US SEC examination priorities for 2021: what you need to know

Purpose To summarize the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Examinations’s recently published 2021 examination priorities. Design/methodology/approach Features short summaries of select aspects of the SEC Division of Examinations’ recently published 2021 examination priorities. Findings The SEC’s priorities for 2021 examinations include retail investor protection; information security; operational resiliency; financial technology and innovation, including digital assets; anti-money laundering; LIBOR transition, and selected areas for registered investment advisers. Practical implications Firms should consider the SEC examination priorities as they conduct their annual reviews of policies, procedures and business activities. Where firms observe deficiencies in their own practices, adjustments should be made before they find themselves the subject of an SEC investigation, examination or enforcement action. Originality/value Practical guidance for investment advisers, investment companies, municipal advisors, and broker-dealers from experienced broker-dealer, securities and investment management lawyer.