SEC removes cryptocurrency from 2026 priority list

For the first time in many years, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has excluded crypto assets from the list of areas subject to heightened oversight in 2026. This marks a shift in the regulator’s focus within financial markets.

Source CryptoSlate

Under former chairman Gary Gensler, the cryptocurrency industry was seen as a high-risk area, with spot ETFs on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) being a top priority for inspections. The SEC’s attention has now turned to artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and automated investment algorithms. Cryptocurrency is no longer considered a high-priority area for scrutiny.

This shift in SEC priorities may influence the future development of both the crypto market and AI-related markets, encouraging new regulatory approaches and innovations.