In a historic first for the cryptocurrency industry, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins has been confirmed as a speaker for the Bitcoin 2026 conference. This marks the first time a sitting SEC Chair will address the world's largest Bitcoin event, scheduled for April 27-29 at The Venetian in Las Vegas.
The announcement signals a dramatic shift in the relationship between the U.S. financial regulator and the digital asset space. Chairman Atkins was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2025, following Trump's campaign promise at the Bitcoin 2024 conference to replace former Chair Gary Gensler with "pro-Bitcoin leadership." Gensler, whose tenure was characterized by numerous enforcement actions and a perceived lack of regulatory clarity, stepped down immediately after Trump's election victory.
Under Atkins' leadership, the SEC has launched "Project Crypto," an initiative aimed at creating clearer, innovation-friendly regulations for the industry. At the project's launch, Atkins declared America was "at the threshold of a new era in the history of our markets," with goals to move financial markets on-chain and establish clear guidelines for Bitcoin storage, trading, and usage.
Atkins, who previously served as an SEC Commissioner during the Bush administration, brings a market-friendly policy background. His participation at Bitcoin 2026 is viewed as more than a symbolic gesture; it represents a fundamental change in Washington's perspective on Bitcoin, moving from a decade of enforcement-driven ambiguity to active engagement and rulemaking.
The conference itself is expected to be the largest in history, focusing on the future of money and bringing together builders, investors, miners, policymakers, and newcomers. It will feature multiple stages, immersive experiences, technical workshops, and headline keynotes.
