Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins recently discussed the agency’s stance on Ethereum (ETH) in an interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on July 21. He mentioned that the SEC has informally stated that Ethereum is not considered a security, leaving the decision of whether to hold the token in treasury reserves up to individual companies.
Atkins emphasized the significance of Ethereum in the digital currency market, highlighting its role as a key component for various other cryptocurrencies. He expressed optimism about the future development prospects of Ethereum, stating that its widespread adoption bodes well for the industry.
The discussion on Ethereum comes at a time when corporate treasuries are increasingly turning to ETH as a strategic asset. Bit Digital recently announced a transition from a Bitcoin-only treasury to an Ethereum-only treasury, selling off 280 BTC and acquiring approximately $172 million through a share sale to boost their ETH holdings.
Similarly, SharpLink Gaming revealed that it now holds 280,706 ETH in its treasury, making it the largest known corporate position valued at $867 million. The company has been actively accumulating ETH, with a significant portion of its holdings staked to generate additional returns.
Chairman Joseph Lubin highlighted the concept of “collective capitalism” underpinning the reserve strategy, emphasizing the decentralized nature of Ethereum’s network as a key driver of corporate treasury decisions.
Atkins also touched upon the regulatory landscape surrounding stablecoins and retirement access in the digital asset space. He pointed out that stablecoins backed by regulated entities could facilitate faster delivery versus payment for securities, reducing counterparty risk and transaction costs in US capital markets.
Furthermore, Atkins underscored the growing interest among individual investors in incorporating digital asset strategies, including Ethereum, into their retirement plans. He stressed the need for collaboration between regulatory bodies like the SEC and the Department of Labor to establish standards for valuation, liquidity, and fees, enabling fiduciaries to offer registered products to long-term savers.
As of the latest market data at 6:56 pm UTC on July 21, 2025, Ethereum holds the second position by market cap with a price increase of 0.75% over the past 24 hours. The total crypto market is valued at $3.92 trillion, with Bitcoin dominance standing at 59.72%.
Overall, the increasing adoption of Ethereum by corporate treasuries and the regulatory recognition of stablecoins signal a growing acceptance of digital assets in mainstream financial markets. The evolving landscape presents opportunities for innovation and collaboration within the industry, paving the way for broader adoption of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.