The latest examination priorities document released by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for 2026 notably does not address cryptocurrency, a departure from its usual focus.

On Monday, the SEC’s Division of Examinations unveiled its examination priorities for the fiscal year concluding on September 30, 2026, without an explicit mention of crypto or digital assets.

Nonetheless, the SEC emphasized that the priorities presented are not a complete list of the focus areas for the upcoming year.

The US cryptocurrency sector has thrived under the leadership of President Donald Trump, who has focused on deregulating the industry, while his family has ventured into crypto trading, mining, stablecoins, and token activities.

“Examinations are an important component to accomplishing the agency’s mission, but they should not be a ’gotcha’ exercise,” SEC Chair Paul Atkins noted.

“Today’s release of examination priorities should enable firms to prepare for a constructive dialogue with SEC examiners, enhancing transparency regarding the agency’s priorities,” he added.

The Division of Examinations investigates compliance with federal securities laws among various organizations, including investment advisers and stock exchanges.

Last year, under the SEC leadership of Gary Gensler, a focus was placed on the activities involving crypto assets, specifically mentioning spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs as high priorities.

The examination division previously included a section dedicated to crypto and emerging financial technologies in its 2023 report.

In its updated priorities list, the SEC is centering its focus on “core areas” such as fiduciary duty, client asset custody, and the protection of customer information.

Moreover, the SEC’s report indicates an intent to assess the risks tied to the use of new technologies, specifically artificial intelligence and automated investing tools, while also paying attention to firms’ capacity to respond to cyber incidents, including those stemming from ransomware attacks.