On May 4, 2012, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Boardʼs proposed interpretative guidance on the obligations of underwriters to municipal securities issuers under the fair dealing and anti-fraud provisions of MSRB Rule G-17. The guidance establishes a comprehensive code of conduct for underwriters in their dealings with municipal entities and imposes detailed disclosure obligations relating to the underwriterʼs role, compensation, and conflicts of interest, as well as the risks associated with complex municipal securities financings. The guidance also addresses underwritersʼ representations to issuers, review of official statements, and compensation, as well as fair pricing retail order periods. The guidance will be effective on August 2, 2012.
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