Search Results: Regulatory Exemptions and Relief

SEC Proposes Rules that Could Regulate DeFi, Extend to Aspects of Centralized Crypto Exchanges

Here is a link to our client alert addressing the SEC’s proposed change to the “exchange” definition, including introduction of the new term “communication protocol system.” There were zero references to crypto, blockchain, DeFi, or distributed ledger technology in the 654-page proposal. Nevertheless, the proposal makes clear that it applies…

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FINRA Extends the Registration Qualification Window from Two to Five Years After Termination

Persons registered with a broker-dealer historically have had two years from their Form U5 filing date to re-register with another firm before their prior qualifications (examinations) would lapse.  Our recent Client Alert  discusses a FINRA rule change that extends this to five years under certain circumstances.

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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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DOL Will Not Enforce Its Own ESG Rule, But Fiduciaries Should Not Ignore It

The Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced that it will not enforce its own rule on investment duties under ERISA.  The rule makes it more difficult for investment fiduciaries to consider environmental, social, governance and similar (“ESG”) issues in their decision-making.  The ESG rule was finalized under the Trump administration…

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U.S. Paycheck Protection Program Restarts: Summary of Key Updates

On December 27, 2020, the President signed into law the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021” (H.R. 133) (or the “2021 CAA”), which modifies and reopens the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program initially created under the CARES Act. The reopened Paycheck Protection Program is available through March 31, 2021 and,…

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SEC Adopts Broad Exempt Offering Reforms

On November 2, the SEC adopted a series of amendments that will significantly change existing rules governing (1) the integration of offerings, (2) offering/investment limits, (3) communication limitations and (4) eligibility for Regulation Crowdfunding and Regulation A. The amendments will also make various changes that will improve access to offerings under Regulation…

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Agencies Publish Final Rule on CECL Implementation

On October 1, the OCC, Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Agencies) published a final rule (Final Rule) that delays the estimated impact on regulatory capital stemming from the implementation of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”…

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