The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has released its examination priorities for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, notably excluding any specific mention of cryptocurrencies or digital assets. This marks a departure from previous years, which had emphasized crypto-related oversight.
The SEC’s Division of Examinations, responsible for enforcing federal securities laws across various financial entities, highlighted other core areas such as fiduciary duty, custody, and customer information protection. The omission suggests a regulatory pivot amid a growing crypto market under the current presidential administration.
SEC’s 2026 Priorities Focus on Emerging Technologies and Cybersecurity
While the 2026 priorities document does not list crypto explicitly, the SEC emphasized attention to risks tied to emerging technologies. The report highlights artificial intelligence and automated investment tools as key focal points for examination.
Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, with the agency pledging to scrutinize firms’ readiness and response capabilities to cyber incidents, including ransomware attacks. This reflects the SEC’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding market infrastructure against evolving threats.
Background: Previous Crypto-Focused Priorities
Under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, the Division of Examinations explicitly targeted crypto asset activities, including the offering, trading, and advising related to digital assets. Spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds were specifically named as areas of concern amid market volatility.
Last year’s document stated the Division’s intention to monitor and conduct examinations of registrants involved in crypto services. The 2023 priorities also dedicated a section to crypto assets and emerging financial technology.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins Comments on Examination Approach
SEC Chair Paul Atkins underscored the constructive intent behind examinations, stating they should not be viewed as a “gotcha” exercise. He emphasized transparency and dialogue between firms and examiners to support regulatory compliance.
Atkins said, “Today’s release of examination priorities should enable firms to prepare to have a constructive dialogue with SEC examiners and provide transparency into the priorities of the agency’s most public-facing division.”
Industry Context and Regulatory Environment
The U.S. crypto industry has expanded significantly during the current administration, which favors deregulation. The Trump family has increased its involvement in the crypto space through ventures such as trading platforms, mining operations, stablecoins, and tokens.
Despite the absence of explicit crypto references, the SEC noted that its priorities list is not exhaustive, leaving room for oversight of crypto-related matters as necessary.
