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SEC Exams Division Issues Risk Alert for Newly Registered Advisers on Compliance Deficiencies and Guidance to Address

04-06-23

SEC Exams Division Issues Risk Alert for Newly Registered Advisers on Compliance Deficiencies and Guidance to Address

On March 27, 2023, the SEC Division of Examinations issued a Risk Alert focused on compliance deficiencies found in examinations of newly registered advisers. The Division said these advisers may face unique risks, particularly as to conflicts of interest, and cautioned them to review their policies and procedures, disclosures, and marketing practices. The Division also explained—perhaps as guidance for these new registrants—that their examinations were “an opportunity for early engagement between advisers and the staff.” Bates has a brief summary of this new Alert and what it could mean for your firm and clients.

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FINRA Arbitration Update - February 2023

03-02-23

FINRA Arbitration Update - February 2023

FINRA proposed amendments to the Codes of Arbitration Procedures for Customer Disputes and Industry Disputes that would affect the arbitrator list selection process. The proposed amendments would also make clarifying changes on administrative practices. 

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SEC Division of Examinations Announces 2023 Examination Priorities

02-07-23

SEC Division of Examinations Announces 2023 Examination Priorities

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Examinations has just released its 2023 examination priorities report, providing insights into its risk-based approach, including the areas it believes present potential risks to investors and the integrity of the U.S. capital markets. Stay tuned for our annual commentary and chart, coming soon, on the SEC's 2023 priorities and how they may impact your legal, regulatory and compliance matters.

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FINRA Publishes 2023 Report on Exam and Risk Monitoring Program

01-10-23

FINRA Publishes 2023 Report on Exam and Risk Monitoring Program

FINRA has announced the publication of the 2023 Report on FINRA's Examination and Risk Monitoring Program. The comprehensive report from FINRA’s regulatory operations covers 24 topics relevant to the evolving securities industry. Additionally, the report introduces a new Financial Crimes section highlighting FINRA’s increased focus on protecting investors and safeguarding market integrity against these ongoing threats. Stay tuned for our annual commentary, coming soon, on FINRA’s 2023 objectives and how they may impact your legal, regulatory and compliance matters.

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Are Your Firm’s Policies and Procedures Working as Intended for Rights of Reinstatement?

11-16-22

Are Your Firm’s Policies and Procedures Working as Intended for Rights of Reinstatement?

FINRA has remained focused on ensuring that eligible customers received Rights of Reinstatement (“ROR”) benefits where appropriate. Just recently, we were retained by another large firm looking to leverage the depth of our experience gained through many engagements assisting our clients with Rights of Reinstatement issues since the targeted examination announcement in 2020. Contact Bates today if you are facing a FINRA inquiry or other action or need to update your policies and procedures.

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Newly Proposed SEC Rule Would Impose New Requirements on IAs to Oversee Outsourced Providers

11-07-22

Newly Proposed SEC Rule Would Impose New Requirements on IAs to Oversee Outsourced Providers

Under a proposed new rule, the SEC would require investment advisers to conduct due diligence and monitor “covered services” outsourced to third-party providers. The Commission said it recognizes that investment advisers are increasingly relying on outsourced sources to perform many functions in support of advisory services and, as a result, “more needs to be done to protect investors.” Bates breaks down what you need to know.

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SEC Proposes Amendments to ESG Disclosure Rules and Forms

05-31-22

SEC Proposes Amendments to ESG Disclosure Rules and Forms

The SEC last week issued a proposal to require “registered investment advisers, certain advisers exempt from registration, registered investment companies, and business development companies” to disclose information on environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) investment practices and strategies in fund registration statements, prospectuses, annual reports, and adviser brochures. The 362-page proposal contains new disclosure requirements and would amend numerous Forms for funds and advisers.

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SEC Exams Division Warns Firms to Tighten Up Compliance on the Misuse of Material Non-Public Information

05-05-22

SEC Exams Division Warns Firms to Tighten Up Compliance on the Misuse of Material Non-Public Information

On April 26, 2022, the SEC Division of Examinations urged investment advisers to revisit their compliance policies, practices, and procedures concerning the misuse of non-public information (MNPI). In the Risk Alert, the SEC (i) reviewed the applicable Investment Adviser Act rules and ethical code considerations and (ii) described compliance deficiencies observed by the Division during its recent examinations.

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SEC Proposes New Disclosure Rules on Climate Change

04-12-22

SEC Proposes New Disclosure Rules on Climate Change

In a broad new rule proposal, the Securities and Exchange Commission would require both domestic and foreign registrants to provide climate-related information in their filings and periodic reports. The deadline for comments is May 20, 2022. Read the full alert for details.

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FINRA Clarifies and Cautions Firms on Potential Supervisory Liability of Chief Compliance Officers

04-07-22

FINRA Clarifies and Cautions Firms on Potential Supervisory Liability of Chief Compliance Officers

In a reminder to (i) firm management on their supervisory obligations under FINRA Rules, and (ii) Chief Compliance Officers on their potential liability within a firm’s supervisory system, FINRA distinguished between the two in a recent Notice and detailed how it would make liability determinations on an enforcement action against a CCO for a failure to reasonably supervise. Read our Alert for details on FINRA's new guidance on CCO supervisory liability and what it could mean for your firm and clients.

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SEC Division of Examinations Announces 2022 Examination Priorities
Image © [Kristina Blokhin] /Adobe Stock

03-30-22

SEC Division of Examinations Announces 2022 Examination Priorities

The SEC Division of Examinations has just released its 2022 examination priorities report, focusing on Private Funds, ESG Investing, Standards of Conduct (including Regulation Best Interest, Fiduciary Duty, and Form CRS), Information Security and Operational Resiliency, and Emerging Technologies and Crypto-Assets. Stay tuned for our annual commentary, coming soon.

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