U.S. SEC Chair Paul Atkins stated that crypto’s time has come, committing to modernize the U.S. securities rulebook and expand “Project Crypto” to bring markets on-chain.
Speaking in Paris on Sept. 10 at the OECD’s inaugural Roundtable on Global Financial Markets, Atkins mentioned that the SEC is shifting away from enforcement-driven policymaking and will provide clear rules for tokens, custody, and trading platforms. He emphasized that “Policy will no longer be set by ad hoc enforcement actions,” calling the new approach “a golden age of financial innovation on U.S. soil.”
Atkins noted that most tokens are not securities and promised clear guidelines for determining when crypto assets fall under SEC oversight. He advocates for entrepreneurs to raise capital on-chain without “endless legal uncertainty” and pledged a framework for platforms that combine trading, lending, and staking under one license. Custody rules will also be revised to offer investors and intermediaries multiple options.
The SEC chair stated that Project Crypto would facilitate tokenized securities, new on-chain asset classes, and decentralized finance software, while ensuring investor protections. He highlighted the potential for “super-app” trading platforms and stressed the importance of fostering innovation within the U.S.
Atkins initially unveiled Project Crypto on July 31, 2025, in Washington, framing it as the SEC’s “north star” in supporting the goal of making the U.S. the world’s crypto hub. His Paris remarks expanded on that agenda, detailing custody, capital formation, and platform rules.
His comments followed statements from Nasdaq President Tal Cohen about tokenization being an “extraordinary opportunity” for global markets, indicating major institutions are moving toward blockchain adoption.
Beyond crypto, Atkins addressed foreign company listings, accounting standards, and European regulation. He expressed concerns over “double materiality” in EU reporting laws and discussed the need for stable funding for the IASB, indicating that the SEC might revisit its 2007 decision regarding IFRS and U.S. GAAP if funding issues remain unresolved.
Atkins also emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in financial markets, describing a move towards “agentic finance,” where autonomous AI systems could manage trades, allocate capital, and assess risk at unmatched speeds, integrating compliance directly into their code.
He stated that such systems could enable faster, cheaper markets and broaden access to advanced strategies for investors. Coupled with blockchain infrastructure, these tools could empower individuals, enhance competition, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
However, Atkins urged regulators to maintain “commonsense guardrails” without overreacting. He asserted that on-chain capital markets and AI-driven finance are imminent, and America must embrace leadership to ensure the next wave of financial innovation flourishes domestically.
In conclusion, Atkins emphasized the need for a balance between innovation and investor protection, declaring that “Crypto’s time has come” and insisting U.S. markets should spearhead the upcoming wave of financial innovation rather than observing from abroad.
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