Regulator puts brokers on notice about its top concerns for 2019.

Efforts to build better connections to bank customer data, trade digital currency and explore artificial intelligence for security and compliance purposes were some of the biggest draws of fundraising for U.S. startups.

From the SEC to the Supreme Court, here's what could be playing out this year.

The regulator says it will keep an eye on issues like cybersecurity and cryptocurrencies.

The SEC has cited concerns about manipulation as a top worry that must be addressed before it approves a bitcoin ETF.

The product, which allows investors to purchase virtual currencies on their exchange, hits the market at a low point for bitcoin.

Chairman Jay Clayton said he remains worried that cryptocurrency can be too easily stolen or manipulated on exchanges.

Concerns include preparing for new SEC reporting rules and modernizing operational infrastructure.

The new platform will support bitcoin and Ether early next year and offer over-the-counter trade execution and order routing.

"It’s still a very sketchy area," one accounting professional says.