Daily · US Crypto Custody Proposal · October 1, 2026

Key points

SEC Crypto Custody Proposal

On 1 October 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission proposed new rules and amendments concerning the custody of crypto assets. The proposal is currently in a proposed status and has not yet been adopted.

The framework would apply specifically to registered investment advisers and regulated funds. Regulated funds under this definition include registered investment companies and business development companies. The document does not state specific deadlines for compliance or implementation dates beyond the proposal date.

SEC Exam Handbook

Also on 1 October 2026, the SEC's Division of Examinations published a new handbook titled "The SEC Exam Handbook: A Practical Guide on Process and Engagement." This document replaces and expands upon the previous examination brochure. It provides registrants and advisers with a current practical guide to the SEC examination process and engagement protocols.

EU Administrative Updates

The European Commission adopted Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2227 on 1 October 2026, amending Annexes V and XIV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404. This change concerns the entries for Canada and the United States in the lists of third countries authorised for the entry into the Union of consignments of poultry and fresh meat of poultry and game birds.

On 29 September 2026, the Commission adopted Commission Decision (EU) 2026/2209, amending Commission Decision 2008/312/Euratom regarding the standard document for the supervision and control of shipments of radioactive waste and spent fuel. Additionally, on 1 October 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2188 amending third-country authorisation lists for certain ungulates and equine animals from Egypt, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay.

Our read

The SEC's proposal to regulate crypto custody for advisers and funds is a significant step toward integrating digital assets into the traditional federal securities framework. For technology and finance leaders in the US, this signals that custody operations will face specific, tailored federal requirements rather than remaining in a regulatory grey area. The simultaneous release of the new exam handbook suggests the SEC is also standardising its supervisory approach, which may affect how firms prepare for examinations regarding these new crypto holdings. While the EU updates are largely administrative or sector-specific to agriculture and transport, they do not impact the core financial technology or regulated finance operations of the target audience.

This digest was produced automatically by a large-language-model system from the regulator publications and official sources listed below; it is AI-generated content and may contain inaccuracies. It is not legal advice — verify wording and deadlines against the original documents.

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