SEC Chair Paul Atkins Blasts Predecessor’s Policies, Declares New Crypto-Friendly Era

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has long applied securities laws to crypto token offerings, while the industry has criticized the lack of clarity over when a token constitutes an investment contract and when it can fall outside regulatory oversight. Chair Paul Atkins has therefore proposed “Regulation Crypto Assets,” combining exemptions for startups and fundraising with an investment-contract safe harbor to balance capital formation, disclosure and investor protection.

On March 17, 2026, Atkins proposed allowing startups to raise up to $5 million over a maximum of four years, with a separate exemption permitting offerings of up to $75 million in any 12-month period. The draft was submitted to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review in early April. On May 18, media reports said the SEC could introduce a separate “innovation exemption” as early as that week, allowing tokenized US equities to operate without full broker-dealer or exchange licenses under specified conditions.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission sued crypto company Unicoin, CEO Alexander Konanykhin and others in May 2025. The agency alleged that they raised $100 million while misleading investors by claiming the company's tokens were backed by real estate assets. Unicoin has denied the allegations and said the case perpetuates former SEC Chair Gary Gensler's aggressive enforcement approach.

Industry group The Digital Chamber will hold the DC Blockchain Summit in Washington on March 17–18, 2026. Unicoin is the event's top-tier “Platinum Sponsor,” while SEC Chair Paul Atkins and Commissioner Hester Peirce are listed as featured speakers. The sponsorship amount has not been disclosed, and the SEC declined to comment on the arrangement that will bring the two sides together while they are engaged in litigation.