The SEC Division of Examinations’ 2025 Exam Priorities: A Closer Look

On November 4, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Examinations unveiled its examination priorities for the fiscal year 2025, which began on October 1, 2024. This announcement, covered in detail by Mayer Brown, outlines the areas of focus that the Division will emphasize throughout the year.

Key Areas of Focus The 2025 priorities highlight several critical areas, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. The Division aims to scrutinize how these technologies, including digital engagement practices, are integrated into financial services. This scrutiny will extend to the use of trading algorithms and platforms, ensuring that firms have adequate policies to monitor and manage these technologies effectively.

Another significant area is cybersecurity. With increasing threats to digital infrastructure, the Division will assess registrants’ cybersecurity policies, focusing on data protection, incident response, and the management of third-party risks. This aligns with the ongoing emphasis on cybersecurity by regulatory bodies such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), as detailed in their Cybersecurity Advisory.

Complex Products and Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) The Division will continue to focus on complex financial products, ensuring that recommendations align with retail customers’ best interests. This includes examining disclosures related to conflicts of interest and assessing the effectiveness of firms’ conflict mitigation strategies.

The emphasis on Reg BI is particularly notable, given the SEC’s recent enforcement actions in this area. The Division will scrutinize broker-dealer practices to ensure compliance with Reg BI, especially concerning complex, illiquid, or high-risk products.

Emerging Technologies and AI The Division’s focus on AI and emerging technologies reflects the SEC’s broader regulatory agenda. The SEC’s proposal on predictive data analytics underscores the importance of managing conflicts of interest associated with these technologies. The Division will examine whether firms’ use of AI aligns with their public representations and regulatory obligations.

Conclusion As the SEC Division of Examinations embarks on its 2025 priorities, firms are encouraged to review and enhance their compliance frameworks. This proactive approach will help them navigate the evolving regulatory landscape effectively. For more detailed insights, refer to the original Mayer Brown article.

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!

Housing Market Momentum Builds Early in 2026

The 2026 housing market is off to a powerful start, with rising buyer activity, expanding inventory, and steady pricing creating one of the most balanced environments in years. Pending home sales and mortgage applications are climbing, inventory has reached 2.6 months of supply, and new listings continue to grow—all signaling renewed confidence and fresh opportunity for real estate professionals nationwide.

Investors Prepare for a High-Confidence 2026 as Commercial Real Estate Stabilizes

A wave of optimism is returning to U.S. commercial real estate heading into 2026, with 95% of investors planning to buy the same or more property than last year. Capital allocations are rising, Sun Belt cities continue to shine, and multifamily remains the top asset class. As pricing stabilizes and debt pressures ease, professionals across real estate and finance are entering a year defined by strategic growth and renewed opportunity.

Florida Homeowners Face Rising Insurance Costs Despite Promised Relief

Floridians were told insurance relief was on the way, but many homeowners are seeing the opposite as premiums continue to rise. Despite state leaders insisting the market is improving and insurers filing rate decreases, homeowners like Lisa Riggi say the real‑world impact tells a different story. Higher property valuations, inflation, and updated replacement‑cost calculations are driving premiums upward, leaving some families questioning whether they can afford to remain in Florida.

Where Did Our Parents’ Florida Go? How Paradise Became Pricier, Glossier, and Almost Unrecognizable

Florida once promised retirees sunshine, low costs, and a $20,000 condo by the pool. But in 2026, soaring insurance rates, rising taxes, shrinking affordable housing, and an influx of wealthier newcomers have transformed the state into a far more expensive version of the paradise our parents knew. From corporate buyouts of mobile home parks to multimillion‑dollar estates redefining the market, today’s Florida is a place of widening gaps, disappearing middle‑range homes, and a future that demands deeper pockets—and smarter market insight.

Mortgage Rates Hold Steady in the Low 6% Range as Buyers Gain Breathing Room

Mortgage rates continue easing into the low 6% range, giving buyers and real estate professionals a welcome boost in early February 2026. Softer labor market data and slipping Treasury yields are helping keep rates stable, with 30‑year fixed loans averaging around 6.26% and refinance rates also trending lower. While affordability remains tight, today’s calmer rate environment is opening doors for more buyers—and offers agents a clearer outlook as they guide clients through a still‑shifting market.

Commercial Real Estate Investors Gear Up for a Major Buying Surge in 2026

A new CBRE survey reveals that U.S. commercial real estate investors are preparing to ramp up acquisitions in 2026, signaling renewed confidence across the sector. Dallas leads the nation for the fifth straight year as the top investment market, followed by Atlanta and San Francisco. Florida markets like Miami and Tampa continue to rise, while cities such as Charlotte, Nashville, Seattle, and New York also attract strong investor attention. With activity heating up nationwide, 2026 is shaping into a powerful year for commercial real estate professionals.