The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is significantly ramping up its efforts to police emerging technologies including crypto, announcing the creation of a new, specialized enforcement unit. The Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU), unveiled today, signals a broader and more aggressive approach to protecting investors from digital threats.
The CETU, replacing the existing Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit, will be led by Laura D’Allaird and staffed by approximately 30 fraud specialists and attorneys drawn from across various SEC offices, according to a press release.
Acting SEC Chairman Mark T. Uyeda said:
“Under Laura’s leadership, this new unit will complement the work of the Crypto Task Force led by Commissioner Hester Peirce. Importantly, the new unit will also allow the SEC to deploy enforcement resources judiciously.”
Uyeda emphasized that the unit’s mandate goes beyond investor protection, aiming to ” facilitate capital formation and market efficiency by clearing the way for innovation to grow. It will root out those seeking to misuse innovation to harm investors and diminish confidence in new technologies.”
The CETU will leverage the regulator’s expertise in fintech and cyber security to tackle misconduct in several priority areas, according to the release including AI and machine learning, social media, the dark web and phishing, insider trading, brokerage account takeovers, and more.
Included in these areas of expertise were also blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, as well as cybersecurity compliance failures and fraudulent disclosures of events surrounding these areas.
The broadening of the unit’s mandate reflects the regulator’s approach to reducing risks for investors in nascent technologies that are increasingly intertwined with the broader financial system. By consolidating expertise and resources, the CETU aims to provide a more coordinated and proactive response to these evolving threats.
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