The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations recently released its 2017 priorities. This year’s areas of focus include examining for cybersecurity; investor protection initiatives; and identifying market-wide risks, including money market fund compliance with new rules and systems compliance integrity.

The agency indicates the priorities are focused across the financial landscape, including “investment advisers, investment companies, broker-dealers, transfer agents, clearing agencies, private fund advisers, national securities exchanges, and municipal advisors.”

The release notes that OCIE will continue to focus on protecting retail investors, senior investors and retirement investments, along with continued inspection of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) operations and oversight. The release states that the priorities list is not exhaustive, and it could be impacted by changing circumstances.

Patomak Global Partners has deep expertise in risk management and compliance to help firms evaluate and enhance existing compliance programs.