U.S. SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins: "SEC will support innovation... will allow virtual asset superapps"

Paul Atkins, a commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), declared the opening of a new era for virtual assets (cryptocurrencies).

On the 10th (local time), according to Cointelegraph, Paul Atkins said in a keynote speech at an OECD roundtable that "the SEC is entering a new era," and that "we will move away from a past characterized by enforcement and provide clear guidelines so innovators can succeed in the United States." He added, "Policy will no longer be determined by ad hoc measures."

Atkins also emphasized the need for regulatory easing. Atkins said, "Authorities should impose only the minimum regulation necessary to protect investors," and added, "We must not impose rules that only large corporations can bear, placing excessive burdens on innovators."

He said he would also allow 'virtual asset superapps.' Virtual asset superapps refer to platforms that provide various services together on a single platform, such as trading, lending, staking, and multi-custody. Atkins said, "We will now allow virtual asset platforms to operate as 'superapps,'" and "We will support the growth of platforms under a consistent regulatory framework."

He gave a positive assessment of the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation (MiCA). He said, "MiCA provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets," and "The United States has also learned much from Europe's regulatory experience." He went on to stress, "Through international cooperation we must create a more innovative market," and emphasized, "If we work together, we can expand the sphere of freedom and prosperity."