What’s Next for the SEC in a Post-Gary Gensler Era

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set for a transformative shift following Gary Gensler’s resignation and Paul Atkins' expected confirmation as the new Chair under President-elect Donald Trump. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in the new SEC landscape:Key Leadership Changes:Paul Atkins: A pro-crypto former SEC commissioner (2002–2008) and advocate for innovation in digital assets.Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda: Republican commissioners known for their crypto-friendly stances.New commissioner appointment required to maintain political balance, potentially from a non-Republican party.Potential Policy Shifts:Staking in Crypto ETFs:Reintroduction of staking provisions in Ethereum and other crypto ETFs could be a priority under Atkins' leadership.New products offering staking or amendments to existing ones may emerge, signaling a supportive stance on decentralized finance (DeFi).Regulation ATS:Proposed rule to redefine “exchanges” and possibly include decentralized projects remains uncertain.The incoming SEC may modify or abandon the rule, aligning with broader crypto industry priorities.Enforcement Approach:Analysts expect a decline in non-fraud cases against crypto firms, focusing on more conventional fraud and investor protection cases.Cases without securities involvement may shift to the Department of Justice (DOJ) or CFTC, reducing the SEC's direct involvement.Pending Lawsuits:Challenges to the SEC’s crypto policies, including the DeFi Education Fund and Beba token airdrop case, may take new directions under Atkins.Industry stakeholders will watch for potential shifts in the SEC's litigation strategy.Broader Crypto Industry Outlook:A more crypto-friendly SEC could ease tensions between the agency and digital asset firms.Analysts predict new rulemaking and policies aimed at fostering innovation while maintaining regulatory clarity.The SEC’s future actions under Atkins’ leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the crypto landscape, with the potential to bring about a more balanced regulatory environment, according to The Block.