President-elect Trump taps crypto-friendly former regulator Paul Atkins to lead the US SEC

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has tapped long-time crypto supporter Paul Atkins to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

"I am delighted to announce the nomination of Paul Atkins to be the next Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission," Trump wrote in a Wednesday afternoon Truth Social post.  

"Paul is a proven leader for common sense regulations. He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, and that provide capital to make our economy the best in the world," Trump added. "He also recognizes that digital assets and other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before."

Atkins founded the consulting firm Patomak Global Partners in 2009. The firm has clients including banks, crypto exchanges and DeFi platforms, according to its website. Atkins was previously appointed by former President George W. Bush as an SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008. Atkins also joined The Digital Chamber's board of advisers in 2020.

Patomak did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Next, Atkins will need to be confirmed by the Senate.