Paul Atkins appointed as new SEC chair

Paul Atkins has officially taken office as the new Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). His nomination by President Donald Trump was confirmed by the Senate.

SEC Shifts Direction Under New Leadership

In his inaugural address, Atkins emphasized that establishing a clear and transparent regulatory framework for digital assets is his top priority. He stated his commitment to enhancing market transparency and strengthening investor protections.
 

Atkins' approach is expected to differ significantly from that of his predecessor, Gary Gensler, who was known for a more aggressive stance, often relying on «regulation by enforcement.» The new SEC chair aims to foster innovation while ensuring the resilience of financial institutions and safeguarding consumer interests.

72 Altcoin ETF Applications Signal Busy Year Ahead

According to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas, the SEC is currently reviewing 72 applications for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) based on various altcoins — from XRP, Litecoin, and Solana to meme tokens like Doge and more obscure assets such as Penguins or 2x Melania.
 

“It’s going to be a boiling year,” Balchunas remarked, noting that ETF approval opens the door to broader market access but does not guarantee investor demand. Katharine Tishhauser, head of research at Sygnum Bank, estimates that inflows into altcoin-based ETFs could reach several hundred million to $1 billion.
 

Notably, on April 16, investors pulled $169.9 million out of spot Bitcoin ETFs, ending a brief period of net inflows into the products.