In opening remarks at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Private Markets Roundtable, Chairman Paul S. Atkins set out a priority of expanding investor access to private markets while maintaining investor protections, describing the objective as “responsible retailization” of post-tax, pre-retirement dollars. He noted that these remarks reflected his views as Chairman and not necessarily those of the SEC as an institution. Atkins argued that exposure to private markets should not be reserved only for investors who meet a wealth threshold or are deemed sufficiently sophisticated, and framed the task as expanding pathways with appropriate guardrails. He highlighted that the roundtable would examine how valuation practices are evolving as private-market strategies move into public and hybrid investment products, including fair-value approaches, governance expectations, coordination among service providers, and emerging practices aimed at consistent and reliable valuation.
U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission 2026-03-04
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission chair outlines focus on responsible retail access and valuation practices in private markets
SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins emphasized expanding investor access to private markets with protections, calling it "responsible retailization" of post-tax, pre-retirement dollars. He advocated broader access beyond wealthy investors, with safeguards. The roundtable will explore evolving valuation practices in private-market strategies, including fair-value approaches and governance expectations.