Original title: SEC lists crypto as an examination priority in 2025
Original author: Turner Wright
Original source: https://cointelegraph.com/
Compiled by: Mars Finance, Daisy
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has designated cryptocurrency as a review focus for 2025.
The regulatory agency's Inspection Division specifically listed spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded products as its priorities, planning to review them after their launch in 2024.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has again listed cryptocurrency as a review focus for next year, despite potential changes in its leadership and government control.
In a notice released on October 21, the SEC's Inspection Division listed its priorities for 2025, including crypto assets and their 'related products and services.'
According to the regulatory agency, it plans to focus on 'the offering, sale, recommendation, advice, trading, and other activities involving crypto assets,' explicitly mentioning spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded products.
The SEC stated: 'Given the volatility and activity in the crypto asset market, the division will continue to monitor and, where appropriate, conduct examinations of registrants providing crypto asset-related services.' It added:
'The division will evaluate registrants' practices to address technological risks associated with the use of blockchain and distributed ledger technology, including risks related to the security of crypto assets.'
According to SEC Inspection Division Deputy Director Keith Cassidy, the listed priorities identify 'key areas of potential increased risk and related harm to investors,' indicating that the commission will not change its stance on digital assets in 2025.
Chairman Gary Gensler stated that the department will help participants 'understand the rules' and emphasized the need for investor protection and capital formation.
The increase in spot cryptocurrency ETFs marks a shift in regulatory focus for reviews in 2024. The SEC first approved spot Bitcoin exchange-traded products in January and subsequently approved spot Ethereum products in May.
Changes in leadership?
Despite Gensler's term ending in June 2026, many experts suggest he may leave the SEC in January 2025 with the new presidential administration.
At a Bitcoin conference in July, Republican candidate Donald Trump promised to 'fire the SEC chairman on day one' if re-elected. Reports also suggest that Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is considering potential alternatives.
Many have criticized Gensler's approach of 'regulating through enforcement' during his tenure, as the commission filed several lawsuits against multiple crypto companies, accusing them of offering unregistered securities. Although the U.S. Supreme Court's opinion in June overturned the long-standing Chevron principle, which may affect the SEC's future performance in court, the commission still has pending cases against companies like Coinbase and Ripple.
