Crypto’s Curious Disappearance? 🤔

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It is a truth universally acknowledged, that an omission by the Securities and Exchange Commission must be due to some…influence. Indeed, news has reached this corner that the SEC’s latest pronouncements regarding their examinations for the year 2026, contain no mention whatsoever of those troublesome, and dare one say speculative, crypto-assets. A most peculiar circumstance, especially when one considers the recent…enthusiasm…displayed by a certain former President for all things digital. 🧐

The Division of Examinations, in their wisdom, have released their priorities for the coming fiscal year – concluding, rather conveniently, on the 30th of September, 2026 – and have elected to entirely overlook the bubbling cauldron of crypto innovation. One wonders if this is a case of selective vision, or perhaps a deliberate disregard for matters too…modern?

They hasten to add, of course, that this list is not, and I quote, “an exhaustive list.” A statement which, whilst technically accurate, does little to quell the raised eyebrows and knowing smiles amongst those of a discerning nature.

For it is widely known that the crypto industry has flourished under the patronage of the aforementioned gentleman, who appears quite determined to unshackle this new financial frontier. Nor is it lost on anyone that members of his family have taken a rather keen interest in the possibilities…a trading platform here, a mining venture there. How utterly…convenient. 🙄

Mr. Paul Atkins, presently at the helm of the SEC, assures us that these examinations are not intended to be a “’gotcha’ exercise.” Oh, indeed? One almost suspects a touch of…sarcasm. He further states that these priorities will allow firms to “prepare for a constructive dialogue.” A ‘constructive dialogue’, one imagines, occurring whilst the SEC politely avoids the subject entirely?

The Division of Examinations, as all sensible people are aware, spends its time poking about in the affairs of investment advisors, broker-dealers, and other such establishments, ensuring they adhere to the rules – or at least, attempting to.

Just last year, under the stewardship of Mr. Gensler (a name which may soon fade from memory, one hopes!), crypto was placed firmly under the regulatory microscope, with specific attention paid to Bitcoin and Ether funds. They were, it seems, quite preoccupied with ‘volatility and activity’. One might ask if a little excitement is truly so dreadful? 🤔

Indeed, a whole section of their report in 2023 was devoted to this newfangled technology. Now, silence. A most curious alteration of focus.

They now speak instead of “core areas” such as fiduciary duty and protecting customers’ information. Laudable goals, certainly, but one wonders if they are merely shifting their gaze to avoid a particularly thorny issue. A bit like rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, perhaps?

They do, however, acknowledge “emerging technologies,” singling out Artificial Intelligence for particular attention. As if a machine learning algorithm poses a greater threat to the financial order than a decentralised currency. The very notion! And, naturally, much concern is expressed regarding cyber-attacks and ransomware. Because, quite predictably, those remain a constant source of woe. 😩

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2025-11-18 09:34