Kevin O’Leary, the outspoken chairman of O’Leary Ventures, has made an unexpected call for clearer crypto regulation—a plea he believes is crucial for the digital asset market to mature. Speaking at the Consensus 2025 conference in Toronto last Thursday, O’Leary took the stage to discuss the current state of crypto assets under management, expressing concerns that the lack of regulatory clarity is stymieing the industry’s growth. “I never thought I’d say this, but I want more regulation and I want it now,” O’Leary candidly admitted to the audience, underscoring a shift in his perspective on the need for regulatory frameworks.
A New Era at the SEC
O’Leary’s remarks come on the heels of a significant leadership change at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where Paul Atkins was sworn in as the new chairman last month. Atkins, known for his crypto-friendly stance, has replaced Gary Gensler, whose tenure was marked by what many in the industry perceived as an aggressive, enforcement-driven approach to regulation. “He said he was gonna sue you, and he sued you,” O’Leary noted with a hint of grudging admiration for Gensler’s consistency. However, with Atkins at the helm, there’s a palpable sense of optimism among crypto advocates who hope for a more constructive regulatory environment. For a deeper dive into the regulatory implications, see our coverage of the SEC’s latest guidance.
Sources within the SEC have indicated that Atkins plans to oversee the development of a more structured regulatory framework that supports innovation while protecting investors. This shift is seen as a potential game-changer for institutional investors who have been hesitant to dive into the crypto waters due to regulatory uncertainties.
Institutional Adoption on the Horizon?
The crypto market’s potential to attract institutional investors has long been touted but remains largely unrealized. O’Leary pointed out that a clearer regulatory landscape could unlock significant capital flows from sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and other major institutional players. “The minute that happens, it will signal the move to the next act, the market infrastructure act,” he said, referencing the eagerly anticipated GENIUS Act, which is expected to pass within months. The passage of this act could be the catalyst for a wave of institutional investments, potentially injecting a trillion dollars into the market and indexing bitcoin.
O’Leary’s insights are not just theoretical musings. His personal experiences with the SEC, particularly a decade-old Wells notice over a discussion on debt tokenization, have shaped his views on the necessity of clear and predictable regulatory measures. He recounted the unnerving experience of receiving the notice, which temporarily dampened his enthusiasm for engaging with crypto markets in the U.S. “I got the message,” he said, reflecting on the incident that had previously made him wary of the volatile regulatory landscape.
A Friendlier Regulatory Climate?
Since Gensler’s departure earlier this year, the SEC’s stance on crypto has softened, with the establishment of a Crypto Task Force led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, a well-known advocate for the industry. The task force has already begun dropping several investigations and lawsuits initiated under Gensler’s regime, signaling a potential thaw in the agency’s previously icy relationship with crypto companies. This follows a pattern of institutional adoption, which we detailed in our analysis of corporate treasury investments.
This friendlier regulatory climate, coupled with the anticipated legislative changes, has sparked optimism among crypto enthusiasts who are eager for the industry to reach new heights. However, as with all things in the volatile world of digital assets, there are no guarantees. The crypto community is watching closely, aware that while the winds of change seem favorable, the path to widespread institutional adoption is fraught with challenges.
As the crypto industry stands on the brink of what could be a transformative period, Kevin O’Leary’s call for more regulation—a sentiment once considered anathema in the freewheeling world of digital currency—might just be the pragmatic approach needed to usher in a new era of growth and stability. Whether the anticipated regulatory shifts will indeed open the floodgates remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the crypto market is poised for a pivotal year ahead.
Source
This article is based on: Kevin O’Leary: ‘I Want More Regulation, And I Want It Now’
Further Reading
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- UK’s FCA Seeks Public and Industry Views on Crypto Regulation
- Crypto Coalition Tells SEC Staking Is ‘Essential Good,’ Not a Security
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
