EU weighs tougher trade tools as it seeks to narrow China deficit
An October agreement sets quotas for Chinese hybrid cars, while Brussels is considering powers to restrict China's access to the EU market.
SEC puts private credit and cybersecurity on fiscal 2027 examination agenda
The regulator’s priorities also cover retail investor safeguards, advanced technologies and risks from changes to market infrastructure.
Private credit, cybersecurity and risks surrounding complex investments will receive heightened attention under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s fiscal 2027 examination agenda, announced on October 23, 2026. The SEC said the priorities reflect risks its examination division sees for investors and market integrity.
The program covers more than 34,000 registrants. These range from investment advisers and broker-dealers to clearing agencies, municipal advisors, transfer agents and funding portals. The SEC said examination findings, market developments and investor concerns helped shape the agenda.
Reviews of investment advisers will address their fiduciary responsibilities, management of conflicts, recommendations to clients and compliance arrangements. Examiners will scrutinize private funds and complex strategies, while retail investor protection will concentrate on products involving complexity, higher risk or limited liquidity.
For broker-dealers, the agenda includes trading conduct, financial responsibility, supervisory practices and anti-money laundering compliance. The SEC also identified firms’ operational resilience and defenses against cyber threats, alongside safeguards for customer data.
Technology reviews will consider how super intelligence and other advanced technologies may affect market operations and efforts to prevent fraud. Examiners will assess tokenization and reforms to Treasury clearing as part of their scrutiny of changing market infrastructure.
The division said it is seeking to improve registrants’ access to examination observations and communication with staff. It also plans closer coordination with SEC policy teams and fellow regulators. The priorities are not comprehensive, and the division may shift its attention as risks change during the year.