SEC Drops Crypto Focus in 2026 Wall Street Exam Priorities
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has removed its specific emphasis on cryptocurrency oversight from its 2026 examination priorities for Wall Street firms, signaling a significant policy shift under the current administration.
Key Changes in Examination Focus
In its annual priorities statement released Monday, the SEC’s Division of Examinations outlined it would concentrate on:
- Fiduciary duty and standards of conduct
- Asset custody requirements
- Customer data privacy regulations
- Other compliance subjects
Notably absent was the standalone section on crypto activity and digital asset volatility that featured prominently in previous years’ examination priorities.
Administration Shift on Crypto Policy
The move represents a substantial departure from the previous administration’s approach. Under President Donald Trump, who has personally and politically embraced the cryptocurrency sector, the SEC has pursued a pro-development agenda for digital assets.
This contrasts sharply with the prior administration’s view of the industry as “rife with fraud and noncompliance.” Industry observers are likely to interpret the examination priority shift as another positive signal for crypto development.
SEC Clarifies Examination Approach
In response to inquiries, an SEC spokesperson highlighted that the published priorities represent “not … an exhaustive list of all areas” examiners will focus on during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026.
“Examinations are an important component to accomplishing the agency’s mission, but they should not be a ’gotcha’ exercise,” said SEC Chairman Paul Atkins. “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.”
Reporting by Douglas Gillison in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis
