Insights
Chapman wrote the book on the marketplace lending regulatory landscape that the entire industry has come to rely upon. First published in 2013, the 2024 update covers a vast array of topics affecting the marketplace lending industry.
The Division of Examinations of the Securities and Exchange Commission published its examination priorities for fiscal year 2025. The 2025 Exam Priorities reflect practices, products, and services the Division believes present heightened risks to investors and the U.S. capital markets.
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There have been several recent notable enforcement actions, including continued enforcement by the SEC and CFTC against off-channel communications, as well as an SEC fraud settlement with Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust.
Chapman's quarterly Regulatory Update contains an overview of the latest regulatory actions, market happenings, and litigation and enforcement activity in the investment management space.
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On September 12, 2024, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) adopted amendments to CFTC Regulation 4.7 (Reg. 4.7), a rule that provides exemptions from the broader compliance requirements under Part 4 of the CFTC regulations (Part 4) for registered commodity pool operators (CPOs) with respect to pools (4.7 pools) offered solely to “Qualified Eligible Persons” (QEPs) and registered commodity trading advisors (CTAs) that advise or manage commodity trading accounts of QEPs. The amendments (i) increase the financial thresholds in the “Portfolio Requirement” of the QEP definition and (ii) permit CPOs of fund of fund pools offered solely to QEPs to provide monthly account statements within 45 days of the month-end, rather than providing quarterly account statements within 30 days of the quarter-end. The CFTC chose not to adopt, at this time, the proposed minimum QEP disclosures.
A recognized securities and commodities regulatory authority, Peter’s practice focuses on the registration and regulation of investment advisers, broker-dealers, commodity trading advisors, commodity pool operators, and introducing brokers, as well as the formation and ongoing compliance obligations of registered and private investment companies.
Chapman's 2024 Social Impact and Sustainability report showcases our commitment to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).
On August 22, 2024, a proposed rule (the “Proposed Joint Rule”) mandated by the Financial Data Transparency Act of 2022 (the “FDTA”) and adopted by nine federal financial regulators, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” and, together with the other eight regulators, the “Covered Agencies”), was published in the Federal Register.
Chapman's white paper provides a summary of the interval fund and tender offer fund structures, including their basic legal framework, their investment restrictions, how they are distributed and how they facilitate redemptions. It also provides a comparison of interval funds and tender offer funds, both to each other and to other types of investment companies.
- Topic: Broker-Dealers
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The Division of Examinations of the Securities and Exchange Commission published its examination priorities for fiscal year 2025. The 2025 Exam Priorities reflect practices, products, and services the Division believes present heightened risks to investors and the U.S. capital markets.
Despite recent regulatory efforts from FINRA and the SEC, industry participants continue to have no clear understanding of what qualifies a product as either “complex” or “risky.” In this article, Chapman attorneys provide insight and context for a path forward for definitive guidance regarding complex products, but also for a more rational regulatory scheme that considers a wide variety of factors. This article proposes an objective framework for broker-dealers and investment advisers to consider Defined Outcome ETFs, regardless of whether they are deemed complex under the current regulatory environment, by utilizing a well-established measure of risk to assess whether an investment in those vehicles is in a client’s best interest.
On February 15, 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted rule changes to Exchange Act Rule 15c6-1, shortening the standard settlement cycle for most broker-dealer transactions in securities from two business days after the trade date (T+2) to one day (T+1).
- September 2021Journal of Investment Compliance
The US Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Examinations has released its 2021 Examination Priorities. A discussion of the exam priorities is included in this article.
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Examinations has released its 2021 Examination Priorities.
This fall, the Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed additional avenues for businesses to raise capital away from the use of registered broker‑dealers.
With the Regulation Best Interest compliance date set for June 30, 2020, the SEC's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations recently announced that it would begin conducting broker‑dealer examinations focused on Reg BI compliance and outlined the scope of exams likely to occur in the first year following the compliance date.
With the Form CRS compliance date set for June 30, 2020, the SEC's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations recently announced that it would begin conducting examinations focused on Form CRS compliance and outlined the focus of exams likely to occur in the first year following the compliance date.
The SEC re‑proposed Rule 18f-4, a new exemptive rule designed to provide a more comprehensive approach to the regulation of funds’ use of derivatives and certain other transactions.
The SEC's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations has released its 2020 Examination Priorities. This Client Alert includes a discussion of the exam priorities.
FINRA recently issued its 2020 Risk Monitoring and Examination Priorities Letter. The letter highlights the areas of focus for FINRA’s risk monitoring, surveillance and examination programs for 2020 and contain numerous links to Regulatory Notices, FINRA Reports and other resources to aid broker-dealers in complying with the priority areas.
The Securities and Exchange Commission voted 3 to 1 to adopt highly anticipated new and amended rules, forms and guidance relating to registered investment advisers’ and broker-dealers’ conduct and interactions with retail customers.
