Paul Atkins confirmed to lead SEC despite Democrats’ opposition
From Yahoo Finance: 2025-04-10 09:46:00
The Senate confirmed Paul Atkins to lead the SEC in a party-line vote of 52-44, with no support from Democrats. Atkins aims to roll back Biden-era policies and enhance opportunities for investors. He plans to resign from Patomak Global Partners and divest his interest in the firm within 90 days.
Atkins, former SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s successor, is expected to introduce more targeted enforcement and collaborative rulemaking. Sen. Elizabeth Warren raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Critics worry Atkins will prioritize business interests over market protection during times of financial stress.
Atkins is known for avoiding burdensome regulations while supporting balanced approaches. The Financial Services Institute urged him to update regulations to align with technological advancements. Atkins previously served as a commissioner at the SEC and co-chaired a lobbying group for the crypto industry.
SEC commissioners welcome Atkins as the new chairman, emphasizing his experience and dedication to the investing public. The confirmation of Atkins as SEC Chairman has sparked mixed reactions, with concerns about his approach to regulation and conflicts of interest.
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