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Time’s Up! Broker-Dealers Must Comply with the Customer Protection Rule When Borrowing Customer Securities

On April 16, 2021, the staff of the SEC Division of Trading and Markets reminded broker-dealers borrowing fully paid and excess margin securities from their customers (FPL programs) that they are obligated to comply with Exchange Act Rule 15c3-3 (Customer Protection Rule), and in particular, paragraph (b)(3).  This reminder was…

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CFTC Announces New Climate Risk Unit — the “CRU”

On March 17, 2021, Acting CFTC Chairman Rostin Behnam announced that the derivatives regulator had established a new interdivisional group called the Climate Risk Unit or the “CRU” to focus on the derivatives markets’ role in addressing climate-related risk and transitioning to a low-carbon/net-zero economy.  The CRU (sounds like an…

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Climate Clash at the Commission?

A flurry of recent climate-related announcements from the SEC forecasts an upcoming policy battle at the agency.  Acting Chair Allison Herren Lee has signaled that “ESG” will clearly be in focus across the SEC’s various divisions, including Examinations, Corporation Finance, and Enforcement.  Presumptive incoming SEC Chairman Gary Gensler also indicated…

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SEC Enforcement Updates: Interim Director Named; Staff Investigative Powers Bolstered; “Bad Boy” Waivers Less Certain

The past few weeks have ushered in signs of what’s likely to come from the SEC’s Division of Enforcement under the Biden Administration, including a greater number of investigations and a tougher path to “bad boy” waivers for issuers.  The SEC’s enforcement program plays a critical role in the agency’s…

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SEC Corporation Finance Staff Urges Specific Company Disclosures for Securities Offerings During Volatile Times

On February 8, 2021, staff in the SEC Division of Corporation Finance (Corp Fin) issued a letter cautioning that market and stock volatility can create risk for companies and investors, especially when companies are raising capital during these periods. In the letter, Corp Fin staff identifies several examples of comments…

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