Paul Atkins, the current Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), will deliver a keynote speech at the highly anticipated Bitcoin 2026 conference, a major event in the cryptocurrency sector, taking place in Las Vegas in late April 2026. Atkins, a notable figure in financial regulation circles, is attracting worldwide attention due to his influential role in revamping US digital asset policies. Previously serving as an SEC commissioner during the Bush era, Atkins was selected in 2025 by former US President Donald Trump and has since been a pivotal figure in the emerging regulatory landscape concerning digital currencies.
How Is the SEC Adapting to the Crypto Landscape?
Under Atkins’ direction, the SEC has introduced “Project Crypto,” aiming to replace outdated regulatory frameworks with progressive strategies fit for the digital space. This initiative seeks to transition American financial markets to blockchain platforms, create definitive guidelines for Bitcoin storage and trading, and accommodate the dynamic needs of the digital economy. Atkins stresses the SEC’s role in driving innovation as the financial domain enters a transformative phase.
“We are working together in line with President Trump’s promise to make America the world’s crypto hub,” stated Atkins.
What Changes Are on the Horizon for Bitcoin Conferences?
The SEC’s current stance represents a substantial shift from the stringent regulatory environment seen during Gary Gensler’s tenure. Gensler’s leadership was marked by rigorous oversight of Bitcoin and broader crypto assets, but it lacked the regulatory transparency desired by market participants. At the Bitcoin 2024 event, Donald Trump, then a candidate, committed to appointing a leader more attuned to the needs of the crypto sector. Atkins’ appointment has since heralded a major policy shift, aligning the SEC more closely with digital asset industry aspirations.
Bitcoin 2026, set for the Venetian in Las Vegas, promises to be an unprecedented gathering, drawing attendees from across the globe. Investors, developers, miners, and policymakers will converge, engaging in a variety of sessions centered on the future of digital assets. This year’s conference agenda is replete with educational seminars, technical workshops, and networking venues catering to a wide audience spectrum.
The event will feature a variety of ticketing options, ranging from entry-level passes to exclusive packages for influential industry figures. Corporate participants will enjoy privileged access, while newcomers will gain insightful introductions to the digital asset world.
The comprehensive itinerary includes key presentations, technical workshops, open-source project discussions, and panels covering subjects such as mining, sustainable technology, and regulatory guidelines. Emphasis will also be placed on global Bitcoin adoption and corporate strategy insights, ensuring attendees leave with valuable knowledge.
In recent years, the popularity of Bitcoin conferences in the United States has expanded dramatically. Last year’s event in Las Vegas attracted over 35,000 participants, with this year’s event expected to surpass that number. Atkins’ participation as a keynote speaker underscores a significant convergence between crypto sector leaders and regulators, reflecting the increasing incorporation of digital currencies into mainstream financial systems.
Organizers promise announcements of more prominent speakers soon, encompassing a spectrum of industries to foster enriched discussions on cryptocurrencies’ potential impacts on global markets.
