Paul Atkins’ ‘Crypto’s Time Has Come’ Speech: Project Crypto 2025

On September 10, 2025, SEC Chair Paul Atkins delivered a landmark keynote at the OECD Roundtable on Global Financial Markets in Paris, proclaiming, “We must admit that: crypto’s time has come.” This quote signals a transformative shift in U.S. crypto regulation, moving from enforcement to innovation. In this blog, we break down the key highlights of Atkins’ speech, including Project Crypto’s focus on clear token classifications, support for unified trading, lending, and staking platforms, U.S.-Europe collaboration on global standards like MiCA, and AI-driven “agentic finance” to revolutionize markets for investors.

From Enforcement to Innovation

Atkins criticized the SEC’s past reliance on aggressive enforcement, which he said “weaponized” its authority to hinder crypto growth.

Past Challenges: Unpredictable lawsuits pushed crypto businesses overseas, diverting resources from innovation to legal defense.
New Vision: Atkins pledges clear, predictable regulations to foster U.S. innovation, aligning with President Trump’s goal to make America the “crypto capital of the world.”
Investor Impact: Reduced regulatory uncertainty creates a more stable environment for trading and investing in assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, encouraging market participation.

This shift, backed by the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, sets the stage for a pro-crypto regulatory framework in 2025.

Project Crypto: Modernizing Blockchain Rules

Atkins introduced “Project Crypto,” an SEC initiative to update regulations for blockchain markets. Its core objectives include:

Token Clarity: Atkins stated, “Most crypto tokens are not securities,” promising clear guidelines for assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or XRP to end classification disputes.
Simplified Fundraising: Entrepreneurs can raise capital on-chain with fewer legal hurdles, boosting tokenized asset offerings.
Flexible Custody: Investors gain access to diverse custody solutions, such as self-custody wallets, fostering choice and competition.

Project Crypto aims to spark a “golden age” of financial innovation, driving liquidity and opportunities for crypto investors.

Super-App Platforms: Unified Crypto Solutions

Atkins proposed “super-app” platforms that integrate trading, lending, and staking under one regulatory framework, regardless of asset classification.

Seamless Operations: Trade Bitcoin, stake Ethereum, or lend stablecoins on a single platform, enhancing efficiency.
Minimal Rules: Atkins advocates for light regulation to protect investors without stifling startups.
Competitive Edge: Unified platforms could help U.S. exchanges compete globally, benefiting retail traders.

This vision could streamline crypto trading, making it more accessible.

Global Collaboration with Europe

Atkins praised the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework as a model for clear regulation.

Transatlantic Partnership: The SEC seeks to align with Europe to simplify cross-border crypto trading.
MiCA 2 Potential: Europe’s plans to regulate DeFi and NFTs could shape U.S. policies, with Atkins ensuring America remains competitive.
Investor Benefits: Harmonized standards may reduce price gaps and ease global trading for investors.

This collaboration could foster a more connected global crypto market.

AI and Crypto: Pioneering Agentic Finance

Atkins highlighted “agentic finance,” where AI systems handle trades, risk management, and compliance at high speeds.

Advantages: AI could lower costs, accelerate markets, and democratize advanced trading strategies for retail investors.
SEC’s Role: Implement “commonsense guardrails” to encourage innovation without overregulation.
Future Outlook: Exchanges may adopt AI-driven tools, such as automated trading bots, to enhance user experiences.

This blend of AI and blockchain could transform how investors engage with crypto markets.

What This Means for Investors

Atkins’ “crypto’s time has come” speech marks a pivotal shift in U.S. crypto policy, emphasizing empowerment over enforcement.

Market Growth: Clear regulations could attract more U.S.-based crypto projects, boosting liquidity for assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Platform Enhancements: Super-apps may bring integrated trading, lending, and staking to crypto exchanges.
Global Opportunities: U.S.-EU collaboration could streamline international markets, creating new trading possibilities in 2025.

How Investors Can Prepare

With U.S. crypto regulation becoming more innovation-friendly, investors can position themselves to benefit from these changes. Clear token classifications and unified platforms may increase market stability and opportunities for trading assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP. To stay ahead, explore Phemex with low fees, robust security, and tools for spot and futures trading. Phemex helps investors navigate the evolving landscape and capitalize on the potential growth driven by Project Crypto and global regulatory alignment.

Join 10M+ Phemex Users Today

FAQ: Paul Atkins’ Crypto Speech

What is Project Crypto?
Project Crypto is the SEC’s initiative to modernize blockchain regulations, focusing on clear token classifications, easier fundraising, and flexible custody options.

What does “crypto’s time has come” mean?
Atkins’ viral quote from his September 2025 OECD speech signals a shift from enforcement to pro-innovation crypto policies, aiming to make the U.S. a crypto hub.

How will 2025 crypto regulations impact investors?
Clear rules could drive market growth, enhance platform features like trading and staking, and support global trading opportunities.

Will the SEC collaborate with Europe?
Yes, Atkins praised the EU’s MiCA framework and seeks U.S.-EU partnerships to align crypto standards, easing cross-border trading.