The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) recently filed an immediately effective proposal with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to adopt new rules aimed at certain abusive forms of electronic trading. The proposed rules prohibit two specific types of disruptive quoting and trading activity, and permit FINRA to bring expedited cease and desist proceedings against violations, even if there is no showing of improper intent. The proposal was published by the SEC on November 21, and will become operative on December 15 (see SR-FINRA-2016-043, available here).
Category Archives: Regulatory
SEC Inaugural Fintech Forum
On November 14, 2016, the SEC plans to hold its first-ever “Fintech Forum” to discuss technological innovations in the financial services industry. Among other things, the forum will analyze the impact of automated investment advisory programs or so-called “robo-advisers,” and the impact of blockchain on the traditional clearance and settlement of security transactions. The SEC has released its agenda for the forum, which includes panel discussions from industry experts and executives from the leading financial technology firms.
FINRA 5110 Enforcement Action. . . A Harbinger of Things to Come?
On November 3, 2016, FINRA issued an enforcement action against a registered broker-dealer for violations related to FINRA Rule 5110, which requires firms to make certain regulatory filings in connection with the public offering of securities. More specifically, the firm replaced the dealer manager of a real estate investment trust offering, and failed to seek or obtain FINRA approval, instead incorrectly believing that they could rely on the prior dealer manager’s FINRA approval. In addition, the firm failed to have adequate supervisory procedures to monitor the limits on underwriting compensation as required by FINRA Rule 5110. FINRA rarely issues enforcement actions for violations of FINRA Rule 5110, so this action may represent an increased regulatory focus on how firms handle and manage the offering of securities.
Focus on Senior Investors: FINRA’s Latest Rule Proposals
On October 19, 2016, FINRA filed with the SEC a proposed rule change that would amend FINRA Rule 4512 (Customer Account Information), and adopt new FINRA Rule 2165 (Financial Exploitation of Specified Adults). The proposed amendments to FINRA Rule 4512 would require broker-dealers to make reasonable efforts to obtain the name and contact information for a “trusted contact person” for a customer’s account. In addition, new FINRA Rule 2165 would permit (but not require) broker-dealers to place temporary holds on disbursements of funds or securities from the accounts of certain senior investors, as well as other investors with diminished capacity, when there is a reasonable belief of financial exploitation.
This rule proposal fits squarely within FINRA’s recent focus on protecting senior investors, particularly with FINRA’s recent launch of the “Securities Helpline for Seniors,” and should remain a continued regulatory focus moving forward.
Brexit: What Alternative Asset Managers Can Expect
On 23 June 2016, the British public voted to leave the European Union after 43 years of membership. Although the results of the referendum are not binding in law and there remains a possibility of a constitutional challenge, the early indications from Prime Minister Theresa May and leading figures within the ruling Conservative Party are that the United Kingdom will proceed with the so-called Brexit. How might Brexit affect alternative asset managers in the United Kingdom and the United States?
Read more here: Brexit: What Alternative Asset Managers Can Expect