In a significant address on Monday, Paul Atkins, the new Chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), outlined his vision for decentralized finance (DeFi) and the broader cryptocurrency industry.
His remarks, delivered at a roundtable titled “DeFi and the American Spirit,” emphasized the alignment of DeFi with core American values such as economic liberty, innovation, and private property rights.
Atkins Champions DeFi And Self-Custody
Atkins opened his speech by expressing gratitude to fellow commissioners and the Crypto Task Force for organizing the event, highlighting the importance of collaborative dialogue in shaping the future of the crypto landscape.
He noted that blockchain technology represents a groundbreaking innovation that challenges traditional notions of ownership and property rights. By enabling peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries, blockchains facilitate a new form of digital property—crypto assets.
The SEC Chair criticized the previous administration’s approach led by former chair Gary Gensler, which he argued stifled American participation in decentralized markets through regulatory threats and lawsuits.
He welcomed recent clarifications from the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance, affirming that participation in proof-of-work (PoW) or proof-of-stake (PoS) networks is not inherently subject to federal securities laws. However, Atkins stressed the need for formal regulations to solidify this understanding.
A key point of Atkins’ address was the principle of self-custody in digital wallets, which he described as a fundamental American right. He advocated for greater flexibility in allowing individuals to manage their crypto assets directly, arguing that unnecessary intermediation can inflate transaction costs and hinder participation in on-chain activities like staking.
Exploring New Crypto Regulatory Frameworks
Atkins also expressed concern over the previous administration’s regulatory stance, which he felt undermined innovation in self-custodial solutions. He compared this to a hypothetical situation where a car manufacturer could be held liable for a traffic violation committed by a driver, emphasizing that software developers should not face similar repercussions for the use of their code by others.
However, he highlighted the resilience of on-chain systems during recent market stresses, noting that while centralized platforms struggled, decentralized protocols continued to function as intended.
Atkins acknowledged that existing securities regulations primarily focus on traditional issuers and intermediaries, which may not adequately address the unique features of on-chain systems. He has tasked SEC staff to explore new guidance and rulemaking that would facilitate compliant transactions with these innovative technologies.
Looking ahead, Atkins expressed enthusiasm for the potential of on-chain software to enhance capital efficiency, liquidity, and the creation of novel financial products.
He proposed the idea of an “innovation exemption,” which could provide conditional relief for developers and firms looking to bring on-chain solutions to market, aligning with a broader vision of making the US a global leader in cryptocurrency innovation.
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