The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released its 2025 examination priorities for the Division of Examinations.
The division publishes its examination priorities annually to inform investors and registrants of potential risks in the U.S. capital markets as well as to make them aware of the exam topics that it plans to focus on in the new fiscal year.
The 2025 examination priorities cover a broad landscape of potential risks to investors that firms should consider as they review and strengthen their compliance programs.
This year’s examinations will prioritize perennial and emerging risk areas, such as fiduciary duty, standards of conduct, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
“Our 2025 examination priorities identify the key areas of potentially increased risks and related harm for investors,” Keith Cassidy, acting director of the Division of Examinations, said. “We hope that registrants will evaluate their compliance programs in the areas we identified and make the changes necessary to protect investors and maintain fair and orderly capital markets.”
In, the division will also examine for compliance with new rules, the use of emerging technologies, and the soundness of controls intended to protect investor information, records, and assets.
“The Division of Examinations 2025 priorities enhance trust in our ever-evolving markets,” SEC Chair Gary Gensler said. “In examining for compliance with our time-tested rules, the Division plays a critical role in protecting investors and facilitating capital formation. Working with registrants to understand the rules helps ensure that markets work for investors and issuers alike.”