SEC Unveils Ambitious Regulatory Agenda

Posted on September 29th, 2025 at 3:03 PM
SEC Unveils Ambitious Regulatory Agenda

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has released its Spring 2025 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions, signaling a sweeping shift in rulemaking priorities. According to ThinkAdvisor, SEC Chair Paul Atkins described the agenda as reflecting “a new day at the Securities and Exchange Commission, "emphasizing innovation, capital formation, market efficiency, and investor protection as core goals."

A central priority, according to Atkins, is establishing “clear rules of the road” for the issuance, custody, and trading of crypto assets, while targeting misconduct by bad actors. ThinkAdvisor reports that the agenda also highlights deregulatory proposals designed to reduce compliance burdens and streamline capital raising, with a focus on widening investor access to private businesses.

As reported by ThinkAdvisor, here are the key Initiatives in the SEC’s Regulatory Agenda:

Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT)

In October, the SEC intends to propose a comprehensive review of the CAT, inviting public comment on its design, functionality, and scope of information collection, according to ThinkAdvisor.

“Small Entity” Definition

Also slated for October, the SEC will consider revising its definitions under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. According to ThinkAdvisor, the Division of Investment Management has recommended raising the asset-based thresholds for “small business” and “small organization,” aiming to better capture the impact of rulemaking on smaller RIAs.

Custody Rules

In April 2026, the SEC plans to propose amendments or new rules to modernize custody regulations for advisory clients and fund assets, with specific consideration of crypto assets.

Crypto Assets

By April 2026, the SEC expects to propose rules governing the offer and sale of crypto assets, including potential exemptions and safe harbors, to provide clarity and stability for the market, as reported by ThinkAdvisor.

Customer Identification Programs (CIP) for RIAs

The SEC also plans to finalize CIP requirements for advisers under the Bank Secrecy Act in April 2026. The rule would require advisors to adopt procedures for verifying customer identities.

 

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory, and disciplinary matters.

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, sec

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I learned two important things working with Eccleston Law. First, I made a friend and ally with Jim and Steph for life. Secondly, and this is a crucial life lesson - if you need counsel, then seek out the very best. Jim was referred to me by a most trusted source. I've never had to hire an attorney for anything. Now, I know the value of hiring an important partner. Meticulous, thorough and detailed in preparation is the best way to describe Jim. Brilliant too, I might add. Bottom line, I would highly highly recommend Jim and Stephany for your legal needs. One of the best life decisions I've ever made.

Howard S.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

January 12, 2026
Florida Man Indicted in $36 Million Investment Fraud Scheme

According to news sources, federal prosecutors allege that a Florida man orchestrated a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme that funded a luxury lifestyle built on stolen investor money, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

January 9, 2026
FINRA Sanctions Former Wells Fargo Advisor for Profile Falsification and Unauthorized Trading

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) disciplined former Wells Fargo Advisors broker James E. Holmes III for misconduct tied to his falsifying customer information and unauthorized trading.

January 8, 2026
Georgia Investment Advisor Pleads Guilty to Ponzi Scheme

A former Georgia investment adviser has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after federal prosecutors accused his firm of operating a multiyear Ponzi scheme that cost investors millions of dollars, as reported by Financial Advisor News.