SEC Paul Atkins Pushes for On-Chain Capital Raising

TLDR

Table of Contents

Paul Atkins says most crypto tokens should not be treated as securities under current SEC rules.
SEC’s Project Crypto aims to unify rules for trading, lending, and staking digital assets.
President Trump directs the SEC to help make the U.S. a global hub for crypto innovation.
Atkins supports the U.S.-EU cooperation, praising Europe’s MiCA framework for digital assets.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins has called for clear and consistent rules to support capital raising through blockchain technology. Speaking at the OECD Roundtable on Global Financial Markets in Paris, Atkins emphasized the need for legal clarity, international cooperation, and regulatory modernization to ensure that startups can grow without facing unclear or outdated laws.

SEC Plans Clear Guidelines for Digital Asset Platforms

During his speech, Atkins stated that the SEC must stop relying on case-by-case enforcement and instead provide straightforward rules for digital assets. He said, “Entrepreneurs need to raise capital without facing endless legal uncertainty.” He added that most crypto tokens should not be treated as securities, challenging previous enforcement methods.

Atkins argued that the current regulatory environment has discouraged innovation in the U.S., forcing many crypto firms to shift their operations overseas. He noted that many companies spend more time on legal defense than on building their products. By offering a clear framework, Atkins said the SEC would help create a fair environment where startups can grow within U.S. borders.

The SEC is now advancing its “Project Crypto” initiative, which aims to create a unified set of rules for trading, staking, and lending digital assets. This effort seeks to offer compliance paths without stifling growth, giving platforms a way to operate under one regulatory structure.

Modernization Efforts Aligned With National Goals

Atkins shared that the new approach aligns with a broader national strategy led by President Trump, who has asked the SEC to lead in making the U.S. a global leader in digital finance. According to Atkins, this plan includes a regulatory blueprint developed by the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets.

He also acknowledged support from both political sides. He pointed to the Senate Democrats’ recent Clarity Act framework, which also seeks to create consistent legal guidance for blockchain and crypto activities. Atkins said this shared interest across the aisle shows the urgency for updated and neutral policies.

Atkins stressed that any new rules must protect investors while enabling new technologies to flourish. He said the agency will prioritize transparency and fairness as the foundation for all upcoming regulations, so that businesses and consumers can both benefit.

Global Collaboration and Technology Integration

Atkins called for stronger international cooperation in building blockchain-related regulations. He praised the European Union’s early adoption of the MiCA framework, saying it offers a model for collaboration. He urged U.S. regulators to work more closely with European counterparts to avoid fragmented rules that could hinder cross-border operations.

He also discussed how the use of artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial sector. Atkins described a shift toward “agentic finance,” where AI systems can trade and manage risk more efficiently than human-run systems. He said the combination of AI and blockchain could cut costs, increase speed, and give more investors access to tools previously used only by major institutions.

Atkins concluded by saying that the SEC’s core mission remains investor protection and market fairness. He said regulators must keep up with technology without blocking progress, as financial innovation continues to evolve.

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