SEC's Atkins Signals AI Finance Overhaul, Rulemaking for On-Chain Markets at AI+ Expo

On May 8, 2026, SEC Chair Paul Atkins, speaking at the AI+ Expo, advocated overhauling securities rules for blockchain-based markets and AI-driven finance, highlighting how on-chain protocols combine trading, settlement, and custody functions. This builds on an earlier SEC review of on-chain regulations announced that day, shifting from Gary Gensler's enforcement approach toward notice-and-comment rulemaking and exemptive relief. Atkins backed the CLARITY Act to clarify SEC-CFTC roles, potentially reducing legal risks for DeFi, exchanges, and BTCUSD trading activity.