Reported by Karen Gibbs

As 2025 unfolds, RIA leaders must prepare for regulatory changes shaped by a new administration. Although the nominee for SEC Chair, Paul Atkins, signals a potential pivot toward deregulation and industry-friendly policies, I continue to encourage all my RIA clients to not let their guard down. Think of it as driving on an open highway with less traffic; it feels easier, but you still need to stay alert and follow rules to avoid a tragic accident.

While a new SEC leadership could mean less aggressive enforcement in certain areas, bipartisan issues like cybersecurity and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance will remain central priorities. Regardless of leadership, RIAs must be prepared to align with both evolving and enduring regulatory expectations.

Key regulatory priorities

Every time one of our clients asks how they should prepare for next year, we point to the SEC’s 2025 Examination Priorities, which emphasize several critical areas of compliance, rather than any speculations brewing from a potential Atkins confirmation.

Cybersecurity will continue to dominate as a priority, with the SEC requiring formal incident response plans, breach notifications, and third-party oversight to ensure investor data is secure. Similarly, AML compliance remains another cornerstone, as RIAs are expected to implement robust AML/CFT programs, perform ongoing customer due diligence, and report suspicious activity.

Marketing departments must also pay close attention as the SEC’s Marketing Rule is still very much relevant.

Read full report: https://www.investmentnews.com/opinion/how-ria-leaders-should-be-navigating-regulatory-shifts-in-2025/258959