The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced the creation of the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU), an enforcement unit focused on combatting cyber-related misconduct and protecting retail investors from fraud involving emerging technologies, and appointed Laura D’Allaird as its chief. CETU replaces the Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit and is intended to complement the SEC’s Crypto Task Force led by Commissioner Hester Peirce. The unit will comprise approximately 30 fraud specialists and attorneys across multiple SEC offices. Priority areas include fraud using emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, schemes using social media, the dark web or false websites, hacking to obtain material nonpublic information, takeovers of retail brokerage accounts, fraud involving blockchain technology and crypto assets, regulated entities’ compliance with cybersecurity rules and regulations, and public issuer fraudulent disclosure relating to cybersecurity.
U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission 2025-02-20
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission creates Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit to target cyber and emerging technology misconduct
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has established the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU) to address cyber-related misconduct and protect retail investors from fraud involving emerging technologies. Led by Laura D’Allaird, CETU replaces the Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit and will work with the SEC’s Crypto Task Force. The unit will focus on fraud involving AI, machine learning, social media, the dark web, hacking, blockchain, crypto assets, and cybersecurity compliance.