The winds are shifting. The confirmation of Paul Atkins as SEC Chairman isn't just another political appointment. It's a seismic tremor in the crypto landscape. For far too long we’ve watched innovation flee to other countries. Regulatory uncertainty and an SEC more concerned with making examples of companies than fostering innovation has led to a chilling effect. Those days, I believe, are numbered.

And this certainly isn’t to fill the pockets of crypto bros. We’re dedicated to restoring America’s new leadership in technological innovation and economic competitiveness. At our core, we seek to help people improve their financial outcomes and achieve a more just and inclusive financial ecosystem. Imagine it as the internet’s early days—if those same technological gamechangers had the ability to radically reconfigure the underlying economic structures that determine how we live and work.

Here are five key battlegrounds:

1. End Regulation By Intimidation Now!

Let's be blunt: Gary Gensler's SEC operated with a "regulate by enforcement" mentality that was frankly terrifying. It was as if they were on some sort of a shoot first ask questions later policy. What followed was a total chilling effect, pushing entrepreneurs and capital to the friendlier shores of other jurisdictions. Atkins, given his track record of standing up to overly prescriptive rulemaking, is a much-needed course correction.

Think of it like this: imagine trying to build a house while constantly being threatened with fines for not having permits that don't even exist yet. For crypto innovators, that’s what it’s been like. We need clarity, not constant threats. To do that, we need a collaborative process—not one that pits advocates against one another in courtroom showdowns.

2. Unleash DeFi's Untapped Potential Today

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) has that potential to create a more transparent, efficient, and accessible financial system. The future of #WeCount for now, it’s working in a legal gray area. Atkins' SEC has the opportunity to provide the regulatory clarity needed to unlock DeFi's full potential.

Picture this: a world where anyone can access loans, earn interest, and participate in financial markets without the need for traditional intermediaries. That’s the promise of DeFi, and we’re so close to getting there.

  • Clear guidelines for DeFi protocols: What constitutes a security? What are the compliance requirements?
  • Safe harbors for innovative projects: Give projects room to experiment and grow without fear of immediate enforcement action.
  • Collaboration with industry experts: Engage with DeFi developers and legal experts to develop sensible regulations.

Tokenization–representing all manner of real world assets on a blockchain–is going to disrupt every industry from real estate to art to supply chains. Once again, regulatory uncertainty is stifling innovation.

3. Tokenize Everything. Seriously, Everything.

Imagine being able to own a piece of a Picasso, or quickly buy and sell shares in that hot new private company. Tokenization ensures these possibilities come true, democratizing access to capital while opening up new investment opportunities to retail investors.

The EU, the UK, the UAE, and Singapore have all outpaced the U.S. in delivering regulatory clarity for crypto. This isn't just embarrassing, it's economically suicidal. We’re handing the mantle to countries around the world that are already rolling out the red carpet to crypto companies and innovators.

  • Providing clear guidance on the treatment of tokenized securities: Are they subject to the same regulations as traditional securities?
  • Streamlining the registration process for tokenized offerings: Make it easier for companies to raise capital through token sales.
  • Encouraging the development of compliant tokenization platforms: Foster the growth of a robust ecosystem for tokenized assets.

Remember the space race? We should apply that same sense of urgency to crypto. The evolution of finance as we know it is happening today, and America can’t afford to miss out.

4. America Must Lead, Not Lag Behind!

This isn't just about Atkins. It’s not just about friendly chats with lawmakers. It’s about forging a real pro-crypto consensus in Washington. We need to support politicians who understand the potential of blockchain technology and are willing to fight for sensible regulations.

We've been playing defense for too long. Now is the moment to go on the offensive and lay the groundwork for a future where crypto freedom can flourish. The opportunity is here. Are you ready to seize it?

  • Working with other regulatory agencies to create a consistent global framework for crypto: Avoid regulatory arbitrage and create a level playing field.
  • Engaging with international organizations to promote best practices: Share knowledge and expertise to foster responsible innovation.
  • Showcasing American innovation to the world: Highlight the benefits of a well-regulated crypto industry.

Remember the space race? We need a similar sense of urgency when it comes to crypto. The future of finance is being written right now, and America needs to be at the forefront.

5. Time to Flood DC With Pro-Crypto Voices

This isn't just about Atkins. It's about building a pro-crypto consensus in Washington. We need to support politicians who understand the potential of blockchain technology and are willing to fight for sensible regulations.

Here's what you can do right now:

  • Contact your elected officials: Tell them why crypto is important to you and why you support deregulation.
  • Support pro-crypto organizations: Donate to groups that are advocating for sensible regulations.
  • Vote for pro-crypto candidates: Make your voice heard at the ballot box.

We've been playing defense for too long. It's time to go on the offensive and build a future where crypto freedom thrives. The opportunity is here. Are you ready to seize it?