On October 21, 2024, the Division of Examinations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released its much-anticipated 2025 examination priorities. This announcement serves as a crucial guide for registered investment advisers, investment companies, and broker-dealers, highlighting areas under scrutiny for the upcoming year. Despite the potential for shifts in focus due to a changing presidential administration, many core enforcement areas are expected to remain consistent.

Key areas of focus include conflicts of interest disclosures, compliance with Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI), cybersecurity, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence and crypto assets. The Division’s emphasis on these areas signals its commitment to maintaining rigorous standards in the financial sector.

Investment Advisers

The Division maintains its tradition of prioritizing examinations for investment advisers who have never been examined, newly-registered advisers, and those not recently reviewed. The focus for 2025 will be on fiduciary standards, compliance programs, and private fund advisers.

Fiduciary Duties

Investment advisers must adhere to fiduciary standards of conduct, acting in the best interests of their clients. The Division will pay close attention to advice on high-cost products, unconventional instruments, and assets sensitive to market changes, such as commercial real estate.

Compliance Programs

Compliance with Rule 206(4)-7 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 remains a priority. This includes adopting and implementing compliance policies, designating a chief compliance officer, and conducting annual reviews. The Division will evaluate core compliance areas, including marketing, valuation, and portfolio management.

Broker-Dealers

The SEC has previously taken action against broker-dealers for Reg BI violations and Form CRS obligations. In 2025, these remain top priorities, along with financial responsibility and trading-related practices.

Regulation Best Interest

Broker-dealers must ensure recommendations are in the best interests of their clients. The Division will assess conflict of interest disclosures and practices for identifying, mitigating, and eliminating conflicts.

Form CRS

Broker-dealers are required to provide Form CRS to all retail investors. The Division will review the content of these relationship summaries for accuracy and completeness.

Risk Areas

Cybersecurity, compliance with recent regulatory amendments, financial technologies, and crypto assets are highlighted as presenting the highest risks to investors and markets.

Cybersecurity

The Division will focus on registrant practices to prevent service interruptions and protect investor information, emphasizing policies, governance, and incident response.

Financial Technologies

With the rise of AI, the 2025 priorities emphasize the use of automated investment tools and digital engagement practices. The Division will assess how AI is implemented and monitored.

For more detailed insights, you can refer to the original article by Eric Mikkelson and Carissa Occhipinto at Stinson LLP.

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

The Mark Tampa Breaks Ground on 800‑Bed Luxury Student Housing Near USF

Landmark Properties has officially begun construction on The Mark Tampa, a six‑story luxury student community featuring over 800 beds, rooftop amenities, study spaces, retail, and modern unit layouts. Set to open before the 2027–2028 school year, the project signals strong investor confidence in North Tampa’s booming student housing market.

Florida’s Insurance Costs Erupt Into a 2026 Election Flashpoint

Florida’s property and auto insurance crisis is intensifying, setting the stage for a major political showdown ahead of the 2026 elections. Republicans argue recent reforms are finally stabilizing the market, while Democrats insist families are being crushed by soaring premiums and can’t wait for relief. With homeowners, condo associations, and insurers all feeling the pressure, lawmakers are preparing for one of the most consequential legislative battles in years.

A December Fed Cut Could Be Coming — But Don’t Expect Mortgage Rates to Drop

Markets are betting heavily on a Federal Reserve rate cut in December, but that doesn’t guarantee lower mortgage rates. Even with an 85% chance of a cut priced in, mortgage rates move more with the 10‑year Treasury than the Fed itself — and recent history shows rates can rise even when the Fed eases. Today’s 6.43% average rate is the lowest in over a year, but still unpredictable, making financial readiness more important than trying to time the market.

Grand Junction’s Commercial Real Estate Market Surges 36% as New Chains Fuel Regional Growth

Grand Junction is experiencing a powerful commercial real estate upswing, with 151 commercial units closed so far in 2025—a 36% jump from last year. Building permits are also up 23%, signaling expanding development momentum. Brokers say interest from national chains is accelerating the city’s evolution, bringing jobs, investment, and long‑term economic potential to Colorado’s Western Slope.

Nashville Ranks #6 in Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2026 Report

Nashville continues its rise as one of the nation’s most attractive real estate markets, landing the #6 spot in the Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2026 report from PwC and ULI. With strong demographic momentum, business expansion, and a development pipeline drawing national eyes, the city stands out amid shifting economic conditions. The report highlights fast‑growing sectors such as data centers, senior housing, and evolving office dynamics—offering real estate professionals valuable insight into where opportunities are emerging next.

CRE This Week: The Key Trends Reshaping Canada’s Commercial Real Estate Market in 2025

Canada’s commercial real estate sector continues to evolve rapidly, with new data revealing major transactions, shifting investment patterns, and emerging economic signals across the country. From resilient retail spending to cooling construction and regional standouts like Montreal and the Prairies, this week’s CRE pulse—powered by Altus Group’s research team—gives real estate, mortgage, and finance professionals a sharp snapshot of the market forces to watch as 2025 winds down.