SEC’s 2026 Playbook: Crypto? Not Today, Sisu! 🚀

The U.S. SEC’s Division of Examinations unveiled its fiscal 2026 priorities with all the subtlety of a bear wearing a top hat-no crypto-assets section, just a polite wave goodbye. A bold move, or a desperate bluff? Only time will tell if this is a strategic pivot or a bureaucratic facepalm. 🤷‍♂️

Washington’s newfound love for digital assets shines brighter than a crypto bro’s grin after a rug pull. Yet the SEC prefers to spotlight fiduciary duty, custody, and operational resilience-terms so jargon-heavy they could make a sailor weep. “Not exhaustive,” they say, as if to whisper, “We’re still watching… maybe.”

What’s on SEC’s Radar This Year?

A companion document, written with the enthusiasm of a tax auditor at a party, highlights ransomware and AI risks. Because nothing says “progress” like warning about polymorphic malware while ignoring the blockchain gold rush. The “Emerging Financial Technology” section is a ghost town-crypto’s name absent, but the vibes are very 2026. 🤖

Reuters, ever the drama queen, linked the crypto omission to Trump’s “let them eat coins” policy. SEC Chair Paul S. Atkins, with the sincerity of a man selling you a bridge, declared exams should foster “constructive dialogue.” Translation: “We’ll find something to nitpick.”

How the SEC Scrutinized Crypto Before

Last year’s priorities listed crypto with the urgency of a dying star. Risks tied to AI and automated tools were flagged like neon signs in a casino. Cybersecurity? Oh yes, because nothing says “trust us” like worrying about hackers stealing your grandma’s life savings. 💾

For context, the Division examines everyone from investment advisers to exchanges, all while reiterating Reg S-P requirements like a broken record. Traditional scopes, new rules-because why not confuse people twice? The 2026 agenda is a masterclass in bureaucratic theater. 🎭

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2025-11-18 19:19