SEC Enforcement Hits 35-Year Low Under Trump – Could Crypto Benefit?
The SEC filed 348 enforcement actions in fiscal 2026, down about 24% from 456 the previous year and the lowest total since 1991. It reported roughly $1.1 billion in monetary remedies. The decline reflects a shift under the Trump administration toward reducing regulatory burdens, alongside efforts to establish clearer rules for digital assets. The SEC has closed or withdrawn several prominent crypto cases, including matters involving Coinbase, Kraken and Ripple, drawing both criticism over investor protection and support from firms seeking greater legal certainty. Reduced enforcement alone is unlikely to drive crypto prices, but durable rules could encourage institutional custody, trading and investment. The SEC says it will continue pursuing fraud and market abuse and is coordinating with the CFTC on regulatory responsibilities.
