SEC 2026 Priorities Omit Crypto Focus Amidst Policy Shift

The U.S. SEC’s Division of Examinations has removed the dedicated crypto-assets section from its priorities for fiscal 2026, reflecting a more positive stance toward digital assets.
Focus areas now include fiduciary duty, standards of conduct, custody, privacy, and operational resilience, though the list is not exhaustive.
Information security, incident response, ransomware, artificial intelligence risks, and polymorphic malware are emphasized in the accompanying priorities document.
An “Emerging Financial Technology” section is included but does not specifically mention cryptocurrencies.
This change aligns with the Trump administration's industry-friendly approach, aiming for constructive dialogue rather than punitive measures.
The 2025 focus included explicit mentions of crypto-assets and risks related to AI in advisory contexts.
Cybersecurity and operational resiliency remain significant concerns for the SEC.
The Division continues to examine compliance among investment advisers, funds, broker-dealers, exchanges, and other entities, emphasizing new Reg S-P requirements for safeguarding customer information.