The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Examinations published a list of examination priorities for fiscal year 2026, ending September 30, 2026, that made no mention of cryptocurrencies or digital assets.
However, department representatives later clarified that the stated priorities are not “an exhaustive list of all areas that the division will focus on next year.”
Reviews are an essential element of fulfilling the agency’s mission, but they should not be a formality. Today’s release of the «Examination Priorities» should allow firms to prepare for a constructive dialogue with SEC examiners and ensure transparency of the agency’s public-facing division’s priorities, said SEC Chairman Paul Atkins.
Atkins’ position differs significantly from that of his predecessor, Gary Gensler, who called for close monitoring of companies involved in the crypto industry.
The SEC’s Division of Enforcement is responsible for monitoring organizations, including investment advisers, broker-dealers, clearing agencies, and stock exchanges, for compliance with federal securities laws. Next year, officials will focus on «risks associated with the use of emerging technologies,» which include artificial intelligence and automated investment tools.
The agency will also pay «particular attention» to companies’ ability to respond to and recover from cyber incidents, «including ransomware attacks.»