Climate risk, digital assets climb to top of SEC priorities list (IGNITES)

When Gary Gensler takes the helm of the SEC, the agency’s exam focus and rulemaking should quickly look at risks associated with the evolving areas of climate events and digital assets. On the first priority area, exams will likely assess firms’ business continuity and disaster recovery plans, as well as operational and cybersecurity practices. Additionally, Gensler has stated he would pursue rulemaking around climate risk disclosures. On the second area, FrontLine’s Founder and President Amy…

Read More

Private equity looks to “democratize” as SEC ramps up priorities (Institutional Investor)

The private equity industry continues to evolve beyond its traditional institutional investor base by seeking to expand access to individuals that meet the definition of an accredited investor. A recent example is the iCapital KKR Private Markets Fund, and a statement by KKR terms the investment opportunity as an avenue to “democratize” access to private equity for the accredited investor. Amy Lynch, FrontLine’s Founder and President, describes this type of offering as a potential win-win…

Read More

New valuation rule to fuel enforcement for a Gensler led SEC (IGNITES)

The recent track record of firms with valuation related deficiencies would indicate that the new SEC valuation rule will trigger even greater enforcement in this area. Couple that with Gary Gensler’s aggressive regulatory style, expect valuation processes at funds to be closely reviewed during SEC exams. FrontLine’s Founder and President, Amy Lynch, provides the lead comments in discussing the Infinity Q case, and how it may be a precursor for what lies ahead, with the…

Read More

ComplianceAlert

2021 SEC Examination Priorities Released

The day after SEC Chair nominee Gary Gensler’s confirmation hearing, the Division of Examinations (“EXAMS”) issued its 2021 Examination Priorities letter (“the Letter”). The Letter shares similarities to the 2020 exam priorities with a few twists. In this ComplianceAlert, we focus on the Staff’s priorities for registered investment advisers and especially how they may differ from previous years. It’s important to note that the Letter was issued prior to the new Chair’s arrival to the…

Read More

New advertising rule puts onus on firms to monitor social media (IGNITES)

When the SEC’s new advertising rule becomes effective, all eyes will be on social media activity of firm employees. As the use of social media has proliferated and become intertwined with business practices, the rule seeks to address that concern by requiring firm policies to clearly define how social media is to be used. But, it may require such onerous monitoring that firms may decide to outright ban its use by employees to prevent compliance…

Read More