On April 9, the Senate confirmed Paul Atkins to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The vote was 52 to 44.
Atkins served as an SEC Commissioner from 2002 to 2008. Most recently he has been CEO of Patomak Global Partners, a consulting firm he founded that specializes in financial strategy, risk management, and compliance. He said at his March 27 confirmation hearing that he would streamline the agency’s regulatory activity.
“Regulation ideally should be smart, effective and appropriately tailored within the confines of the regulator’s statutory authority,” said Atkins. “In short, clear rules of the road benefit all market participants.”
Prospects: Atkins is expected to be more financial services industry friendly than his predecessor, Gary Gensler. He is seen as a champion of cryptocurrency.
NAIFA Staff Contact: Mike Hedge – Senior Director – Government Relations, at mhedge@naifa.org.