The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced the launch of its new Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU) to target fraud in AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrency markets. This move marks the agency’s ongoing effort to protect retail investors from scams and malicious activities related to emerging technologies.
The CETU, replacing the previous Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit, is headed by Laura D’Allaird and includes 30 specialized fraud experts and attorneys. The unit aims to tackle a broad range of issues, such as fraud linked to blockchain, crypto assets, social media scams, dark web activities, and cybersecurity violations by regulated firms.
In a statement, Acting SEC Chairman Mark T. Uyeda emphasized that CETU’s creation will ensure better allocation of enforcement resources. This unit will work closely with the SEC’s Crypto Task Force, led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, which is focused on a more nuanced approach to crypto regulations.
Unlike previous SEC strategies, the CETU is not centered around determining whether digital assets are securities. Instead, its primary mission is to address fraud involving blockchain technology and crypto transactions. This shift comes as part of a broader change in regulatory policy since the election of President Trump in 2025. With Trump’s administration, the SEC has moved towards more crypto-friendly policies, including new spot crypto ETFs and clarification of asset classification rules.
As the CETU begins its work, the SEC aims to protect both innovation and investor confidence in rapidly evolving technologies.
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