Kevin O’Leary Calls for Urgent Crypto Regulation to Unlock Institutional Investment

Kevin O’Leary, chairman of O’Leary Ventures, has issued a stark demand for accelerated regulatory clarity in the cryptocurrency sector. Speaking at Consensus 2025 in Toronto, the investor argued that institutional adoption of digital assets remains stifled by regulatory uncertainty. "I never thought I’d say this, but I want more regulation and I want it now," O’Leary declared, framing the issue as a critical barrier to growth.

The crypto industry’s assets under management have plateaued, a trend O’Leary attributes to hesitation from sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and institutional investors. His comments spotlight newly appointed SEC Chairman Paul Atkins as a potential ally for the industry. Atkins, sworn in last month, has reportedly signaled openness to crypto innovation—a development O’Leary views as pivotal for market maturation.