Securities Regulation & Disclosure

SEC Votes to Modernize Disclosure Requirements to Help U.S. Investors in Foreign Companies

Newsletterfeedback@Bowne.com — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:34:17 EST

Washington, D.C., Aug. 27, 2008 - The Securities and Exchange Commission today voted unanimously to update and modernize the disclosure requirements for foreign companies offering securities in U.S. markets, making it easier for U.S. investors to gain access to timely financial information that can help them make better informed investment decisions.

How To Request SEC Guidance: Tips From A Former Insider

Newsletterfeedback@Bowne.com — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:14:56 EST

With help from a former SEC chief counsel, The Corporate Counsel has put together tips on where and how to request guidance from the Division of Corporation Finance staff. Knowing who to ask, where to send it, and, most of all, what not to say (hint: skip the waffling) can make all the difference.

Refresher Course On Corporate Disclosure Basics

Newsletterfeedback@Bowne.com — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:07:54 EST

Whenever a public company tries to satisfy its often-conflicting disclosure duties, questions arise. Must we disclose material facts? When? What is material? What about leaks, rumors, inaccuracies? How could just one press release hurt? Attorney Alan Berkeley responds to these and other common queries, using a Q&A format.

Relaxation Of Holding Periods And Other Rule 144 Restrictions Ease Capital-Raising Costs

Newsletterfeedback@Bowne.com — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:30:45 EST

Attorneys Leslie Silverman, Alan Beller, Michael Dayan, and James Small describe the amendments to Rules 144 and 145, considering the effects of the changes on affiliates and nonaffiliates who hold restricted securities. The SEC has reduced the holding periods in a bid to lower the issuer's cost of raising capital.

Disclosure Rules For Earnings Releases And Calls

Newsletterfeedback@Bowne.com — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:18:15 EST

Surveying the current regulatory framework for quarterly earnings releases and related earnings calls, attorneys Steven Bochner and Richard Cameron Blake cite several SEC and court cases. To assist counsel, they have devised a table detailing the flow of steps and responsibilities in shepherding the earnings release process.

SEC unveils IDEA as the successor to EDGAR

Newsletterfeedback@Bowne.com — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:29:43 EST

Washington, D.C., Aug. 19, 2008 - Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox today unveiled the successor to the agency's 1980s-era EDGAR database, which will give investors far faster and easier access to key financial information about public companies and mutual funds.

SEC Provides Guidance to Open Up Use of Corporate Web Sites for Disclosures to Investors

Newsletterfeedback@Bowne.com — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:48:23 EST

Washington, D.C., July 30, 2008 - The Securities and Exchange Commission voted unanimously to provide new guidance to public companies about how to comply with the securities laws while developing their Web sites to serve as an effective means for disseminating important information to investors.

SEC Enhances Investor Protections Against Naked Short Selling

Newsletterfeedback@Bowne.com — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:23:38 EST

On July 15, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued an emergency order to enhance investor protections against "naked" short selling in the securities of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and primary dealers at commercial and investment banks.