The US SEC has prioritized cryptocurrencies in its examination agenda for the upcoming year, despite the possibility of a change in its leadership and government control.
The SEC’s Division of Examinations disclosed its objectives for 2025 in a notice issued on October 21, encompassing crypto assets and their “associated products and services.”
The regulator intended to concentrate on the “offer, sale, recommendation, advice, trading, and other activities involving crypto assets,” explicitly mentioning Bitcoin BTC and Ether exchange-traded products.
US SEC Division To Prioritize Crypto In 2025
“The Division will continue to monitor and, when appropriate, conduct examinations of registrants offering crypto asset-related services, given the volatility and activity involving the crypto asset markets,” stated the SEC.
“The Division will assess registrant practices to address the technological risks associated with the use of blockchain and distributed ledger technology, including risks pertaining to the security of crypto assets.”
The list of priorities identified “key areas of potentially increased risks and related harm for investors,” according to Keith Cassidy, the SEC’s Acting Director of the Division of Examinations. Cassidy indicated that the commission would keep its approach to digital assets the same in 2025.
According to Chair Gary Gensler, the division would assist participants in comprehending the regulations, emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding investors and facilitating capital formation.
Including spot crypto ETFs was a departure from the regulator’s 2024 examination priorities. Spot BTC exchange-traded products were initially authorized by the SEC in January, and spot ETH exchange-traded products were subsequently approved in May.
Is There Change in leadership?
Even though Gensler’s term is set to conclude in June 2026, numerous experts have proposed that he may depart the SEC in January 2025 after the inauguration of a new presidential administration.
Reports have indicated that Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris was also considering potential replacements. Republican candidate Donald Trump pledged to fire the SEC chief “on day one” if reelected at a Bitcoin conference in July.
The US SEC’s “regulation by enforcement” approach under Gensler has been criticized by many, as the commission has filed numerous lawsuits against crypto firms, alleging unregistered securities offerings.
Although the US SEC may be impacted by a June opinion from the US Supreme Court that overturns the longstanding Chevron doctrine in future court proceedings, the commission continues pending cases against Coinbase, Ripple, and other entities.
