
Key Points:
- SEC’s CETU Unit is established to tackle fraud in crypto and AI, signaling a shift in regulatory priorities.
- CETU replaces the Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit (CACU) and aligns with the Trump administration’s new regulatory approach.
SEC’s CETU Unit is a newly formed division focused on combating fraud in crypto and AI, representing a major regulatory shift under the Trump administration.
SEC’s CETU UNIT Forms to Oversee Crypto and AI Fraud
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced the formation of the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU), a division focused on protecting investors from fraudulent activities in crypto and artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative is a strategic shift in the agencyβs regulatory approach.
Laura DβAllaird, a veteran SEC official, will lead CETU. Previously, she co-headed the Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit (CACU) and advised former SEC Commissioner Jaime LizΓ‘rraga.
According to Acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda, CETU aims to foster market transparency and innovation while preventing exploitation within these evolving sectors. The unit will combat fraud in AI-powered financial schemes, blockchain-based scams, and cybersecurity breaches that jeopardize investor protection.
SEC’s CETU Unit will also prioritize investigating fraudulent activities on social media, phishing websites, and dark web-related crimes. Additionally, it will focus on preventing hacking attempts targeting critical financial information and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity regulations.
Read more: SEC Crypto Task Force Meets Jito to Discuss Staking in ETFs
CETUβs Role and the SECβs New Regulatory Direction
CETU replaces CACU, a unit established in 2017 and significantly expanded under Gary Genslerβs leadership. Under the Biden administration, the SEC aggressively pursued regulatory actions, doubling CACUβs personnel and initiating over 100 lawsuits against non-compliant crypto firms. However, the Trump administrationβs return has brought a recalibrated stance on crypto regulation.
With this restructuring, the SEC seeks a more balanced regulatory framework. SEC’s CETU Unit will collaborate with the newly formed Crypto Task Force, headed by Commissioner Hester Peirce. The task forceβs objective includes defining crypto assets and distinguishing securities from other tokens to ease compliance burdens.
CETU will also support capital formation efforts, aiming to create a transparent environment where blockchain and AI innovations can thrive. While focusing on investor protection, the SEC under the Trump administration intends to reduce unnecessary regulatory roadblocks, providing a framework that aligns with the evolving nature of crypto and emerging technologies.
| DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing. |










