Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, expressed strong support for President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Paul S. Atkins as the next chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In a post on X, Garlinghouse called Atkins “an outstanding choice” and praised his potential to reshape the agency’s approach to digital assets.
Ripple CEO Reacts to Trump’s SEC Chair Pick
“Atkins at the helm of the SEC will bring common sense back to the agency,” Ripple‘s Garlinghouse wrote. He added, “Along with Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda, it’s time to swiftly and definitively end the prohibition era on crypto, restoring freedom of choice, economic growth, and innovation.”
Trump’s announcement of Atkins’ nomination on Truth Social was also widely celebrated within the cryptocurrency community. Atkins, a vocal advocate for cryptocurrencies and blockchain innovation, is known for his balanced approach to regulatory oversight. Trump emphasized Atkins’ leadership qualities and his vision for modernizing capital markets.
An outstanding choice – Paul Atkins at the helm of the SEC will bring common sense back to the agency. Along with Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda, it’s time to swiftly and definitively end the prohibition era on crypto, restoring freedom of choice, economic growth, and innovation. https://t.co/w8Rqrnubyj
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) December 4, 2024
“I am delighted to announce the nomination of Paul Atkins to be the next Chairman of the Securities & Exchange Commission,” Trump wrote. “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, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World.”
Trump highlighted Atkins’ experience as a former SEC Commissioner from 2002 to 2008 and his current role as CEO and founder of Patomak Global Partners, a risk management consultancy. Atkins also co-chaired the Digital Chamber’s Token Alliance, demonstrating his deep involvement in the digital assets sector.
SEC & Crypto to be Friends Soon?
Atkins’ nomination is seen as a potential turning point for the SEC’s relationship with cryptocurrencies, an area where the agency has faced criticism for its regulatory stance under outgoing leadership. Garlinghouse’s endorsement underscores the optimism among industry leaders for a more crypto-friendly SEC.
The nomination also reflects Trump’s broader support for innovation in digital assets. “Paul recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” Trump added.
If confirmed, Atkins is expected to drive a regulatory framework that fosters innovation while protecting investors, marking a significant shift in the SEC’s approach to cryptocurrencies. Moreover, it could even mean a relief for Ripple in the appeals phase of the SEC lawsuit.
