Investment advisers have a duty to disclose material conflicts of interest to clients. The more difficult question is: "how much disclosure is enough?" In a recent settled enforcement action, the SEC suggests that disclosure of material facts alone may not be sufficient, and that more explicit disclosure is needed when investment advice may result in additional compensation to the adviser. The case is Matter of Valentine Capital Asset Management.
Prospectus Directive amendments – discussion of key changes
London partner Dorothee Fischer-Appelt is the author of "Prospectus Directive amendments – discussion of key changes" [PDF] published in the September 2010 issue of Law and Financial Markets Review (pp. 490-498).
UK Bribery Act “Adequate Procedure” Draft Guidance Published
In anticipation of the April 2011 implementation of the new UK Bribery Act 2010 (the “Act”),[1] on September 14, 2010, the UK Ministry of Justice launched an eight-week consultation regarding the Government’s proposed guidance to commercial organisations on the prevention of bribery. The consultation features the publication of draft guidance on the “adequate procedures” defence under the Act.
Executive Compensation, Corporate Governance and Other Securities Disclosure Provisions in the Dodd-Frank U.S. Financial Regulatory Act
Washington, D.C. partners Amy Goodman, Ronald Mueller and Elizabeth Ising are the authors of "Executive Compensation, Corporate Governance and Other Securities Disclosure Provisions in the Dodd-Frank U.S. Financial Regulatory Reform Act" [PDF] published in BNA’s Securites Regulation & Law on September 20, 2010.
SEC Proposes Rules to Enhance Disclosure of Short-Term Borrowings and Issues Interpretive Release Regarding Disclosure of Liquidity and Capital Resources
On September 17, 2010, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") unanimously voted to publish for comment proposed rules that would require registrants to increase disclosure of short-term borrowing arrangements in the "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" ("MD&A"). The SEC also unanimously voted to issue an interpretive release reiterating its long-standing guidance regarding liquidity and capital resources disclosure requirements in MD&A.
The Annual Risk Assessment Requirement for Investment Advisers: Keeping Your Review Current
Rule 206(4)-7 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the "Advisers Act") requires registered investment advisers to adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Advisers Act by the adviser and any of its supervised persons within the meaning of Advisers Act section 202(a)(25). The adviser’s policies and procedures must also be reasonably designed to detect and promptly address any violations that occurred. Advisers Act Rule 206(4)-7(b) further requires investment advisers to undertake an annual review to determine the adequacy and effectiveness of their procedures in light of internal and external developments affecting the firm.
Webcast – Implementing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
On July 21, 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the most sweeping financial reform legislation in over a generation. Gibson Dunn panelists discuss the regulatory initiatives in the bill that are likely to be of interest and concern to the wide range of companies affected by the bill.
U.S. SEC Adopts Final Rules on Proxy Access
Today the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") adopted amendments to its proxy rules to permit shareholders to include their director candidates in a company’s proxy materials–commonly referred to as "proxy access." The vote on the amendments was 3-2, with Commissioners Casey and Paredes dissenting due to numerous concerns, including that the proxy access rules encroach on state corporate law and interfere with private ordering by companies and their shareholders.
FASB Extends by 30 Days the Period for Comment on Proposed Changes to U.S. Accounting Standards Governing Loss Contingencies
On August 18, 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") announced that it is extending by 30 days to September 20, 2010 the deadline for comments on the FASB’s proposed amendments to the U.S. accounting standards governing the disclosure of loss contingencies, including litigation-related contingencies. Given the broad scope of the FASB’s proposed modifications and the challenges they would pose to financial statement preparers, we encourage companies who have not already commented on the proposal to submit comments by the new deadline.
Delaware Court of Chancery Issues Important Poison Pill Opinion
On August 11, 2010, the Delaware Court of Chancery issued an important opinion in the area of stockholder rights plans, or poison pills. Vice Chancellor Strine’s opinion in Yucaipa American Alliance Fund II, L.P. v. Riggio et al., 2010 WL 3170806 (Del. Ch. Aug. 11, 2010), reaffirms Delaware’s traditional deference to a board’s well-informed and well-reasoned implementation of antitakeover measures, and gives meaningful guidance to boards and their advisors in the implementation of poison pills and other defensive measures in the face of a potential unsolicited change in control situation.