Unfinished Business: IAs Are Potentially Back on the Hook for AML and Counterterrorism Reporting Requirements

In its latest attempt, the U.S. Department of Treasury, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), will require certain investment advisers to implement compliance measures to detect and report suspected money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The newly proposed rule brings investment advisers under the purview of the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), which requires financial institutions to implement risk-based anti-money-laundering and counterterrorism programs to protect the national security of the United States and aid law enforcement in the fight against money laundering. If the proposed rule is finalized, FinCEN could require investment advisers to collect records, such as those related to fund transfers, and file suspicious activity reports with FinCEN. The proposed rule would also allow information sharing between FinCEN and the SEC, who will be delegated with examination authority over investment advisers for compliance with the new rule.

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The Dealerization of America by the SEC

On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated final rules relating to changing the definition of dealer pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. See SEC.gov | SEC Adopts Rules to Include Certain Significant Market Participants as “Dealers” or “Government Securities Dealers”. This definitional change is a watershed moment in securities regulation.

Although the SEC has for several years now sought to expand the definition of dealer in certain markets, most notably the convertible debt market, this is the first time the SEC has taken advantage of its rule- making ability to dramatically shift decades of precedent.

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