Securities & Markets

Madoff Claims: $253M Distributed, Total Payout Nears $15.38B

The SIPA Trustee for the Madoff liquidation announced the seventeenth pro rata interim distribution of over $253 million to eligible customers. This distribution brings the total payout to nearly $15.38 billion, representing approximately 72.848% of allowed claims.

SEC Division of Examinations Announces 2026 Priorities

The SEC's Division of Examinations has announced its 2026 examination priorities, focusing on areas of heightened risk to investors and compliance with new rules like amendments to Regulation S-P. The priorities aim to provide transparency and encourage firms to strengthen their compliance programs.

SEC Municipal Advisors Risk Alert and Examination Guidance

The SEC's Division of Examinations has published a Risk Alert to assist municipal advisors in understanding the examination process. The alert details potential areas of focus, selection criteria for examinations, and initial document requests.

SEC Risk Alert on Investment Company Core Areas Review

The SEC's Division of Examinations has published a Risk Alert detailing typical document requests and examination observations for registered investment companies. The alert aims to help funds and their advisers enhance their compliance programs and practices by highlighting key review areas such as compliance programs, disclosures, and governance.

SEC Risk Alert on Advisers Act Marketing Rule Compliance

The SEC's Division of Examinations issued a Risk Alert highlighting observations regarding investment advisers' compliance with the Marketing Rule. The alert focuses on disclosure requirements, oversight practices for testimonials and endorsements, and due diligence for third-party ratings.

SEC and CFTC Announce Inter-Agency Coordination MOU

The SEC and CFTC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance coordination and collaboration between the agencies. This agreement aims to support lawful innovation, uphold market integrity, and protect investors and customers by harmonizing regulatory definitions and coordinating oversight.

SEC Hosts Roundtable on Options Market Structure Reform

The SEC announced it will host a roundtable on April 16, 2026, to discuss listed options market structure. The event aims to foster dialogue on competition, customer experience, and growth opportunities in the options market. Public comments are being accepted.

SEC Investor Advisory Committee Meeting on Disclosure Reform and Tokenization

The SEC's Investor Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting on March 12, 2026, to discuss public company disclosure reform, fund proxy voting, and a potential recommendation on the tokenization of equity securities. The meeting will be webcast and include panel discussions on these topics.

SEC Adopts Final Rules for Holding Foreign Insiders Accountable Act

The SEC has adopted final rules and form amendments implementing the Holding Foreign Insiders Accountable Act (HFIA). These changes require directors and officers of foreign private issuers to electronically disclose their holdings and transactions in the issuer's equity securities, effective March 18, 2026.

SEC and FSA Hold Dialogue on Market Developments and Crypto

The SEC and Japan's FSA held their Spring Financial Regulatory Dialogue to discuss market developments, including crypto and digital assets. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation on cross-border issues and enhance investor protection in global capital markets.