Choice of Paul Atkins to Lead SEC Could Spark Overhaul of Crypto Regulation

Atkins, a former SEC commissioner, has been a vocal advocate of cryptocurrency.

Patomak Global Partners LLC CEO Paul Atkins takes part in a strategic and policy CEO discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Eisenhower Execution Office Building in Washington on April 11, 2017. Joshua Roberts/Reuters

Paul Atkins, President-elect Donald Trump’s selection to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), could spark a cryptocurrency regulatory overhaul for the Wall Street watchdog.

Trump announced on Dec. 4 his nomination of the crypto proponent and former Wall Street regulator to head the commission, succeeding the outgoing Gary Gensler.