SEC removes crypto from its 2026 examination priorities

The Examination Division’s report, published on November 18, makes no mention of digital assets as a standalone area of oversight, marking a clear break from past practice.

The SEC noted that the list is not exhaustive, but the omission of crypto is striking given the Trump administration’s support for the digital asset industry. The White House has pushed for deregulation, and members of the president’s family have launched their own crypto ventures, including World Liberty Financial.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins said examinations must remain transparent and should not be used as a form of pressure. He added that publishing priorities helps firms prepare and build a constructive dialogue with the regulator. In 2026, the agency will focus on core areas such as asset management, fiduciary duties, custody standards, and the protection of client information.

Under previous SEC leadership, the annual priorities included dedicated sections on crypto assets and companies dealing with them. The 2023 and 2024 documents stated that the regulator would scrutinize the offering, sale, recommendation, and trading of crypto assets. In 2025, the SEC also flagged spot bitcoin and ethereum ETFs as areas requiring heightened oversight.

The new report does not single out the crypto market, though it does highlight technologies that may affect the industry. The SEC plans to examine risks tied to automated investment tools and artificial intelligence. The report also notes increased attention to firms’ resilience to cyber incidents, including ransomware attacks.

Even without explicit references, crypto remains part of broader regulatory discussions. The debate over shifting oversight responsibilities between the SEC and the CFTC continues, and some industry participants view expanding the CFTC’s role as a more suitable approach.