SEC’s marketing rule is a heavy lift for compliance (ThinkAdvisor)

How investment advisers approach compliance for the new Marketing Rule will help set the stage for what actions the SEC may or may not take against firms. In lead comments, Amy Lynch, FrontLine’s Founder and President, states that firms need to understand there is more to compliance with the rule than updating firm marketing and advertising policies. Ms. Lynch explains that for advisers just now starting the compliance process, it can be a heavy lift…

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Amy Lynch comments on latest SEC case in lead story (CNBC)

The SEC’s recent announcement of enforcement actions, including large fines against several well-known Wall Street firms, may have been a rude awakening for the industry. FrontLine Compliance Founder and President Amy Lynch provides exclusive comments in a CNBC lead story on the SEC’s charges against the firms for allowing “off-channel” employee communications, such as text messaging. A former regulator with the SEC, Ms. Lynch sees the case as demonstrative of an SEC that is serious…

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Firms struggle with marketing rule’s language (IGNITES)

The SEC’s new marketing rule is posing a challenge for investment adviser firms that must swiftly update their policies and practices with marketing programs already in place. While the rule’s goal was to modernize the SEC’s 60 year-old advertising rule, it’s now leaving many compliance staffs in the dark about how to interpret the new rule’s language and update disclosures. Amy Lynch, FrontLine’s Founder and President, explains that a big hurdle faced by firms is…

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ComplianceAlert

Marketing Rule Exams Coming

A recent Risk Alert (the “Alert”) issued by the Division of Examinations (“EXAMS”) demonstrates a new tactic for the SEC. In its first ever Alert on the newly to be enforced Marketing Rule, the SEC is warning firms to be ready for an examination. Typically, EXAMS issues a Risk Alert after it has conducted enough exams to see patterns of non-compliance. However, in this case, they are taking a proactive approach and warning firms ahead…

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Amy Lynch video interview on ESG rule’s required disclosures (Financial Advisor IQ Video)

In this recent video interview, FrontLine Compliance Founder and President Amy Lynch discusses the SEC’s proposed ESG rule requirement for enhanced disclosures. Ms. Lynch explains that for advisors at firms, it should allow them to compare ESG funds more easily when making recommendations to clients. She adds that the new rule requirements would essentially standardize the approach to disclosing ESG guidelines and mandates. In this way, advisors would benefit by having more clarity about the…

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