SEC addresses share buyback disclosures, insider trading rules
The Securities and Exchange Commission issued separate proposals Wednesday that are designed to enhance share buyback disclosures and provide protections against insider trading.
SEC regulatory compliance & reporting
SEC increases scrutiny of issuers whose auditors aren’t PCAOB-inspected
The SEC issued rules that create new disclosure requirements for companies that issue public securities in the US but are audited by firms that are not subject to inspection by the PCAOB.
Revenue, SPACs, and LIBOR pose year-end accounting challenges
Some new and complex accounting issues are facing financial statement preparers as 2021 draws to a close.
Spring-loaded awards merit accounting scrutiny, SEC staff says
“Spring-loaded” awards are share-based compensation that companies award to executives shortly before announcing market-moving information. The SEC staff says that when measuring compensation, companies must consider the impact that the information will have upon release.
Board diversity disclosures mandated for Nasdaq-listed companies
Nasdaq-listed companies will be required to provide new information on the diversity of their boards as a result of a new rule approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
AICPA, CAQ support SEC’s exploration of climate change disclosures
The AICPA and the Center for Audit Quality sent letters to the SEC supporting its exploration of disclosures related to climate change and environmental, social and governance issues.
Climate change disclosure comments sought by SEC
The Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking public comment on its disclosure rules and guidance related to climate change disclosures.
New SEC enforcement task force to focus on climate, ESG compliance
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it is creating a new Climate and ESG Task Force to identify compliance problems related to environmental, social and governance issues.
SEC places new focus on climate-related disclosures
The SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance will place greater focus on climate-related disclosures in public company filings after a directive issued by SEC Acting Chair Allison Herren Lee.
New SEC rules require extraction companies to disclose payments
The SEC issued new rules requiring disclosure of payments to governments by certain resource extraction companies. Critics say the rules don’t go far enough.
Internal control focus critical as a result of pandemic changes
The coronavirus pandemic has led to changes in operations that require increased attention to internal controls, Securities and Exchange Commission staff said at the AICPA Conference on Current SEC and PCAOB Developments.
SEC amends guidance on MD&A, other disclosures
The SEC has voted to adopt amendments that are intended to modernize, simplify and enhance management’s discussion and analysis and other required financial disclosures.
New SEC rules enable electronic submissions
The Securities and Exchange Commission voted to permit the use of electronic signatures in authentication documents and to facilitate electronic service and filing in the commission’s administrative proceedings.
SEC amends rules for whistleblowers, shareholder proposals
The SEC voted to amend rules that govern its whistleblower program and the amount a shareholder must hold to have a proposal included in a company’s proxy statement.
SEC changes disclosure rules for banks
The SEC announced rule changes that will change the disclosures bank and savings and loan registrants are required to provide investors.
SEC changes disclosure rules, redefines 'accredited investors'
The SEC voted to amend its rules for public company disclosures of the description of business, legal proceedings and risk factors. The commission also changed its definition of "accredited investor."
SEC staff guidance addresses pandemic-related disclosures
Public companies need to carefully consider their obligations in disclosing the coronavirus pandemic’s effect on their operations, liquidity, and capital resources, according to staff guidance issued by the SEC Division of Corporation Finance.
SEC amends disclosure rules for acquisitions and disposals
The SEC voted to amend its rules and forms for disclosing financial information about acquired or disposed businesses.
SEC updates staff guidance on shareholder meetings
Responding to travel, mailing and other issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the SEC has published updated staff guidance on shareholder meetings for companies and other issuers of public stock.
Financial institutions using CARES Act deferrals won’t violate GAAP, SEC says
Companies that elect to defer or suspend FASB rules for credit losses or troubled debt restructurings in accordance with the CARES Act will not be found in violation of GAAP.
