By Greg Caramenico and Lauren Mack On August 18th, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) approved a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. (“FINRA”) rule that establishes less burdensome regulations for “Capital Acquisition Brokers” (“CABs”), which are a subclass of broker-dealers that engage only in limited activities. CABs can elect to be governed by the new rules by converting their current FINRA membership or by submitting a new …
Private Placements under FINRA Scrutiny
Peter Tyson and Simon Riveles The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) announced in its Annual Regulatory and Examination Priorities Letter from January 11, 2013 that it would prioritize policing private placements in 2013. Of particular concern to FINRA is enhancing its risk-based supervision of the private placement market, and addressing inadequate disclosures and due diligence procedures, which can mislead and/or harm investors. FINRA’s announcement is …
SEC Approves New FINRA Member Communication Rules
In April, the SEC approved a significant revamping of FINRA rules regarding member communications with the public (the “New Rules”). The rule changes are a culmination of a multi-year effort by FINRA to update, harmonize and consolidate various NASD rules and interpretations regarding communication and advertising rules. New Communication Categories One of the most significant changes brought about by the New Rules is the consolidation …