Securities & Markets

NYSE American LLC Proposes Market Data Fee Amendments

NYSE American LLC has filed a proposed rule change to amend its market data fees. The filing includes proposed changes to the fees for various data products and services, with a comment period open until February 12, 2026. This action is subject to SEC review.

NYSE Arca Proposes Rule Change for Fees and Charges

NYSE Arca has filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to introduce the NYSE Arca Equity Membership On-Ramp Program. This program offers discounted fees for new Equity Permit Holders for up to 18 months to encourage participation from smaller, retail-oriented market participants. The rule change is proposed to be effective March 6, 2026.

NYSE Arca Equities Market Data Fees Amendment Proposal

The NYSE Arca has proposed an amendment to its market data fees, specifically concerning the fees for Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) data. This proposal outlines new fees for CAT data access and related services, with a comment period open until January 15, 2026.

NYSE Arca Fee Schedule Proposal - Broker Credits

NYSE Arca has proposed amendments to its fee schedule, specifically waiving certain broker credits that were set to expire in March 2026. This filing initiates a public comment period for the proposed changes to the exchange's pricing structure.

SEC Chairman Atkins on Crypto Asset Token Safe Harbor

SEC Chairman Atkins announced new guidance on crypto assets, establishing four categories not deemed securities. This interpretation aims to provide clarity on when crypto assets implicate federal securities laws, focusing on digital securities and investment contracts.

SEC Director Clarifies Howey Test for Crypto Assets

SEC Director James Moloney provided a statement clarifying the application of the Howey test to crypto assets. The statement explains how the 80-year-old legal standard for identifying investment contracts remains relevant in the context of modern digital assets.

SEC Clarifies Securities Laws for Crypto Assets

The SEC, joined by the CFTC, issued an interpretation clarifying the application of federal securities laws to crypto assets. The guidance provides a token taxonomy and addresses how crypto assets may become subject to or cease to be subject to investment contracts, impacting various crypto transactions.

SEC Publishes Data on Offerings, Advisors, Agents, Swap Dealers

The SEC's Division of Economic and Risk Analysis has published a report on security-based swap dealers and updated data visualizations for various market activities in 2025. The updates include statistics on IPOs, registered offerings, municipal advisors, and swap dealers, aiming to increase transparency for investors and issuers.

SEC Obtains Final Consent Judgment Against J. Bernard Rice

The SEC announced a final consent judgment against J. Bernard Rice, an alleged former executive of cannabis company American Patriot Brands, Inc. The judgment includes permanent injunctions, a five-year officer and director bar, disgorgement of $581,000 plus interest, and a civil penalty of $236,451.

SEC v. J. Bernard Rice - Final Judgment for Securities Violations

The SEC has filed a final judgment against J. Bernard Rice for violations of securities laws, including Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 17(a) of the Securities Act. The judgment permanently enjoins Rice from further violations and restricts his participation in the issuance or sale of securities.