For the first time in years, cryptocurrencies are not listed as a specific focus area in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) publication of priorities for the 2026 fiscal year. This exclusion undoubtedly marks a 360-degree turn in the agency’s strategy in the Trump era, as highlighted by SEC Chair Paul Atkins. The focus of oversight will now center on broader themes, such as AI or cybersecurity.
This change aligns with the pro-crypto regulatory environment driven by the Trump administration and contrasts sharply with last year’s priorities, which explicitly named Bitcoin and Ether ETFs and digital asset services activity as main targets. The new approach suggests that the SEC seeks to integrate digital assets into the general regulatory framework, treating the sector less as an independent “problem area” and more as a normalized part of the financial ecosystem.
The fact that cryptocurrencies are not listed as a priority does not mean the end of surveillance, but rather their normalization within the mainstream financial environment. Experts point out that the SEC can still intervene when digital assets pose risks under general themes of compliance and customer protection. The industry must now monitor the implementation of regulations surrounding AI and cybersecurity, as these will be the new lenses through which financial service firms, including those dealing with digital assets, will be examined.
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