Paul Atkins’ SEC Picks Moloney to Lead Corporation Finance, Supports Crypto “Super Apps”
The SEC named corporate lawyer and former SEC official James Moloney as head of its Corporation Finance Division, filling a key leadership post under Chairman Paul Atkins. Moloney, who previously served at the SEC and later at Gibson Dunn, succeeds acting director Cicely LaMothe. Atkins, who has prioritized easing disclosure burdens and fostering crypto innovation, said Moloney is a “seasoned professional.” In recent speeches, Atkins outlined a shift from enforcement-heavy oversight to clear, supportive regulations, including allowing “virtual asset super apps” offering trading, lending, staking, and custody in one platform. He stressed rules should balance investor protection with entrepreneurial freedom, warning against overly costly compliance. Atkins also praised Europe’s MiCA framework as a model for comprehensive digital asset regulation.