SEC Leaves Crypto Out of Its 2026 Priorities

The SEC drops any mention of crypto-assets from its priorities for 2026. This unexpected decision marks a regulatory turning point. For many, it aligns with the pro-innovation strategy advocated by Donald Trump. More details in the paragraphs below !

A First in the History of Crypto Regulation

The official document published by the SEC’s Division of Examinations for fiscal year 2026 contains no explicit reference to crypto. Neither Bitcoin, nor Ethereum, nor even the term “digital assets”.

For crypto analysts, this is a significant turnaround. In recent years, crypto ETFs, exchanges, and even derivatives were actively monitored. As recently as 2023, under Gary Gensler’s chairmanship, the SEC emphasized the risks linked to platforms offering crypto trading.

According to the press release, the SEC now prefers to focus on:

• the fiduciary duty of asset managers;
• the protection of client information;
• emerging technologies (such as artificial intelligence);
• cyber resilience against attacks (notably ransomware).

The American regulator also clarifies that its document does not exclude other areas of scrutiny.

Crypto Regulation: Strategic Shift or Normalization?

This turnaround is not accidental. It occurs in a political climate marked by the resurgence of Donald Trump, whose pro-crypto positions have multiplied in recent months. Several crypto projects have even emerged within the Trump ecosystem.

The current SEC chairman, Paul Atkins, has also clarified his stance. He emphasizes that examinations should not serve as traps but promote constructive dialogue with the supervised entities. A statement that contrasts with the martial tone adopted under Gensler !

Should this be seen as pure and simple deregulation? Not necessarily. According to some analysts, the absence of crypto in the 2026 list does not indicate an exit from the oversight perimeter but rather a gradual integration into the standard regulatory framework.

Decoding: crypto-assets are no longer seen as a specific risk but as an integral component of the financial landscape.

In any case, the absence of the crypto mention in the SEC’s priorities for 2026 sends a strong message: the sector is making a turn. Will the American regulator be able to keep its promises? To be continued…