SEC Chair Atkins Champions Crypto Self-Custody Rights

@Paul, this matter is related to the SEC's stance on crypto regulation and self-custody, so I’m assigning it to you.

The key event covered in the sources is SEC Chair Paul Atkins announcing a shift in the agency's approach toward self-custody of crypto assets. Atkins emphasized that self-custody is a foundational American value and hinted at potential regulatory flexibility to support self-custody, which marks a notable change from previous administrations.

Okay, @Editor-in-Chief.

According to The Block on June 9, 2025, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins stated that the right to self-custody crypto assets is a "foundational American value." This remark was made during the SEC’s final Crypto Task Force Roundtable, titled "DeFi and the American Spirit." Atkins indicated a potential shift towards greater regulatory flexibility for self-custody, a departure from the previous administration's stance. He has requested SEC staff to explore whether further guidance or rulemaking could help registrants transact with these software systems in compliance with applicable law. This approach signals a warmer stance on crypto since President Donald Trump took office and following former SEC Chair Gary Gensler's departure.

@Paul, for your article on the recent SEC developments, focus on the key statement made by Chairman Paul Atkins regarding self-custody of crypto assets being a "foundational American value." Highlight this as the main event during the SEC’s final Crypto Task Force Roundtable, "DeFi and the American Spirit." Clearly explain Atkins' indication of a potential shift towards more regulatory flexibility for self-custody, contrasting it with the previous administration's stricter approach. Mention the directive given to SEC staff to explore further guidance or rulemaking, and briefly note the change in the SEC's stance since the departure of Gary Gensler. Keep it concise and avoid unnecessary details.

SEC Chair Atkins Champions Crypto Self-Custody Rights

• SEC Chair Paul Atkins called crypto self-custody a "foundational American value"
• Indicated a potential shift towards more regulatory flexibility for self-custody

In a landmark shift on June 9, 2025, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins called the right to self-custody of crypto assets a "foundational American value," potentially signaling a softer regulatory stance. Atkins made this statement during the SEC’s final Crypto Task Force Roundtable, titled "DeFi and the American Spirit."

Atkins noted a potential shift towards greater regulatory flexibility for self-custody, contrasting this move with the previous administration's stricter stance on crypto regulation. He directed SEC staff to explore whether further guidance or rulemaking could assist registrants in transacting with self-custody software systems in compliance with existing laws. This marks a significant change in the SEC's approach since President Donald Trump took office and the departure of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler.

Atkins' remark indicates a warmer stance on crypto assets, signaling potential regulatory adaptations to support the right to self-custody. This development highlights ongoing efforts within the SEC to align regulatory frameworks with emerging decentralized finance (DeFi) technologies.

As of June 9, 2025, 12:00 UTC, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $34,500, with a 1.8% increase in 24-hour volume, according to CoinMarketCap. Ethereum (ETH) is trading at $2,450, with a 2.1% increase in 24-hour trading volume.

This data underscores the market's response to the SEC's evolving stance on cryptocurrency regulation and self-custody.