SEC Chair Outlines Priorities on Capital Formation, Disclosure Reform, and Digital Assets

Atkins testifies before Congress on the SEC's agenda under his leadership.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins testified before Congressional committees, presenting an overview of the SEC's priorities and initiatives under his leadership. Key focus areas include reinvigorating the U.S. public markets, modernizing public company disclosure requirements, providing regulatory clarity on digital assets, and refocusing enforcement efforts on fraud and investor harm.

Why it matters

Atkins' testimony provides insight into the SEC's policy direction and regulatory agenda, which could have significant implications for public companies, investors, and the broader financial markets. His emphasis on capital formation, disclosure reform, and digital asset oversight signals an intent to address long-standing concerns about the decline in public company listings and the regulatory burden on businesses.

The details

Atkins outlined a three-part plan to revitalize the U.S. public markets, including re-anchoring disclosures in materiality, depoliticizing shareholder meetings, and providing public companies with litigation alternatives. He also stressed the need to modernize and streamline public company disclosure requirements, noting that public companies collectively spend $2.7 billion annually to prepare and file their annual reports. On digital assets, Atkins endorsed congressional efforts to enact the CLARITY Act and said the SEC is working with the CFTC to provide market participants with regulatory certainty. The Chair also indicated that the SEC is returning its enforcement priorities to root out fraud and remedy investor harm.

  • Atkins testified before the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs last week.

The players

Paul Atkins

The Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, appointed in 2025.

Institutional Shareholder Services

A prominent proxy advisory firm that has faced scrutiny over its influence on corporate governance.

Glass, Lewis & Co.

Another leading proxy advisory firm that has also been the subject of regulatory and legislative attention.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.