Washington, D.C., — Paul S. Atkins has officially assumed the role of the 34th Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), following his nomination by President Donald J. Trump on January 20, 2025, and subsequent confirmation by the U.S. Senate on April 9, 2025.
Chairman Atkins brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously served as an SEC Commissioner from 2002 to 2008. During his tenure, he was recognized for advocating transparency, consistency, and the application of cost-benefit analysis in regulatory processes. He also represented the SEC in various high-level forums, including the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets and the U.S.-EU Transatlantic Economic Council.
Prior to his return to the SEC, Atkins was the chief executive of Patomak Global Partners, a firm he founded in 2009. In this role, he led initiatives to develop best practices for the digital asset sector and served as an independent director and non-executive chairman of the board of BATS Global Markets, Inc. from 2012 to 2015.
Atkins’ career in public service began in 1990 when he served on the staff of SEC Chairmen Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt, ultimately holding the positions of chief of staff and counselor, respectively. He also contributed to efforts aimed at improving corporate governance and enhancing shareholder communications.
In the private sector, Atkins practiced law in New York, focusing on a broad range of corporate transactions for both U.S. and international clients. He spent over two years in his firm’s Paris office and was admitted as conseil juridique in France. He holds a J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law and an A.B., Phi Beta Kappa, from Wofford College.
Originally from Lillington, North Carolina, and raised in Tampa, Florida, Chairman Atkins resides with his wife, Sarah, and their three sons.
The Washington Herald
editorial@thewashingtonherald.com
Washington, D.C.
Be First to Comment