On July 27th, the MSRB released for public review and comment a rule proposal with the SEC that would update Rule G‑27, modernize dealer supervision requirements, and reflect current business practices, including hybrid work environments. The proposal is part of the MSRB’s ongoing retrospective rule review. The MSRB notes that technological advances allow firms to supervise municipal securities activities with increased efficacy across decentralized locations. The proposed rules are designed to provide dealers with more flexibility without modifying core supervisory obligations. Continue reading "MSRB Proposes Updates to Dealer Supervision..." »

On July 16th, the SEC’s Office of Municipal Securities published an updated list of Registration of Municipal Advisors FAQs to give municipal advisors clearer guidance on registration and recordkeeping requirements. The updates help P3 participants know when they should provide information on which remote work locations must be listed on Form MA and MA‑I and when to disclose records that advisors must maintain when offering pricing advice on new municipal securities. Continue reading "SEC Staff Updates FAQs for Registration of..." »

On June 8th, the SEC approved rules that establish joint data standards under the Financial Data Transparency Act of 2022 (FDTA). The rulemaking establishes technical standards for data submitted to certain financial regulatory agencies, making financial data more accessible, uniform, and useful to the public. The joint data standards would make it easier for financial institutions to file reports across multiple agencies and help regulators carry out the SEC’s oversight functions with greater efficacy. Continue reading "SEC Adopts Joint Data Standards Rules Under FDTA" »

On May 14th, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new report to satisfy requirements detailed in the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA). The Act requires the GAO to evaluate the establishment of a Standard Business Reporting-type (SBR) program in the United States and to begin developing shared data standards among financial regulators. The standards are intended to reduce reporting burdens, improve data quality, and steer the United States toward a system similar to SBR used in other countries. Continue reading "GAO Issues Report on Standard Business..." »

On May 7th, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) published its strategic plan for fiscal years 2026–2030, which details a multi‑year plan focused on regulatory modernization, market transparency, and public accountability. The plan is the result of significant engagement with market participants, and is intended to reiterate MSRB’s commitment to protect investors, issuers, and the public interest in a fair and efficient municipal securities market. Continue reading "MSRB Unveils Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years..." »

On May 6th, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) released a correction to its April 23rd request for public review and comment related to draft amendments to MSRB Rules G-1, G-3, G-20, G-23, and G-37. The rules are intended to retire the term “financial advisor” from several MSRB rules as part of its Municipal Advisor Retrospective Rule Review. The correction specifically addresses two issues in the draft amendments to Rule G‑23 that appeared in the earlier notice, but all other sections of the April 23rd notice remain unchanged. Continue reading "MSRB Publishes Correction to Draft Amendments..." »

On April 28th, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) released for public review and comment a rule proposal to modify Rule G‑12(c). The proposed rule would update Rule G‑12(c), which regulates confirmation requirements for inter‑dealer municipal securities transactions that cannot be processed through automated comparison systems. The proposed rule supports the MSRB’s ongoing review of its rules, published guidance, and rulebook modernization efforts to align with current technology and operational standards. Continue reading "MSRB Proposes Updates to Rule G‑12 to Modernize..." »

On January 22nd, XBRL US published the blog, Modernizing XBRL, written by Scott Theis, President/CEO, Novaworks LLC, Chair, XBRL US Domain Steering Committee (DSC), Leader, XBRL Technical Advisory Committee for XBRL US (XTAC), and Member, XBRL Standards Board and Open Information Model (OIM) Working Group. Continue reading "XBRL US Publishes Guidance Focused on..." »

The SEC, Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) jointly will host a compliance outreach program for municipal market advisors and dealers. The workshop is free and open for the public to attend, but registration is required. The two-day remote event will take place on Wednesday, January 21 and Thursday, January 22, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Following the event, a recording of the program also will be archived on the SEC's webpage. Continue reading "SEC, MSRB, FINRA to Host Virtual Compliance..." »

Be a part of GovFin 2025 this Wednesday, July 30, 2025 and Thursday, July 31, 2025! XBRL US, in conjunction with the University of Denver, will host a web conference via livestream to discuss how the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA) can facilitate the efficient rollout of digital reporting for municipal bond issuance and other disclosures with data submissions in a structured, machine-readable format. The event’s presentations will address how this will impact governments, municipal analysts and portfolio managers, data and analytics tool providers, and regulators. {expires: 2025-08-01} Continue reading "Registration Still Open for XBRL US’ Virtual..." »

On June 17th, the SEC published its semi-annual report to Congress regarding public and internal use of machine-readable data for corporate disclosures, in compliance with the Financial Data Transparency Act of 2022 (FDTA) signed into law on December 23, 2022. The FDTA requires the SEC to submit this report to both the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives every 180 days through December 23, 2029, when the provision requiring the report concludes. Continue reading "SEC Staff Issues Semi-Annual Report to Congress..." »

On April 23rd and 24th, the Board of Directors of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) held its third quarterly meeting for fiscal year 2025, at which the MSRB discussed engagement with the industry, market transparency initiatives, and regulatory modernization of its suite of rules through a retrospective rule review. Continue reading "MSRB Releases Data Regarding Market Regulation..." »

Join us at GovFin 2025! XBRL US, in conjunction with the University of Denver, will host a conference to discuss how the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA) can facilitate the efficient rollout of digital reporting for municipal bond issuance and other disclosures with data submissions in a structured, machine-readable format. The event’s presentations will address how this will impact governments, municipal analysts and portfolio managers, data and analytics tool providers, and regulators. Novaworks is a sponsor of this event, and our staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide information. Continue reading "XBRL US Opens Registration for GovFin " »

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) has released its fiscal year 2024 annual report, which provides an overview of the organization’s regulatory initiatives, operational performance, financial position, and the progress made in advancing the FY 2022–2025 Strategic Plan. The report highlights the MSRB’s ongoing efforts to enhance market transparency, streamline regulation, and engage stakeholders in promoting a fair and efficient municipal securities market. The annual report also includes audited annual financial statements for the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2024. Continue reading "MSRB Issues 2024 Annual Report and Audited..." »

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) has published its annual notice establishing the criteria for designating participants for its mandatory business continuity and disaster recovery testing consistent with the Regulation Systems Compliance and Integrity (Regulation SCI), adopted by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Continue reading "MSRB Releases Notice on Mandatory Participation..." »