The global regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is undergoing significant transformation. In the U.S., everything looks set to change with the nomination of Paul Atkins as SEC Chair, replacing Gary Gensler.

 recently spoke with Cointelegraph about the impact of this transition and what she expects moving forward. In an 

, she noted that Atkins is likely to take a more business-friendly approach to regulation and that, while the SEC’s legal groundwork remains, the agency may shift away from its aggressive enforcement tactics. 

“Gensler was criticized by the crypto industry for taking an approach that they perceived to be overly aggressive where he was stepping outside of the SEC’s congressional mandate and essentially making up powers and exercising what it did not have constitutionally,” Ho said. “The change we’ll see is hopefully a decrease in such regulation by enforcement and perhaps more of a proactive, business-friendly, crypto-friendly approach taken by the agency as opposed to more of an antagonistic one.”

Ho also spoke about key legal developments that should not be overlooked by crypto industry participants. For example, the recent overturning of the Chevron deference doctrine could provide the crypto industry with greater freedom, as courts will no longer be required to defer to the SEC’s interpretation of regulations to the same extent. This change could mark a pivotal moment for the industry, providing clearer legal pathways for digital asset businesses.

“If the courts no longer have to defer to that interpretation, the logical thought would be that the crypto industry would have more freedom to operate,” she said. Read the Cointelegraph Q&A in its entirety here: 

How crypto laws are changing across the world in 2025

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Charlyn Ho discusses global crypto regulatory shifts, including Paul Atkins' SEC nomination and what the transition means for digital asset markets in a Cointelegraph feature.

Crypto's Changing Landscape: Charlyn Ho | Rikka Law

Rikka Law blog post illustration: Rikka Founder Discusses Changing Crypto Landscape, SEC Transition in Cointelegraph Feature

Rikka Law: Rikka Founder Discusses Changing Crypto Landscape, SEC Transition in Cointelegraph Feature

Rikka Founder Discusses Changing Crypto Landscape, SEC Transition in Cointelegraph Feature

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Rikka Founder Discusses Changing Crypto Landscape, SEC Transition in Cointelegraph Feature

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