SEC Chairman Paul Atkins: Public markets should grow in size and breadth

• 208 IPOs in the first half of 2026, with over 400 IPOs raising $180 billion in the last four quarters (4x the previous period).
• SEC aims to rebuild public markets by addressing disincentives for young companies to go public, enabling average Americans to invest in their growth.
• Noted that there are 40% fewer public companies today than 30 years ago, with many staying private longer due to deep private markets.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins discusses the recent surge in IPOs, with over 400 new listings raising $180 billion in the last four quarters, attributing it to a strategic shift in regulatory policy and economic fundamentals. He expresses concern about the long-term decline in public companies and advocates for policies to encourage private companies to go public earlier, allowing broader investor participation in growth.