SEC Removes Crypto from 2026 Examination Priority List in Major Policy Shift
Wall Street's top cop just gave digital assets an unexpected hall pass.
Regulatory Retreat or Strategic Pivot?
The Securities and Exchange Commission's decision to drop cryptocurrency from its 2026 examination priorities marks a stunning reversal for an agency that's spent years playing regulatory whack-a-mole with digital assets. No more front-row seats for crypto compliance teams—at least not for next year's examination cycle.
What This Means for Your Portfolio
Institutional money that's been waiting on the regulatory sidelines might finally dive in. Reduced examination scrutiny typically translates to lower compliance costs and faster innovation cycles—music to any crypto builder's ears. Though let's be real, the SEC still has plenty of other tools to make your favorite projects miserable if they choose to.
The Fine Print Matters
Don't break out the champagne just yet. This doesn't mean crypto gets a free pass—existing regulations still apply, and the SEC can still bring enforcement actions. But the message is clear: crypto compliance just moved from the principal's office to detention hall supervision.
Another classic Washington move—regulators backing off right when traditional finance finally figures out how to make real money in the space. Perfect timing, as always.
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His departure is notable as he was also featured in the iPhone Air’s launch video, a spotlight that is typically reserved for senior executives or longtime Apple designers. The move is reportedly not related to the iPhone Air’s slower-than-expected sales.
Chowdhury’s exit is being viewed as a major loss for Apple’s design division, pointing to the ongoing reshuffling of AAPL’s design team.
A Pattern of High-Profile Exits
Chowdhury’s departure comes shortly after the exit of Apple’s former Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams, who had been overseeing product design since 2023. These exits add to a string of high-profile departures that began with Jony Ive’s exit in 2019.
Ive, Apple’s longtime design chief, was the creative force behind iconic products such as the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
The steady turnover has raised concerns about Apple’s ability to maintain its design edge, especially as the company faces growing competition from hardware rivals and pressure to innovate in AI and mixed reality.
Looking Ahead
Apple is working on a follow-up version of the iPhone Air for release in 2027, focusing on battery improvements rather than significant design changes. It is unknown who will be tasked with designing the sequel.
With Chowdhury no longer on the team, the company might struggle to keep the original creative vision and design style.
Chowdhury’s exit comes at a time when Apple doubles down on AI integration across its product lines. To maintain its design edge, the company will need to attract top talent and keep up with changing customer expectations.
Is AAPL Stock a Buy?
Turning to Wall Street, Apple stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 21 Buy, 12 Hold, and two Sell recommendations assigned in the last three months. The average AAPL price target of $289.17 implies 7.96% upside potential from current levels.