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations has released its 2019 National Exam Program Examination Priorities.
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently issued a no-action letter which allows broker-dealers to rely on investment advisers to perform some or all of their Customer Identification Program obligations under federal anti-money laundering legislation.
- Q2 2018
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board recently published its 2017 Compliance Advisory for Brokers, Dealers and Municipal Securities Dealers. The Compliance Advisory outlines several MSRB rules that the MSRB believes present key compliance risks for brokers, dealers and municipal securities dealers.
On April 18, the Securities and Exchange Commission proposed new Regulation Best Interest under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that would establish a federal standard of conduct for broker-dealers and natural persons who are associated persons of a broker-dealer when making a recommendation of any securities transaction or investment strategy involving securities to a retail customer.
Today, the Securities and Exchange Commission voted 4 to 1 to propose highly anticipated new and amended rules and guidance relating to registered investment advisers’ and broker-dealers’ conduct and interactions with retail customers.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. recently issued its 2018 Regulatory and Examination Priorities Letter. A number of FINRA’s comments direct firms to review the 2017 Examination Findings Report for additional insights into specific areas of concern and effective practices.
The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued three no-action letters designed to assist broker‑dealers and investment advisers in addressing issues related to European Union directives and related legislation that will become effective on January 3, 2018.
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it is requesting comments from retail investors and other interested parties on the standards of conduct applicable for broker-dealers and investment advisers.
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board recently withdrew a proposed rule from consideration by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The rule would have prohibited a broker, dealer or municipal securities dealer from effecting a customer transaction in municipal securities in an amount lower than the minimum denomination of the issue stated in offering documents.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. recently released three Regulatory Notices related to its ongoing review of its members’ involvement in the capital formation process.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. announced the effective date of amendments to FINRA Rule 2232 requiring firms to disclose additional transaction-related information for certain fixed income securities principal transactions with retail customers.
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board is requesting comments on proposed amendments to its advertising rule for brokers, dealers, and municipal securities dealers and a new advertising rule for municipal advisors.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. recently proposed amendments that would create a new exception to FINRA’s prohibition on projecting performance. The proposed exception to FINRA Rule 2210 would permit a firm to distribute a customized hypothetical investment planning illustration.
The Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking comments on proposed new Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board Rule G-49 prohibiting a broker, dealer or municipal securities dealer from effecting a customer transaction in municipal securities in an amount lower than the minimum denomination of the issue stated in offering documents.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. recently issued its annual Regulatory Examination Priorities Letter. This alert summarizes some of the more significant issues FINRA’s letter raises.
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board recently published guidance on broker-dealer obligations when executing transactions involving a registered investment adviser that is authorized to exercise full discretion to buy and sell municipal securities on behalf on an account holder.
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board recently issued an interpretive notice announcing its interpretation that if a dealer engages in a transaction with a customer in a municipal security that bears market discount, the dealer must disclose the existence of market discount to its customer as part of the “time of trade disclosure” required under MSRB Rule G-47.
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently approved Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board rule amendments requiring broker-dealers to disclose trade compensation for certain fixed income securities principal transactions with retail customers.
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board recently issued a notice seeking guidance on its strategic priorities for 2017. The MSRB’s notice seeks comment on potential areas where the MSRB should focus its strategic goals and how it should prioritize its core activities.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority announced that it is conducting a sweep examination on broker-dealer firms to look into incentives and business practices that may encourage employees to engage in inappropriate cross-selling activities.
- Q3 2016 (Originally Published April 14, 2016)Journal of Investment Compliance
On April 4, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority issued a joint regulatory notice reminding firms they regulate of their obligation to determine whether state and local government obligations acquired through direct purchase or “bank loan” transactions constitute municipal securities for federal securities law purposes.
- Q3 2016 (Originally Published March 2, 2016)Journal of Investment Compliance
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board recently published its 2016 Compliance Advisory for Brokers, Dealers and Municipal Securities Dealers. The Compliance Advisory outlines several MSRB rules that the MSRB believes present key compliance risks for brokers, dealers and municipal securities dealers.
After several years of securities industry efforts, the Securities and Exchange Commission has formally proposed a rule change that would shorten the standard settlement cycle for most broker-dealer securities transactions from three business days after the trade date to two business days after the trade date.
Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board Rule G-15(f) prohibits a broker, dealer or municipal securities dealer from effecting a customer transaction in municipal securities in an amount lower than the minimum denomination of the issue stated in offering documents, subject to two current exceptions.
The Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking comments on proposed Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board rule changes that would require dealers to disclose bond mark-ups and mark-downs on retail customer trade confirmations.
The Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking comments on proposed Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. rule changes that would require members to disclose bond mark-ups and mark-downs on retail customer trade confirmations.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. recently filed changes to new FINRA Rule 2242 (Debt Research Analysts and Debt Research Reports) with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The rule is still new and FINRA has delayed implementation several times.
Client Alert
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network recently published its final rule under the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, as amended on customer due diligence requirements for banks, broker-dealers, mutual funds and futures commission merchants and introducing brokers in commodities.The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. delayed the implementation of FINRA Rule 2242 until July 16, 2016. FINRA Rule 2242 addresses conflicts of interest relating to the publication and distribution of debt research reports.
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board prohibits a broker, dealer or municipal securities dealer from effecting a customer transaction in municipal securities in an amount lower than the minimum denomination. The MSRB recently proposed adding two additional exceptions that would allow dealers to sell below stated minimums.
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board is seeking comment on proposed guidance on establishing the “prevailing market price” and calculating mark-ups and mark-downs for principal transactions in municipal securities.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. delayed the implementation of FINRA Rule 2242 (Debt Research Analysts and Debt Research Reports) until April 22, 2016. FINRA Rule 2242 addresses conflicts of interest relating to the publication and distribution of debt research reports.
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently approved amendments to Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. rules to apply FINRA Rule 2121 (Fair Prices and Commissions) to government securities.
- Client Alert
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations recently released its Examinations Priorities for 2016. Firms should review their policies, procedures and business activities in light of OCIE’s stated 2016 priorities.
- Client Alert
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is requesting comment on a revised proposal to amend FINRA Rule 2232 governing trade confirmation disclosures. The amendments would require member firms to disclose a “reference price” on customer confirmations for principal transactions in corporate and agency debt securities with retail customers.
- Client Alert
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board recently proposed amendments to MSRB Rule G-15 that would require brokers, dealers and municipal securities dealers to disclose the mark-up or mark-down on retail customer confirmations for specified principal transactions.
- Client Alert
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. recently issued a Regulatory Notice providing guidance on liquidity risk management practices that FINRA expects member firms to consider and implement in preparation for adverse circumstances.
- Client Alert
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations recently issued a Risk Alert providing information on the areas of focus for the SEC staff’s second round of cybersecurity examinations of registered investment advisers and broker-dealers.
- Client Alert
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. recently announced the adoption of amendments to its equity research rules and entirely new rules governing debt research.
- Client Alert
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations recently issued a Risk Alert summarizing deficiencies in controls of certain broker-dealers related to sales of structured products to retail investors.
- Client Alert
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority recently issued a Regulatory Notice to remind firms that their written supervisory procedures should identify the process for detecting, resolving, and preventing the consequences of short positions and fails-to-receive in municipal securities.
- Client Alert
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is requesting comment on a revised proposal to adopt a new FINRA rule that would consolidate and clarify former National Association of Securities Dealers and New York Stock Exchange rules regarding discretionary accounts and transactions.
- Client Alert
On June 12, 2015, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued a release seeking public comment to help inform its review of the listing and trading of new, novel, or complex exchange-traded products.
- Client Alert
The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recently proposed that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority amend its rules to replace the current broker-dealer “suitability” standard with a new “best interests” standard along with enhanced customer disclosure about a broker-dealer’s services, conflicts of interest, fees, and compensation.
- Client Alert
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority recently issued an interpretive letter that allows distributors of mutual funds to include related performance information in communications with institutional investors, including registered broker-dealers and investment advisers.
As part of its charge to promote a fair and efficient municipal securities market, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board issued regulatory notice 2015-03 on January 29, 2015, calling for timely disclosure of bank loans extended to municipal borrowers, whether in the form of the direct purchase of bonds or notes, a loan agreement, or any other type of financing with the municipal borrower.
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations recently issued its 2015 Regulatory and Examinations Priorities Letter.
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently issued a no-action letter which grants relief to broker-dealers, allowing them to rely on investment advisers to perform some or all of their Customer Identification Program obligations under federal anti-money laundering legislation.
- Client Alert
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board recently requested comment on proposals to require disclosure of pricing information on customer trade confirmations for certain fixed income security transactions.
- Client Alert
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board recently announced the approval of an amended continuing education rule that will require annual training and expand the coverage of its Firm Element.
- Client Alert
The Board of Governors of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. recently authorized regulatory notices seeking comment on initiatives to enhance transparency and execution quality in fixed income markets.
- Client Alert
With fixed income markets already in decline in May 2013, speculation regarding Federal Reserve action reached a pinnacle in the last half of June, sparking a bond market selloff of historic proportions.
- Client Alert
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to conduct a study of legal and regulatory requirements applicable to broker-dealers, investment advisers, and associated persons who provide personalized investment advice and recommendations about securities to retail customers.
- Client Alert
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently approved a rule change proposed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. relating to the “best execution” obligation of broker-dealers.