On August 26th, the SEC announced that it will be carefully monitoring the effects of Hurricane Laura on investors and capital markets. As the SEC tracks the storm’s developments, it will consider easing regulatory requirements and extending filing deadlines for those affected by the storm.
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The SEC has released an additional statement concerning paper filing requirements given the ongoing logistical difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The staff of the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance is aware of the troubles encountered in submitting certain forms (other than Forms 144) in paper given the spread of COVID-19.
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The staff of the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance, the Division of Investment Management, and the Division of Trading and Markets has issued a statement regarding Rule 302(b) of Regulation S-T. This statement pertains to concerns stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The SEC has received inquiries from persons and entities subject to Regulation S-T concerning these authentication document retention mandates under Rule 302(b). These requirements can prove to be difficult to meet in light of health, transportation, and other logistical issues raised by the spread of coronavirus disease. This staff statement is temporary and remains in effect until the staff provides public notice that it no longer applies. Such notice will be published at least two weeks before the announced termination date.
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The staff of the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance states that the Division is aware of logistical difficulties of submitting Forms 144 in paper given the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given ongoing health and safety concerns related to COVID-19, the staff will not recommend enforcement action if Forms 144 filed in paper under Rules 101(b)(4) or 101(c)(6) of Regulation S-T are submitted via email in lieu of mailing or delivering the paper form to the SEC if the filer or submitter attaches a complete Form 144 as a PDF attachment to an email sent to PaperForms144@SEC.gov.
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On April 24th, the SEC announced it is forming an internal, cross-divisional COVID-19 Market Monitoring Group. This temporary, senior-level group will assist the SEC and its various divisions and offices in SEC and staff actions and analysis related to the effects of COVID-19 on markets, issuers, and investors, including main street investors. It will also guide responding to requests for information, analysis and assistance from fellow regulators and other public sector partners.
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On April 23rd, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance released a statement regarding the requirements for certain paper documents given the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The staff of the division recognizes that submitting particular forms (with the exception of Forms 144) may be difficult in the current circumstances. Continue reading "SEC Statement Regarding Requirements for..." »