The SEC is abandoning any mention of crypto-assets in its priorities for 2026. This unexpected decision marks a regulatory turning point. For many, it aligns with the pro-innovation strategy defended by Donald Trump. More details in the paragraphs that follow!
In brief
- The SEC no longer mentions crypto in its priorities for 2026, breaking with previous years.
- This omission marks an integration of the crypto sector into the classic, non-repressive regulatory framework.
A first in the history of crypto regulation
THE official document published by the Examinations Division of the SEC for fiscal year 2026 does not contain any explicit reference to crypto. Not Bitcoin, not Ethereum, not even the word “digital assets”.
For crypto analysts, this is a significant turnaround. In recent years, crypto ETFs, exchanges and even derivatives have indeed been the subject of active surveillance. As late as 2023, under the presidency of Gary Gensler, the SEC insisted on the risks associated with platforms offering crypto trading.
According to the press releasethe SEC now prefers to focus on:
- the fiduciary duty of asset managers;
- protection of customer information;
- emerging technologies (such as artificial intelligence);
- cyber resilience in the face of attacks (notably ransomware).
The American regulator also specifies that its document does not exclude other areas of control.
Crypto regulation: strategic change of course or standardization?
This turnaround is not random. He intervenes in a political climate marked by the comeback of Donald Trumpwhose pro-crypto positions have multiplied in recent months. Several crypto projects have even emerged in the Trump ecosystem.
The current president of the SEC, Paul Atkins, also wanted to clarify his position. He emphasizes that examinations should not serve as traps, but encourage constructive dialogue with the supervised entities. A statement that contrasts with the martial tone adopted under Gensler!
Should we see this 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 control perimeter, but rather a progressive integration into the classic regulatory field.
Decryption: we no longer consider crypto-assets as a specific risk, but an integral component of the financial landscape.
In any case, the absence of the crypto mention in the SEC's priorities for the year 2026 sends a strong message: the sector is beginning to turn around. Will the American regulator be able to keep its promises? To be continued…
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