Shift

Gary

Read

<p>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&nbsp;!</p>
<div class="in-brief">
 <div class="in-brief--container"><span></span> <span></span>
  <h2 class="in-brief--title" id="in-brief">In brief</h2>
  <ul>
   <li>The SEC no longer mentions crypto in its priorities for 2026, breaking with previous years.</li>
   <li>This omission marks an integration of the crypto sector into the standard regulatory framework rather than a repressive one.</li>
  </ul>
 </div>
</div>
<h2 id="h-a-first-in-the-history-of-crypto-regulation">A First in the History of Crypto Regulation</h2>
<p>The <strong>official document published by the SEC’s Division of Examinations</strong> for fiscal year 2026 contains no explicit reference to crypto. Neither <a href="https://www.cointribune.com/bitcoin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Bitcoin</a>, nor Ethereum, nor even the term “digital assets”.</p>
<div class="my-4">
 <div class="ads ">
 </div>
</div>
<p>For crypto analysts, this is a <strong>significant turnaround</strong>. 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.</p>
<div class="affiliate-button"><a href="https://kraken.pxf.io/K0XRaaes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Start your crypto adventure safely with Kraken</a> <a href="https://www.cointribune.com/en/sponsored-content/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">This link uses an affiliate program.</a>
</div>
<p>According to the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-132-sec-division-examinations-announces-2026-priorities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">press release</a>, the SEC now prefers to focus on:</p>
<ul>
 <li>the fiduciary duty of asset managers;</li>
 <li>the protection of client information;</li>
 <li>emerging technologies (such as artificial intelligence);</li>
 <li>cyber resilience against attacks (notably ransomware).</li>
</ul>
<p>The American regulator also clarifies that its document does not exclude other areas of scrutiny.</p>
<h2 id="h-crypto-regulation-strategic-shift-or-normalization">Crypto Regulation: Strategic Shift or Normalization?</h2>
<p>This turnaround is not accidental. It occurs in a political climate marked by <strong>the resurgence of Donald Trump</strong>, whose pro-crypto positions have multiplied in recent months. Several crypto projects have even emerged within the Trump ecosystem.</p>
<p>The current SEC chairman, <a href="https://www.cointribune.com/en/paul-atkins-officially-takes-over-the-sec-a-real-turning-point-for-the-crypto-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Paul Atkins</a>, 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&nbsp;!</p>
<div class="tweet">
 <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/Masonblakcrypto/status/1990681418595225725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
 </blockquote>
</div>
<p>Should this be seen as pure and simple deregulation? Not necessarily. According to some analysts, <strong>the absence of crypto in the 2026 list</strong> does not indicate an exit from the oversight perimeter but rather a gradual integration into the standard regulatory framework.</p>
<p>Decoding: crypto-assets are no longer seen as a specific risk but as an integral component of the financial landscape.</p>
<p>In any case, the absence of the crypto mention in the <a href="https://www.cointribune.com/quest-ce-que-la-sec/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">SEC’s</a> 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…</p>
<div class="my-4">
 <div class="ads ">
 </div>
</div>

SEC Leaves Crypto Out of Its 2026 Priorities

Table of Contents

Cointribune EN

Other articles published on Nov 18, 2025

Join our free newsletter for daily crypto updates!