Paul Atkins

Michael Selig, Chair of the CFTC, focused on crypto clarity and modernizing on-chain and derivatives rules. Paul Atkins, former SEC Commissioner, now SEC Chair, pushing IPO reform and adapting securities law for digital assets. They discuss harmonizing SEC/CFTC approaches, crypto classification, IPO drought fixes, AI trading risks, prediction markets, accredited investor reform, and simplifying swap and reporting rules.

America’s capital markets are the envy of the world, but in recent years, misguided policies have driven innovation offshore and stifled the number of companies going public. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins is reversing course. What’s his plan to make IPOs great again? What will it take for America to become the crypto capital of the world? And does he think we should expand access to private markets for retail investors?This week, we’re honored to feature a conversation with Paul Atkins, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. He also served as a commissioner at the SEC from 2002 to 2008, and worked on the staff of two SEC chairmen from 1990 to 1994. Prior to returning to the SEC in 2025, Chairman Atkins was the founder and chief executive of Patomak Global Partners, a financial services firm he founded in 2009.We begin with Chairman Atkins’ visit to Texas, the significance of Texas’ new business courts, and the importance of innovation in our financial markets. Whereas his predecessor, Gary Gensler, took an adversarial, regulation-by-enforcement approach, he’s embracing new technologies and regulatory clarity. In this vein, the Chairman lays out his strategy for making IPOs great again. Learn why the number of public companies has dropped by nearly half since 2007, and how Chairman Atkins is reforming the rules around litigation and corporate governance to deter activists from harassing America’s builders. We also discuss President Trump’s vision for making America the crypto capital of the world, and what it looks like to provide clear guidelines that promote innovation and protect investors. Finally, we explore the steps he’s taking to enable retail investors to access private markets and other alternative assets.0:00 Episode intro1:35 Texas' new business courts / evolution of U.S. markets7:20 The SEC's new approach to crypto 16:00 Making IPOs and public companies great again25:00 Weaponization of shareholder proposals and ESG32:10 National security concerns / China's bad actions36:30 New rules for retail investors & private companies 44:35 Optimism for America's future This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.joelonsdale.com

In this discussion, SEC Chair Paul Atkins weighs in on the implications of a potential government shutdown on corporate filings and IPOs. He also addresses the growing trend of meme stocks and regulatory actions surrounding them. AT&T CEO John Stankey shares insights on subscriber growth and the company's strategy in broadband and wireless amid evolving market demands. Wes Cummins from Applied Digital unveils plans for a $5 billion AI factory, while analyst Alan Gould analyzes Netflix's quarterly results and speculates on potential acquisitions.

Michael S. Selig, Chairman of the CFTC, a derivatives and commodities overseer coordinating crypto market structure. Paul S. Atkins, former SEC Commissioner and current SEC Chair, focused on modernizing securities law and Project Crypto. They discuss harmonizing SEC and CFTC rules, practical coordination steps like substituted compliance and MOUs, tokenized securities and innovation exemptions, and strategies to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the world.

Amos Hochstein, former Biden energy adviser now TWG Global partner, weighs Iran’s military risks and energy market fallout. Paul Atkins, ex-SEC chair now focused on securities and crypto policy, discusses regulation, retirement access to digital assets, and coordinating lawmakers. They cover U.S. force posture, targeting implications, and how crypto rules could reshape markets and retirement options.