SEC Strengthens Pro-Crypto Team: Paul Atkins Appoints James Moloney to Lead IPO and Oversight

A major shift is underway at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Commissioner Paul Atkins announced Wednesday that veteran lawyer James Moloney will take over as head of the Division of Corporation Finance, the powerful unit that reviews IPO filings, corporate disclosures, and in recent months, has taken center stage in shaping crypto guidance.

A Seasoned Insider Returns Moloney is no stranger to the SEC. Between 1994 and 2000, he worked in the agency’s mergers, acquisitions, and corporate filings division. After more than two decades in private practice, he now returns to a post where he will influence the future of both financial markets and the crypto industry. “There is much work ahead, and I look forward to rejoining my colleagues in the Division of Corporation Finance to craft smart, practical, and effective rules that allow companies to grow while delivering value to investors,” Moloney said following his appointment. Atkins called him the ideal choice to help “modernize rules and reduce the burden of disclosure requirements,” while also thanking Cicely LaMothe, who has been serving as acting head of the division and will now return to her deputy director role.

The Division Where Crypto Rules Are Made The Division of Corporation Finance isn’t just about greenlighting IPO prospectuses. It’s the unit that forces companies to be transparent about executive pay, bonuses, and business risks. If earnings don’t match accounting standards, it’s this team that steps in. Recently, however, the division has gained attention for issuing crypto-related guidance. It clarified that certain digital assets – such as stablecoins and memecoins – do not qualify as securities under its framework. This places the division squarely in the middle of the ongoing turf war between the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). That makes Moloney’s leadership especially important, as his stance could significantly shape how digital assets are regulated in the United States.

The Clarity Act and the Battle for Authority Congress is currently debating the Clarity Act, which could give the CFTC the lead role in crypto regulation. However, the SEC would not be sidelined – both agencies would need to collaborate on a joint framework. If passed, Moloney’s division will play a key role in defining the line between what qualifies as a security and what falls under commodities regulation.

A Pro-Crypto Shift at the SEC Atkins has long stressed the importance of bringing in people with a mix of private sector and regulatory experience. Moloney’s appointment reflects this vision – and signals that the SEC may approach digital assets with more openness and a stronger emphasis on innovation. 👉 James Moloney’s arrival comes at a time when U.S. crypto regulation is one of the hottest issues in finance, and when both the SEC and CFTC will soon be forced to prove they can work together.

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