Paul Atkins: SEC must balance crypto innovation with enforcement
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated that the regulator remains focused on combating fraud in emerging sectors such as crypto and flaggedconcerns regarding individual access to private credit markets.
In an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Wednesday morning, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins commented on crypto market manipulation, insider trading, and investor protection in the context of expanding private investment access. CNBC
Atkins responded to a question about the lack of major insider trading cases involving cryptocurrencies, despite signs of coordinated trading activity on messaging apps such as Telegram and Signal. The discussion referenced the brief launch of a satirical meme coin “Sorkin coin” named after “Squawk Box” host Andrew Ross Sorkin that at one point had a market capitalization in the hundreds of millions.
“The SEC has been very active inthat area,” Atkins said. “Fraud is fraud… our mission is to protect investors, promote capital formation, and ensure orderly and efficient markets.”
He added that regulatory actions in the crypto space have sometimes “been part of the problem of innovation,” suggesting the agency is aware of its tightrope walk between enforcement and overreach.
Crypto, Congress and communications
Atkins was also asked about the SEC’s role in ensuring fairness among elected officials trading stocks—an issue that’s gained traction amid high-profile trades by members of Congress. While he noted that the STOCK Act was passed to add transparency, he admitted that enforcement is challenging.
“The SEC gets literally thousands and thousands of tips … from whistleblowers,” he said. “We take all tips seriously and look into them. So obviously I can’t comment on anything, but just let’s say that the SEC is very active.”
On company disclosures, Atkins acknowledged that modern markets have changed how information flows.
“It’s up to the issuer to ensure fair access,” he said, referring to companies now using Twitter, podcasts, and other digital channels to share news.
SEC evaluating retail access to private credit
Atkins raised concerns about the growing push to open private credit markets to retail investors. He warned that investors may be “marketed the worst of the credits” that institutions have already rejected.
The agency is “at a cusp of needing to look at the rules” and it will be “cognizant of the risks” when evaluating access standards like accredited investor criteria, he said.
Atkins emphasized the need for disclosure and guardrails, especially as private markets evolve as it is “very important to have good protections in place,” he concluded.
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
You may also like
This Week's Preview: Macro "Flood Release" Week—Delayed CPI and the Bank of Japan's "Rate Hike Pursuit"
Key global market data will be released this week, including the U.S. non-farm payroll report, CPI inflation data, and the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision, all of which will significantly impact market liquidity. Bitcoin prices are fluctuating due to macroeconomic factors, while institutions such as Coinbase and HashKey are striving to break through via innovation and public listings. Summary generated by Mars AI This summary was generated by the Mars AI model. Its accuracy and completeness are still being iteratively improved.

Weekly Hot Picks: The Fed Cuts Rates and Indirectly "Injects Liquidity"! Silver Replaces Gold as the New Favorite?
The Federal Reserve is cutting interest rates and starting bond purchases, while Japan and other regions may turn to rate hikes. Silver repeatedly hits record highs, SpaceX is set for a 1.5 trillion IPO, and Oracle becomes the litmus test for the AI bubble. The Russia-Ukraine peace process is stuck on territorial issues, the US seizes a Venezuelan oil tanker... What exciting market events did you miss this week?

Key Highlights to Watch at Solana Breakpoint 2025
How does Solana seize market share in an increasingly competitive landscape?

Crucial Alert: ZRO Leads This Week’s $100M+ Token Unlocks – What Investors Must Know
