SEC’s New Policy Towards Crypto: A Step Forward or Backward?

Updated

January 26, 2026

Gambar SEC’s New Policy Towards Crypto: A Step Forward or Backward?

Jakarta, Pintu News – Y Combinator founder Paul Graham has strongly criticized former SEC Chairman Gary Gensler’s approach to the crypto industry. According to him, Gensler has taken a very inappropriate step by leaving the industry in strategic ambiguity. On the other hand, the new leadership under Paul Atkins has started a new era with a more supportive approach towards digital assets.

Paul Graham’s Criticism of Gary Gensler

Paul Graham stated that the crypto industry is actually craving for clear regulation, but what is happening is the opposite. Former SEC Chairman, Gary Gensler, was criticized for not providing legal clarity to the status of crypto, which Graham said was very unwise.

As a result, legit companies like Coinbase (COIN) have been forced to face major obstacles or even get sued. Graham added that while legitimate exchanges are struggling, fraudsters like FTX in the past, or AI scammers today, are thriving because they don’t care about compliance.

This shows that Gensler’s approach not only harms companies that want to operate legally, but is also ineffective in dealing with actual fraud.

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Policy Changes Under Paul Atkins

paul atkins new sec chairman — Source: San.com

Paul Atkins, who replaced Gary Gensler as head of the SEC, has introduced “Project Crypto”. The project aims to normalize digital assets on the assumption that most crypto tokens do not constitute securities. This approach is the opposite of the Gensler doctrine and has led to the SEC voluntarily withdrawing or settling enforcement actions against large entities such as Coinbase, Kraken, and Ripple .

Atkins argues that litigation is an inefficient way to create law. His approach has been well-received by many industry players, but has also drawn criticism from some Democrats who think the changes are too drastic and may reduce protections for investors.

Industry Reaction and Future Implications

This policy change has sparked widespread discussion about the future of crypto regulation in the United States. Some analysts argue that Atkins’ approach may pave the way for further innovation and growth in the crypto industry.

However, there are also concerns that the lack of a crackdown on abuses could put investors at risk. The crypto industry, which has long struggled with regulatory uncertainty, now faces a new era that may bring more clarity and stability. However, only time will tell if these changes will successfully protect consumers while also supporting growth and innovation.

Conclusion

With this significant policy change, the eyes of the world are now on the SEC to see how the end result of “Project Crypto” will affect the global market. Whether this will be the start of more friendly and effective regulation, or whether it will open the door to more problems, remains to be seen.

Also Read: 3 Cryptocurrencies that are Ready to Rise Again in 2026

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