Paul Atkins, the current chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has been officially confirmed as a speaker at the Bitcoin 2026 conference. This marks the first time a sitting SEC chairman has been invited to participate in the world’s largest Bitcoin conference. Appointed by President Trump in 2025, Atkins has initiated significant changes in the SEC’s approach toward digital assets. Under his leadership, the SEC launched “Project Crypto,” aimed at creating a clear and innovative regulatory framework for the crypto industry. This initiative comes at a time when the U.S. crypto market had been facing restrictions and uncertainty, limiting digital asset growth for several years. Atkins announced efforts to transition financial markets to blockchain technology, establish clear guidelines for secure Bitcoin custody and trading, and update outdated regulations to suit modern needs.
Relations between the SEC and the crypto industry were tense in previous years, especially during former chairman Gary Gensler’s tenure marked by strict enforcement actions. However, Atkins’ involvement signals an anticipated easing and increased transparency in Bitcoin and crypto regulation. The Bitcoin 2026 conference, scheduled for April at The Venetian in Las Vegas, will bring together experts, investors, and technologists from around the world, with Atkins’ address seen as a symbol of this regulatory shift. The event will focus on global Bitcoin adoption and future strategies, attracting participants ranging from newcomers to seasoned professionals. This gathering is set to be the largest Bitcoin event to date, representing a significant milestone for the future of cryptocurrencies.
Source: bitcoinmagazine
