, moving towards a more deregulatory and pro-innovation stance, particularly concerning emerging technologies.

A central theme of Chairman Atkins' tenure has been "Project Crypto," an initiative aimed at providing regulatory clarity for digital assets. In a November 12, 2025 speech, Atkins outlined plans to establish a clear "token taxonomy" and refine the application of the Howey test to distinguish between securities and non-securities. He has stated that he believes "most crypto tokens trading today are not themselves securities," emphasizing that an investment contract can expire.

This approach marks a departure from the previous SEC leadership, which often pursued "regulation by enforcement." Under Chairman Atkins, the SEC's Division of Examinations notably removed cryptocurrency from its 2026 examination priorities, signaling a move towards treating digital assets more akin to traditional financial products. This strategic shift aims to prevent American innovation from migrating to more permissive offshore jurisdictions.

The address at the NYSE is expected to further elaborate on these priorities, including efforts to streamline capital formation and accommodate innovation while maintaining robust investor protection. The SEC is also actively collaborating with Congress on legislation like the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, which seeks to establish clear jurisdictional boundaries between regulatory bodies for digital assets. Market participants will be listening closely for details on how these initiatives will shape the future of the U.S. financial landscape.