The SEC today proposed a rule that could have a significant impact on advisers that outsource certain advisory or trading functions to third parties.

The new rule would require advisers to conduct initial due diligence and ongoing monitoring of service providers to whom covered functions are outsourced. SEC-registered advisers would have to reasonably identify and determine through due diligence that it would be appropriate to outsource the covered function, and that it would be appropriate to select that service provider, by complying with six specific elements. These elements address: (1) The nature and scope of the services; (2) Potential risks resulting from the service provider performing the covered function, including how to mitigate and manage such risks; (3) The service provider’s competence, capacity, and resources necessary to perform the covered function; (4) The service provider’s subcontracting arrangements related to the covered function; (5) Coordination with the service provider for Federal securities law compliance; and (6) The orderly termination of the provision of the covered function by the service provider.

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Advisers paying third parties for client referrals (“promoters”) must determine whether they will need agreements with such promoters in order to comply with the new Marketing Rule and to ensure that any such agreements allow them to ensure compliance with the Marketing Rule’s disclosure, oversight and disqualification provisions pertaining to the use of paid testimonials and endorsements.

Among other things, advisers will want to consider the following with respect to agreements with promoters:

• Restrictions on the materials the promoter may use to promote the adviser’s services
• Processes for pre-approval of any materials to be used by the promote to promote the adviser’s services
• The Imposition of disclosure requirements for any marketing materials to be used by the promoter to ensure compliance with the Marketing Rule
• The right of the adviser to conduct ongoing due diligence on the promoter’s compliance with the Marketing Rule including the right to inspect books and records
• Inclusion of representations and warranties to be made by the promoter to ensure that it and its personnel are not disqualified from referring clients to the adviser