SEC Retreats from ‘Regulation By Enforcement’ Approach

During his speeches and testimonies before the Senate, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins has retreated from the expansive “regulation by enforcement” approach of former SEC Chairman Gary Gensler and clarified that “policymaking will be done through notice and comment rulemaking.”

11 minute read February 01, 2026 at 12:11 AM
By
John Carney and Nikita Mistry
SEC Retreats from ‘Regulation By Enforcement’ Approach

In 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission witnessed sweeping changes at the agency and its enforcement agenda. The SEC named Paul Atkins as the Chairman on April 21, 2025, and retired military Judge Margaret (Meg) Ryan as the Director of the Division of Enforcement, effective Sept. 2, 2025.

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