Paul Atkins, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has disclosed significant investments in cryptocurrency firms, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest as he prepares for his Senate confirmation hearing.
According to a Reuters analysis of ethics documents released on Tuesday, Atkins holds between $250,000 and $500,000 in equity at Anchorage Digital, a crypto custody firm valued at over $3 billion. Additionally, he possesses between $250,001 and $500,000 in call options at Securitize, a platform specializing in real-world asset tokenization. His portfolio also includes a stake ranging from $1 million to $5 million in Off the Chain Capital, an investment fund focused on blockchain assets.
These holdings are part of a broader financial portfolio that, combined with his spouse’s assets, totals at least $327 million. A significant portion of this wealth originates from his wife’s family business, Tamko Building Products, a leading roofing materials company.
Atkins has announced plans to divest from his consultancy firm, Patomak Global Partners, to mitigate potential conflicts of interest. However, his substantial investments in the cryptocurrency sector have prompted concerns among lawmakers. Senator Elizabeth Warren has specifically questioned Atkins’ involvement with FTX and other high-profile crypto clients, indicating that these connections will be a focal point during his confirmation hearing.
Veteran Regulator to Face Senate Scrutiny on Thursday
Tapped by President Trump in December, Paul Atkins is slated to lead the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in a move that could dramatically reshape the agency’s stance toward digital assets. His upcoming confirmation hearing comes as the SEC navigates a major transition following the resignation of former Chair Gary Gensler and the temporary leadership of Acting Chair Mark Uyeda.
Atkins is no stranger to the SEC. He previously served as a commissioner from 2002 to 2008 under President George W. Bush. Since then, he’s remained deeply embedded in financial regulation through his consulting firm, Patomak Global Partners, which has advised a wide array of clients, including crypto exchanges and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. He also joined the advisory board of The Digital Chamber in 2020, though he stepped down following Trump’s nomination.
The Senate’s vetting process is expected to be intense. Senator Elizabeth Warren has already raised concerns, sending a 34-page letter to Atkins this week. Her letter questioned his potential ties to the now-defunct crypto exchange FTX and flagged possible conflicts of interest related to President Trump’s personal ventures in the memecoin space.
Despite the scrutiny, Atkins’ nomination reflects the Trump administration’s broader pro-crypto pivot—one that aims to loosen regulatory friction and invite institutional growth. With his confirmation hearing coming up on Thursday, 27th March, all eyes are on how Atkins will address both his crypto-friendly track record and the ethical concerns now shadowing his appointment.
Quick Facts:
- Paul Atkins, Trump’s pick for SEC Chair, holds up to $6 million in crypto-related investments, including stakes in Anchorage Digital, Securitize, and Off the Chain Capital.
- He previously served on the board of Securitize and has long-standing connections to blockchain ventures.
- Atkins pledged to divest these holdings if confirmed, according to his ethics agreement.
- His confirmation hearing is set for Thursday, amid growing scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest tied to his crypto exposure.
