In 1996, Congress curtailed state-level regulation of securities offerings, or so-called “blue sky laws,” by preventing states from setting their own registration and qualification requirements for nationally traded stocks and mutual funds. By preempting state blue...
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FINRA Will Require Broker-Dealers to File Private Placement Retail Communications
More than a year ago, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) said that it would make reviewing the rules for private placement retail communications by broker-dealers a special priority. Now, the financial regulator is following through on its promise....
Broker-Dealers: What Is the Series 79 Exam?
For broker-dealers, a Series 7 license allows them to sell corporate stocks and bonds and a range of other securities, such as municipal bonds and mutual funds. But if they intend on pursuing investment banking activities, as well, they need another license: the...
“Testing the Waters” in an EGC Public Offering or other Public Offering: What it Means and How it Works
No one wants to jump into a shower that is too cold. The same holds true for emerging growth companies (EGCs) and other issuers interested in offering their securities in the public markets. Since 2012, federal law has allowed EGCs to “test the waters,” communicating...
Retail Securities Law: Beware of Blue Sky Laws
State laws governing retail securities — or “Blue Sky Laws” — may not receive the attention that surrounds federal regulations, but organizations can run into significant financial and legal exposure if they fail to take them into account when considering an offering....
SEC Proposal Could Provide New Exemptions for ‘Finders’
The Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed loosening the restrictions on finders —people who, for a fee, introduce potential investors to securities issuers— in a move that could have a significant impact on capital formation strategies for many smaller...