SEC lists cryptocurrency as an examination priority in 2025
The regulator’s Division of Examinations has particularly listed spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded instruments as priorities following their debut in 2024.
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has again placed cryptocurrencies on its list of examination priorities for the coming year, despite the fact that its leadership and government control may change hands.
In an Oct. 21 notice, the SEC’s Division of Examinations revealed its objectives for 2025, which included crypto assets and “associated products and services.”
The regulator stated that it intended to focus on the “offer, sale, recommendation, advice, trading, and other activities involving crypto assets,” specifically citing spot Bitcoin BTC $67,206 and Ether ETH $2,621.16 exchange-traded products.
The regulator’s Division of Examinations has explicitly prioritised spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded instruments upon their implementation in 2024.
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has included cryptocurrencies on its list of examination priorities for the coming year, despite the possibility that its leadership and government authority would change hands.
The SEC’s Division of Examinations announced its priorities for 2025 on October 21, covering cryptocurrency assets and their “associated products and services.”
According to the regulator, it intends to focus on “offer, sale, recommendation, advice, trading, and other activities involving crypto assets,” specifically naming spot Bitcoin BTC $67,206 and Ether ETH $2,621.16 exchange-traded products.
Change in leadership?
Though Gensler’s term is set to conclude in June 2026, many experts believe he could quit the SEC in January 2025, when a new presidential administration takes office.
At a Bitcoin conference in July, Republican nominee Donald Trump promised to fire the SEC chair “on day one” if reelected, while reports suggest Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is also exploring for suitable replacements.
Many have criticised the SEC’s approach to “regulation by enforcement” under Gensler, since the agency has filed multiple cases against cryptocurrency startups, alleging unregistered securities offerings. Though a June judgement from the US Supreme Court invalidating the long-standing Chevron theory could have an impact on the SEC’s future litigation, the commission still has proceedings outstanding against Coinbase, Ripple, and others.
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