September 11, 2025 | Washington D.C. / Paris – The World Blockchain Association (WBA) reports that U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul S. Atkins delivered a landmark keynote at the inaugural OECD Roundtable on Global Financial Markets, signaling a decisive shift in America’s stance toward cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Web3, DeFi, NFT, DAO, tokenization, and stablecoin regulation.

In his speech, Chairman Atkins emphasized that “the age of crypto has arrived”, and announced that the SEC will no longer rely on enforcement-first strategies that historically stifled innovation. Instead, the United States will embrace a proactive regulatory framework, designed to protect investors while unlocking growth in digital assets and artificial intelligence (AI).

The announcement is widely seen as a defining moment for the global digital economy, with implications for both traditional finance and the rapidly evolving Web3 ecosystem.

A Strategic Pivot: From Enforcement to Innovation

According to the World Blockchain Association’s analysis, the SEC’s new policy direction marks a turning point in U.S. financial history. For years, regulatory ambiguity pushed blockchain startups abroad, draining talent and capital. Now, under what Atkins termed “Project Crypto,” the SEC is introducing a roadmap that provides:

  • Regulatory certainty for cryptocurrencies – acknowledging that most tokens are not securities.
  • Clearer fundraising pathways for blockchain startups, allowing entrepreneurs to raise capital on-chain without legal ambiguity.
  • Support for super-app platforms that integrate trading, lending, and staking under a single regulatory framework.
  • Expanded investor options for custody solutions, ensuring choice and security.

The World Blockchain Association points out that this shift could restore U.S. competitiveness, making America a hub for blockchain and AI development. The SEC’s message resonates globally: innovation should be nurtured, not penalized.

International Context: Learning from Europe, Shaping Global Standards

Atkins also stressed the importance of collaboration with international regulators. Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) has been lauded as one of the most comprehensive frameworks for digital assets. European leaders are already discussing a potential “MiCA 2” to cover DeFi, NFTs, and decentralized lending.

The SEC acknowledges these advancements but insists that the U.S. must move faster to ensure it remains at the forefront of global cryptocurrency leadership.

“Public blockchains are inherently global,” Atkins noted, “and the U.S. cannot afford to lag behind in shaping the infrastructure of tomorrow’s financial markets.”

The World Blockchain Association underscores that this moment creates a unique opportunity for U.S.-EU transatlantic cooperation, setting global standards in digital finance, tokenization of assets, and AI-driven compliance systems.

The Rise of Tokenization and Stablecoins

One of the most significant opportunities highlighted is tokenization—the process of digitizing real-world assets such as equities, real estate, or commodities onto blockchains.

Under Project Crypto, the SEC envisions:

  • Tokenized securities traded seamlessly on-chain.
  • Stablecoin frameworks that enable faster, cheaper, and safer cross-border transactions.
  • Enhanced liquidity for global investors through blockchain-native settlement systems.

The World Blockchain Association reports that this push for tokenization could transform financial markets in the same way the internet transformed communication. By reducing friction and cost, blockchain-based tokenization could enable 24/7 markets, reduce reliance on intermediaries, and expand access to investment opportunities worldwide.

Artificial Intelligence and Web3: The Future of Capital Markets

Beyond blockchain, Chairman Atkins linked the rise of AI to the next phase of financial evolution. He introduced the concept of “agentic finance”—a system in which AI-powered autonomous agents can:

  • Execute trades at machine speed.
  • Manage portfolio risks dynamically.
  • Integrate securities compliance into code-level infrastructure.

When combined with Web3 systems, AI and blockchain could democratize access to sophisticated financial tools once limited to Wall Street elites.

The World Blockchain Association emphasizes that this convergence could redefine capital markets: faster, more transparent, and globally interconnected. The SEC pledged to avoid over-regulation of AI and instead focus on practical safeguards while enabling innovation.

Addressing Foreign Issuers and Market Integrity

The SEC Chair also revisited long-standing issues concerning foreign companies accessing U.S. capital markets. Atkins announced that the Commission is re-evaluating special exemptions for foreign issuers, particularly regarding accounting standards and disclosure rules.

While welcoming international firms, the SEC insists that high-quality accounting standards and financial materiality remain the foundation of investor trust. This reassessment could impact companies listed in offshore jurisdictions that do not meet transparency standards.

According to the World Blockchain Association, this balance—welcoming innovation while upholding investor protection and market fairness—will be crucial for maintaining the integrity of U.S. financial markets in the era of blockchain.

Global Implications: U.S. Leadership or Global Fragmentation?

Atkins’ declaration that “crypto’s time has come” resonates across the digital asset industry. However, the global community is watching closely to see whether the U.S. can translate its promises into action.

The World Blockchain Association notes that if implemented effectively, Project Crypto could:

  • Re-establish the U.S. as the leading jurisdiction for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and emerging Web3 projects.
  • Attract billions in venture capital and institutional investment back to U.S. markets.
  • Inspire global standards that balance innovation with responsibility.

If not, innovation could continue shifting toward Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—regions already advancing in crypto adoption, DeFi innovation, and NFT regulation.

The World Blockchain Association’s Perspective

As a global advocate for blockchain and digital finance, the World Blockchain Association sees this policy shift as a milestone. By aligning cryptocurrency, AI, and tokenization under a coherent strategy, the U.S. has the potential to lead the next financial revolution.

The WBA will continue monitoring developments from the SEC, Congress, and international regulators, offering insight, analysis, and dialogue to ensure that blockchain’s transformative potential is realized responsibly.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Digital Finance

The World Blockchain Association reports that the SEC’s keynote signals the end of an era of uncertainty. America is positioning itself to lead in cryptocurrency, Web3, and AI-driven financial markets.

Chairman Atkins’ words capture the urgency: “Our goal is simple: to ignite a golden age of financial innovation on American soil. Whether tokenized stock ledgers or entirely new asset classes, we want these breakthroughs to be built in America, under American regulation, and to the benefit of American investors.”

For blockchain innovators, investors, and policymakers worldwide, this marks a pivotal moment. The cryptocurrency era has officially begun, and the world is watching the United States set the tone for the future of finance.

About the World Blockchain Association

The World Blockchain Association (WBA) is a global organization dedicated to advancing knowledge, policy dialogue, and innovation in blockchain and digital finance. As a leader in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, the WBA provides stakeholders with trusted insights at the intersection of technology, regulation, and global economic trends through research, reporting, and thought leadership.