SEC outlines 2027 examination priorities

The SEC announced its Division of Examinations’ fiscal-year 2027 priorities on 23 October 2026. The document sets out areas informing a risk-based examination programme covering more than 34,000 registrants. It reflects examination findings, developments in markets, engagement with industry and concerns raised by investors.

Highlighted topics include advisers’ obligations to clients, conflicts of interest, recommendations and compliance arrangements. Other areas cover complex and illiquid products, private funds and private credit, broker-dealer financial responsibility, trading supervision and anti-money-laundering controls. Cybersecurity, customer information and operational resilience are also included.

The agency identified emerging technology and changes to market infrastructure, including Treasury clearing and tokenisation, as examination considerations. The priorities are not an exhaustive catalogue of what examiners may review. The division said it will continue assessing risks and can adjust its attention in response to developments during the year. Publication of a priority does not itself establish misconduct by a particular business.

Source: SEC release 2026-109, published 23 October 2026; verified 9 November 2026.