SEC’s 2026 Exam Priorities Reflect Broader Pro-Crypto Political Shift

The SEC‘s decision to remove a dedicated crypto oversight emphasis from its 2026 examination priorities represents more than a bureaucratic update—it signals a profound shift in US financial policy.

Unlike in prior years, the agency’s list of exam focuses contains no explicit mention of crypto assets or their volatility, instead prioritizing perennial issues like fiduciary duty.

This pivot reflects the political embrace of the crypto sector by the current administration, which has sought to promote its development, a stark about-face from the fraud-focused posture of the past.

While the SEC notes its list is not exhaustive, the industry is poised to interpret this deliberate omission as a major regulatory victory and a testament to its growing political influence.