The agency’s latest priorities list makes no direct reference to digital assets — a sharp departure from previous years and a move seen as aligned with the industry-friendly stance of the current administration.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has released its 2026 examination priorities, and for the first time in years, the agency made no explicit mention of cryptocurrency. The omission stands out in contrast to earlier reports that placed heavy emphasis on digital-asset oversight and comes as the U.S. crypto sector expands rapidly under a more supportive federal posture.
Crypto Absent From SEC’s 2026 Focus Areas
The SEC’s Division of Examinations published its annual priorities document on Monday, detailing key areas it plans to scrutinize through September 2026.
Unlike the reports issued in 2023, 2024 and 2025 — which contained dedicated sections on crypto assets — this year’s list avoids directly highlighting digital assets or crypto-related financial products.
The agency clarified that the list is not exhaustive, meaning crypto asset oversight is not off the table, but the absence of a dedicated section signals a notable adjustment in emphasis.
This shift parallels the broader federal tone under President Donald Trump, whose administration has taken a deregulatory approach and fostered rapid industry growth.
Changing Regulatory Climate Under New Leadership
Over the past year, the U.S. crypto market has expanded significantly, with new trading platforms, mining operations and stablecoin ventures launched by members of the Trump family and other industry participants. The administration has repeatedly expressed support for blockchain innovation and reduced regulatory friction.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins underscored that examinations are meant to promote constructive engagement rather than punitive enforcement.
“Examinations should not be a ‘gotcha’ exercise,” Atkins said, urging firms to view the priorities document as a guide for transparent dialogue.
A Contrast to Previous Years of Crypto Scrutiny
Under former Chair Gary Gensler, the SEC regularly spotlighted crypto assets, naming the offer, sale, trading and custody of digital tokens as primary areas of examination. Last year’s document even highlighted spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs as key oversight targets.
In recent cycles, the Division of Examinations had also issued standalone sections devoted to crypto and emerging financial technologies.
The 2026 report replaces those sections with broader categories such as fiduciary duty, custody rules, and the protection of customer information.
Focus Shifts to AI, Automated Tools and Cybersecurity
Although crypto did not receive direct attention, the SEC emphasized risks tied to emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence and automated investment platforms.
The report also states that examiners will give “particular attention” to firms’ ability to respond to cyber events, including ransomware attacks — a growing concern across financial markets.
The transition suggests a rebalancing of regulatory priorities, with technology oversight widening while crypto-specific scrutiny recedes.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.