Article | July 7, 2025
Reflections on Initial SEC Policy Changes Early in the Atkins Era
Since Paul Atkins became Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on April 21, 2025, the SEC has announced significant pivots in its approaches to enforcement, regulatory guidance, investment adviser oversight, and other areas. Chairman Atkins’ brief tenure has already been marked by a deregulatory philosophy that emphasizes investor choice, streamlines enforcement priorities, and retreats from numerous rulemaking initiatives commenced during the term of his predecessor, Gary Gensler. This article describes some of the most consequential policy and regulatory changes to date, as well as their implications for issuers, fund managers, and investors.