FINRA’s 2026 oversight report updates crypto supervision and communications findings

What changed

FINRA updated its annual examination and compliance observations for member firms with crypto-asset activity, emphasizing supervision, public communications, due diligence, AML, associated-person activity, recordkeeping, and accurate statements about FINRA or SIPC protections. The report describes existing obligations and findings rather than creating a new rule.

Who it affects

• FINRA member firms and registered representatives
• Dual registrants and advisers routing clients through member firms

What is still open

• Firm-specific exam findings and future targeted reviews
• How evolving federal crypto rules will alter member obligations

What it means for an advisor

• Map dual-registrant crypto activities to FINRA supervision and communications controls
• Review client materials for unsupported safety, approval, insurance, or SIPC claims and document product due diligence

Previous interpretation

The 2025 report supplied the prior annual snapshot before the 2026 examination observations and references.