SEC’s Third Crypto Roundtable Kicks Off with Chairman Paul Atkins

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins inaugurated the third crypto roundtable, focusing on regulatory issues around digital assets. Two panels are scheduled to discuss broker-dealer custody and custody under the 40 Acts, featuring experts from top crypto services. Market sentiment is buoyant, with Bitcoin and Ethereum showing gains ahead of the discussion. The panel will tackle critical insights on crypto custody under the theme “Know Your Custodian.”

In a highly anticipated event, the US SEC’s third crypto roundtable kicked off today under the leadership of new Chairman Paul Atkins. He expressed gratitude to interim Chairman Mark Udeya and other SEC commissioners for their contributions, while also emphasizing the need to tackle longstanding regulatory challenges surrounding digital assets. The atmosphere was charged with an eagerness to address these critical issues head-on.

As the roundtable commenced, Richard Gabbert welcomed Chairman Atkins to his debut event since taking office. He announced that two distinct panels would address different aspects of custody in the crypto landscape. One panel will focus on broker-dealer custody, while the other will delve into provisions under the 40 Acts. Both sessions feature distinguished experts known for their work in this field.

Finally, everything is set as we approach the moment for what many anticipate will be a significant discussion on crypto custody. Attendees buzzed with excitement in the Washington D.C. venue, awaiting Chairman Atkins’s opening remarks. Expectations are high as the SEC dives deeper into dialogues that could impact the future of cryptocurrency regulation.

In the lead-up to this discussion, the cryptocurrency market responded positively, with signs of an overall upward trend. Bitcoin (BTC) witnessed a gain of 2%, while Ethereum (ETH) followed closely with a rise of 1.75%. However, XRP experienced a small drop of 0.8%, contrasting with other assets like BNB, which gained 0.8%, and Solana (SOL), up by 0.9%. The global crypto market cap stands at approximately $2.99 trillion, reflecting a 2.31% gain in the past 24 hours, further illustrating bullish sentiment.

Today’s panel is composed of influential leaders from top crypto custody services. Zach Zweihorn from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is moderating, with panelists including Tammy Weinrib (Copper Technologies), Jason Allegrante (Fireblocks), and others from notable firms like Fidelity Digital Asset Services and Kraken, sharing insights on digital asset custody processes.

The discussions are expected to revolve around the theme “Know Your Custodian: Key Considerations for Crypto Custody”. With Atkins making his first significant public remarks and his vision potentially shaping the SEC’s strategy moving forward, many are eager to hear his viewpoints on the future of crypto custody and regulation in the digital realm.