The Securities and Exchange Commission today voted to propose rule amendments to improve investor protection and enhance transparency in the municipal securities market. If you are an issuer, or need to get your stock or company registered, call a great SEC Lawyer today. SEC PROPOSES RULE AMENDMENTS TO IMPROVE MUNICIPAL SECURITIES DISCLOSURES Rule 15c2-12 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires brokers, dealers, and municipal securities dealers that are acting as underwriters in primary offerings of municipal securities subject to the Rule, to reasonably determine, among other things, that the issuer or obligated person has agreed to provide to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) timely notice of certain events. The amendments proposed by the SEC today would add two new event notices:
“Today the SEC took steps to empower investors by improving their access to current information about the financial obligations incurred by municipal issuers and conduit borrowers,” said SEC Acting Chairman Michael S. Piwowar. These proposed amendments would provide timely access to important information regarding certain financial obligations incurred by issuers and obligated persons that could impact such entities’ liquidity and overall creditworthiness. The public comment period will remain open for 60 days following publication of the proposing release in the Federal Register. FACT SHEET (SEC Open Meeting) Action The Commission will consider whether to propose amendments designed to better inform investors and other market participants about the current financial condition of issuers of municipal securities and obligated persons. Specifically, the proposed amendments would facilitate timely access to important information regarding certain financial obligations incurred by issuers and obligated persons, which could impact an issuer’s or obligated person’s liquidity and overall creditworthiness and create risks for existing security holders. Highlights The proposed amendments to Exchange Act Rule 15c2-12 would amend the list of event notices that a broker, dealer, or municipal securities dealer acting as an underwriter in a primary offering of municipal securities subject to the Rule must reasonably determine that an issuer or obligated person has undertaken, in a written agreement for the benefit of holders of municipal securities, to provide to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board within ten business days of the event’s occurrence. Specifically, the proposed amendments would add two new events to the list included in the Rule:
The proposed amendments also would set forth a definition for the term “financial obligation.” Background Adopted in 1989, Rule 15c2-12 is designed to address fraud and manipulation in the municipal securities market by prohibiting the underwriting of municipal securities and subsequent recommendation of those municipal securities by brokers, dealers, and municipal securities dealers for which adequate information is not available. What’s Next The Commission will seek public comment on the proposed amendments to Rule 15c2-12 for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. SEC VOTES TO SEEK PUBLIC INPUT ON POSSIBLE CHANGE TO INDUSTRY GUIDE 3The Securities and Exchange Commission today voted to publish a request for public comment on disclosures called for by Industry Guide 3 – Statistical Disclosure by Bank Holding Companies. Specifically, the Commission is soliciting public input on whether Guide 3 continues to elicit the information that investors need for informed investment and voting decisions. The Commission also seeks comment on whether there are new types of disclosures about the activities of bank holding companies that investors would find important. “As an agency designed to serve the American people, it is imperative to constantly look back on the SEC’s rules and engage the public on ways to improve,” said SEC Acting Chairman Michael Piwowar. “Today, we are asking for public comment on whether Industry Guide 3 continues to elicit the information that investors need for informed investment and voting decisions.” The request for comment will be published on the SEC website and in the Federal Register. The comment period will remain open for 60 days.
FACT SHEET (SEC Open Meeting) Highlights The request for comment seeks public input on statistical and other disclosures provided by bank holding company registrants. Among other things, the request for comment covers:
For each of these topics, the request for comment presents specific questions for public comment. Background Industry Guide 3 was first published in 1976 as a convenient reference to the statistical disclosures sought by the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance in registration statement and other disclosure documents filed by bank holding companies. The financial services industry is dynamic and has changed dramatically since Guide 3 was first published. Consequently, our disclosure guidance may not in all cases reflect recent industry developments or changes in accounting standards related to financial and other reporting requirements. Free Consultation with SEC LawyerWhen you need an SEC lawyer, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.
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