SEC Announces Tick Size Plan

On June 25, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) announced its tick size plan whereby it ordered that the national securities exchanges and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) to act jointly to develop and file with the Commission a national market system plan.

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) grants broad authority to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to oversee the securities industry. The SEC’s authority includes the power to register, regulate, and oversee brokerage firms, transfer agents, and clearing agencies; as well as securities self regulatory organizations (SROs), including the  Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).

In addition, the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Stock Market, and the Chicago Board of Options Exchange are all subject to regulation under the 1934 Act.

Rule 506(C) Verification of Accredited Investor Status

Rule 506(c) of Regulation D of the Securities Act became effective on September 23, 2013.   The rule fundamentally changes how private placements are conducted, by allowing issuers to engage in general solicitation and advertising of their private placements if specific requirements are met.

The SEC has confirmed that the Rule 506(c) exemption will not be forgiving for issuers who engage in general solicitation but fail to comply with its requirements.Even one sale to a non-accredited investor in s private placement will prevent the issuer from relying upon the exemption, making it a time bomb for issuers who fail to adopt proper compliance methods for their offerings.

SEC Issues Small Entity Compliance Guide For JOBS Act

The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, or JOBS Act, is intended, among other things, to reduce barriers to capital formation, particularly for smaller companies in going public transactions.  The JOBS Act requires the SEC to adopt rules amending existing exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 and creating new exemptions that permit issuers of securities to raise capital without SEC registration.

On July 10, 2013, the SEC adopted amendments to Rule 506 of Regulation D and Rule 144A under the Securities Act to implement the requirements of Section 201(a) of the JOBS Act.  The amendments became effective on September 23, 2013.