SEC Alert: Deficiencies in Broker-Dealers’ Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Controls

On July 31, 2023, in a noteworthy development in the banking sector and financial institutions, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) circulated an alert detailing deficiencies in broker-dealers’ (“BD”) implementation of their Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) and Countering Financing of Terrorism (“CFT”) controls. The directives were brought to light by the Department of Examinations….

Read More

SEC’s New Cybersecurity Disclosure Rules: Impact on Corporate Legal Professionals and Compliance

Legal professionals in the corporate world should be aware of significant changes to the cybersecurity disclosure rules implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The organization approved these new requirements on July 26, 2023 and they primarily focus on mandating public companies to make specific disclosures regarding substantial cybersecurity incidents and periodic disclosure of…

Read More

SEC Cybersecurity Rules Effective September 2023: Impact on Legal Professionals and Compliance Strategies

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Cybersecurity Risk Management Strategy, Governance, and Incident Disclosure Rules have been officially recorded in the Federal Register. As per the official publication, these rules were published on August 4, 2023 and will become effective from September 5, 2023. These regulations provide the guiding principles and norms for cybersecurity…

Read More

Navigating Reverse Stock Splits: California’s Complex Regulatory Landscape

For both local and multinational corporations, nuanced legal regulations surrounding business practices and stock market behaviors can be challenging to navigate. A prime example of such a regulation surrounds the complexities of reverse stock splits in California, a subject that has garnered renewed attention in the market lately. In a recent blog post, legal commentator…

Read More

Ripple Ruling Not a Tidal Wave: Differing SEC Enforcement Strategies in Digital Asset Cases

Just weeks after Judge Analisa Torres’s novel securities analysis in SEC v. Ripple Labs, a different judge in the Southern District of New York has drawn a distinction between Ripple’s approach and its policy outcomes. The judge’s argument is presented within the context of another highly-public, SEC enforcement action involving digital assets. For readers desiring…

Read More

ISSB Unveils Global Sustainability Disclosure Standards: Canada’s CSSB and CSA Collaborate for Implementation

On June 26, 2023, the International Sustainability Standards Board (“ISSB”) unveiled its first two sustainability disclosure standards, termed the “ISSB Standards”. The two standards, IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information (“IFRS S1”) and IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures (“IFRS S2”), aim to establish a global framework for corporate sustainability disclosures. Playing a…

Read More

Atlanta Increases Courthouse Security Amid Possible Trump Election Interference Charges

Security has been heightened in Atlanta, most notably around the Fulton County Courthouse, in anticipation of potential charges against former President Donald Trump. As per the announcement made by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon, the main route encircling the courthouse will be off-limits for general traffic from Monday morning onwards. The augmented…

Read More

SEC Imposes New Cybersecurity Rules for Public Companies: Enhancing Transparency and Investor Protection

In a significant regulatory shift, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has initiated new cybersecurity rules that were instated on July 26, 2023. The regulations are primarily aimed at enabling investors to have a clearer understanding of the cybersecurity risks associated with public companies. One of the key stipulations includes the liability on the part…

Read More

California Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act: Pushing ESG Disclosure Boundaries

As the legal landscape around environmental concerns continues to evolve, California is poised to establish some of the most stringent Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure requirements in the United States, even overtaking the current proposed rules by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This comes with the introduction and subsequent amendment of the…

Read More

FedNow Launches Instant Payments Service, Balancing Fintech Advancements and Regulatory Measures

In an era rapidly marked by fintech evolution and regulatory hurdles, the U.S. Central Bank, the Federal Reserve has launched the FedNow® Instant Payments Service, its new instant payment solution. Revealed in a recent press release, this new payment system is accessible for financial institutions of all sizes, offering the ability to instantly process transactions…

Read More

SEC Seeks to Address Predictive Data Analytics Conflicts in Broker-Dealer and Investment Adviser Regulations

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently proposed new rules and amendments that may have significant impacts on broker-dealers and investment advisers. The initiative is aimed at addressing potential conflicts of interest that arise from these professionals’ use of predictive data analytics, among other related technologies, in their interactions with investors. From a briefing…

Read More

New SEC Rule on Cybersecurity Intensifies Reporting Obligations for Public Companies

In a marked move, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted a noteworthy new rule last week, a move that notably increased reporting obligations for public companies. The adopted Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, Governance, and Incident Disclosure Rule (the “Rule”) demands, among various other things, the reporting of “cybersecurity incidents” within merely four business…

Read More

SEC Adopts New Rules for Cybersecurity Disclosures: Shifting Focus to Transparency in Corporate America

On July 26, 2023, an open meeting held by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) resulted in the adoption of final rules that aim to enhance and standardize cybersecurity disclosures by public companies. This development indicates a significant shift in regulatory focus towards improving transparency in the cybersecurity realm. According to a report by legal…

Read More

SEC’s New Material Cybersecurity Incident Rule Impacts Public Companies and Law Firms

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has implemented a significant new policy regarding cybersecurity disclosure requirements, according to a recent report. As of July 26, 2023, all public companies that fall under the reporting obligations and handle data collection or processing are subject to the rule. This rule, named the Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy,…

Read More

SEC Adopts Standardized Cybersecurity Disclosures for Public Companies: Legal Implications and Consequences

On July 26, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) significantly shifted the landscape of cybersecurity accountability for public companies. The SEC convened an open meeting where it was decided to adopt final rules requiring the standardization of cybersecurity disclosures by public companies (JD Supra). These new rules mark a strict departure from the previous…

Read More

SEC Proposes Regulation on AI and Predictive Analytics in Finance: Balancing Innovation and Compliance

On July 26, 2023, the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed a new set of rules affecting registered investment advisers and broker-dealers. As discussed in this JD Supra article, the proposed rules aim to handle certain conflicts of interest concerning the use of predictive analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and other relevant technologies in dealings…

Read More