The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) signaled a comprehensive shift in its corporate regulatory strategy at its “SEC Speaks” event in 2026. The chairman of the commission, Paul S. Atkins, emphasized that instead of just minor adjustments to the existing rules, they adopted a completely new approach in line with market practices. This new order, announced under the leadership of Atkins, draws particular attention in the case of crypto money and digital assets.
The “Advance, Clarify, Transform” Approach forms the basis of the New Order
In his speech, Atkins gathered the institution’s innovative steps under three main headings: Develop, Clarify, Transform. The commission is expected to place all future regulations within this framework. The “Develop” heading, which is at the core of the new vision, aims to bring the old rules, which no longer correspond to today, into line with the current structure of the market.
Atkins pointed out that markets have become faster, digitalized and more interconnected than before. He stated that developments in cryptocurrency, decentralized finance applications and artificial intelligence-supported transaction technologies have radically transformed the financial system. The Commission is trying to take steps in line with these dynamics.
Uncertainty Openly Accepted in the Crypto Market
Focusing on the lack of transparency in regulations, the title “Clarify” points to a problem that has been discussed in the digital asset industry for years. Since it was not clear for a long time which digital assets would be considered securities in the USA, many innovative projects preferred to carry out their activities outside the country.
Paul S. Atkins emphasized that one of the important reasons why innovation in the field of digital assets takes place outside the USA is the uncertainty in regulations.
The Commission’s focus is now on making regulations more understandable. The rules are planned to be simple and clear; Thus, companies will be able to see more clearly how to act within the legal framework.
Minimum and Effective Regulation Approach Stands Out
The last leg of the new agenda is the “Transform” approach. SEC Chairman Atkins stated that under this heading, the institution will act with the principle of “minimum effective regulation”. In other words, the aim is to remove unnecessary rules or those that have no equivalent in the market and to simplify the practices.
Although regulatory bodies generally tend to impose more rules as precautions against new technologies, the SEC, on the contrary, is preparing to eliminate rules that are no longer functional. However, no details have been given as to which regulations will be eased or eliminated; It is anticipated that this process may take time.
More Comprehensive Change Seen in Washington
This SEC-initiated shift emerges as part of a general trend in capital markets regulation in the United States. Recently, it has been observed that more flexible approaches have been adopted in rapidly developing sectors such as artificial intelligence and crypto assets. The commission’s latest steps are in parallel with this atmosphere.
All these steps do not mean that regulations will be eliminated; But now the aim is to reshape the standards to keep up with technological developments.
Clarified rules for the crypto market and other rapidly developing financial technologies may pave the way for new players to operate more easily in the US market. How the comprehensive reform emphasized by Atkins will be reflected in laws and practices will be shaped in the coming period.
