The Law of the Financial Markets from Top Securities Lawyers
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Going Public Introduction While going public offers many benefits it also comes with risks and regulations with which can become complicated, and compliance can be expensive. Despite the risks and costs, the U.S. capital markets remain one of the most attractive sources of financing in the world. Going public is […]
Expectations have been raised by the media, claimants’ counsel and other pundits that a flood of arbitration filings will follow the conclusion of the $1.4 billion regulatory settlement regarding analyst conflicts. RESEARCH SETTLEMENT & ARBITRATION IMPACT: Expectations have been raised by media, Claimant’s counsel and other pundits that a flood […]
Section 14(e) applies, but not 14(d) for some, but yes for others. By John M. Baker, Esq. The SEC issued an interpretive release on “mini-tender offers” and limited partnership tender offers. Release Nos. 34-43069, IC-24564 (July 24, 2000). A mini-tender offer is a tender offer resulting in ownership of not […]
Web based offering approved by Commission for First Time By John M. Baker, Esq. The Securities and Exchange Commission has for the first time approved an offering that is to be made only by means of the World Wide Web. In a rare action, the registration statement for The […]
New Definitions and Rules to Measure Independence, New Restrictions By John M. Baker, Esq. On June 30, 2000 the SEC posted proposed rules that would substantially revise the independence standards for auditors. Release Nos. 33-7870, 34- 42994, 35-27193, IC-24549 (June 30, 2000). The proposal would modernize the rules for auditor […]
SEC Notes Explosive Growth and Fee Issues, Shareholders Sue Over Fees By John M. Baker, Esq. Variable annuities typically do not get a great deal of attention from the SEC’s upper levels, but they were the subject of a speech by Investment Management Director Paul Roye before the National Association […]
Identifies services which are inconsistent with independence By John M. Baker, Esq. On November 21, 2000 the SEC finalized and posted its release adopting rule amendments regarding auditor independence, which the Commissioners voted to adopt on November 15. Revision of the Commission’s Auditor Independence Requirements, Release Nos. 33-7919, 34-43602, […]
Compliant not “substantially justified”, ALJ orders SEC to pay attorneys fees. By John M. Baker, Esq. A compliance officer recently had a major win against the SEC under the Equal Access to Justice Act, which provides for reimbursement of attorney fees in some cases when an administrative agency’s position […]
Tying aftermarket purchases to initial distributions is prohibited. By John M. Baker, Esq. SEC Bulletin on Aftermarket Purchases On August 25, 2000, the SEC’s Division of Market Regulation issued a legal bulletin stating that underwriters, broker-dealers, and other distribution participants are prohibited from soliciting or requiring their customers to […]
Aggregation of Orders Addressed By John M. Baker, Esq. The SEC’s Division of Investment Management recently issued a letter clarifying its position on the application of Rule 17d-1 to aggregated transactions in private placement securities. Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., SEC No-Action Letter (July 28, 2000). As described below, the […]
