SEC Adopts Simplified Disclosure Requirements
On August 17, the SEC adopted amendments to Regulation S-K intended to simplify and update disclosure requirements, including disclosure requirements that had become duplicative or outdated.
Expansion of National Security Review of Foreign Investments
On August 13, President Trump signed into law the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act, which expands the role of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States in reviewing national security concerns arising from transactions in which foreign individuals or entities invest in or acquire U.S. businesses.
SEC Expands Companies’ Ability to Issue Securities Pursuant to Compensatory Arrangements, Solicits Public Comment on Further Modernization
On July 18, the SEC announced that it had taken two steps towards allowing companies to more easily pay their employees in stock while still complying with federal securities laws.
SEC Amends Definition of ‘Smaller Reporting Company’
On June 28, the SEC announced that it had voted to amend the definition of “smaller reporting company” to expand the number of companies that qualify for certain existing scaled disclosure accommodations.
SEC Adopts Inline XBRL for Submission of Financial Statement Information, Eliminates Website Posting Requirement
On June 28, the SEC announced that it had voted to amend existing requirements for companies to submit financial statement information in machine-readable format using eXtensible Business Reporting Language.
Help for Audit Committees Overseeing Implementation of New Lease Accounting Standard
Many public companies are unprepared for the January 1, 2019, deadline for implementation of the new lease accounting standard.
Coalition Formed to Coordinate Pushback on ESG Activism
The Main Street Investors Coalition was launched in response to the recent shift of institutional investor focus to environmental, social and governance issues.
Using ‘Nudges’ to Promote Ethical Behavior
A recent article in The Wall Street Journal examines the emerging trend of corporate ethics and compliance officers using “nudges” to promote ethical behavior among employees.
Navigating the Controversy Surrounding Record Stock Buybacks
Record-setting stock buybacks following enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act have riled critics.
Focus on the Handling of Internal Reports of Cybersecurity
Recent SEC activity around cybersecurity has led to increased focus on internal reports of breaches and vulnerabilities and the attendant internal control deficiencies.