SEC Disclosure Guidance Topics
Summary
The SEC has updated its disclosure guidance page, consolidating various topics related to financial disclosures. Several guidance topics have been withdrawn, with specific dates noted for their supersession or withdrawal.
What changed
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has updated its disclosure guidance page, which serves as a central repository for staff guidance on various financial disclosure topics. This update includes the withdrawal of several previously issued guidance topics, such as those related to Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs), Coronavirus (COVID-19) considerations, and Cybersecurity. The withdrawn SPAC guidance has been superseded by final rules published in January 2024, while other withdrawn guidance has future withdrawal dates noted.
While this update primarily consolidates and withdraws existing guidance, it signifies a shift in the SEC's approach to these specific disclosure areas. Companies should review the listed guidance topics to ensure they are referencing the most current and applicable information. Particular attention should be paid to the withdrawn topics and their superseding regulations or withdrawal dates to maintain compliance with current disclosure requirements.
What to do next
- Review the SEC's disclosure guidance page for any updates relevant to your company's disclosures.
- Note the withdrawn guidance topics and ensure compliance with superseding rules or current best practices.
- Consult with legal counsel regarding any specific disclosure requirements impacted by these updates.
Source document (simplified)
More in this Section
Disclosure Guidance
May 10, 2017
Information About Filing Reviews
- Enhanced Accommodations for Issuers Submitting Draft Registration Statements
- Voluntary Submission of Draft Registration Statements - FAQs
- Filing Review Process
- Filing Review Correspondence (includes Staff Comment Letters)
CF Disclosure Guidance Topics
- Topic 11: Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (Withdrawn) [superseded by final rules in Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, Shell Companies, and Projections (Jan. 24, 2024)]
- Topic 10: Disclosure Considerations for China-Based Issuers (November 23, 2020)
- Topic No. 9A: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disclosure Considerations Regarding Operations, Liquidity, and Capital Resources (Withdrawn) (May 6, 2025)
- Topic No. 9: Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Withdrawn)(May 6,2025)
- Topic No. 8: Intellectual Property and Technology Risks Associated with International Business Operations (December 19, 2019)
- Topic No. 7: Confidential Treatment Applications Submitted Pursuant to Rules 406 and 24b-2 (December 19, 2019; Last Updated January 8, 2024)
- Topic No. 6: Staff Observations Regarding Disclosures of Non-Traded Real Estate Investment Trusts (July 16, 2013)
- Topic No. 5: Staff Observations Regarding Disclosures of Smaller Financial Institutions (April 20, 2012)
- Topic No. 4: European Sovereign Debt Exposures (January 6, 2012)
- Topic No. 3: Staff Observations in the Review of Promotional and Sales Material Submitted Pursuant to Securities Act Industry Guide 5 (December 19, 2011)
- Topic No. 2: Cybersecurity (Withdrawn) (May 5, 2025)
- Topic No. 1: Staff Observations in the Review of Forms 8-K Filed to Report Reverse Mergers and Similar Transactions (September 14, 2011)
Other Staff Guidance and Sample Comment Letters
- Sample Letter to Companies Regarding Their XBRL Disclosures (September 2023)
- Sample Letter to Companies Regarding China-Specific Disclosures (July 2023)
- Sample Letter to Companies Regarding Recent Developments in Crypto Asset Markets (Withdrawn)(May 6, 2025)
- Sample Letter to Companies Regarding Disclosures Pertaining to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine and Related Supply Chain Issues (May 2022)
- Sample Letter to China-Based Companies (December 2021)
- Sample Letter to Companies Regarding Climate Change Disclosures (September 2021)
- Sample Letter to Companies Regarding Securities Offerings During Times of Extreme Price Volatility (February 2021)
- Sample Letter Sent to Certain Issuers Who Failed to File Annual Reports Required by Regulation A (May 2017)
- Sample Letter Sent to Public Companies Regarding XBRL Requirement to Include Calculation Relationships (July 2014)
- Sample Letter Explaining Transition to EDGAR Submission and Filing of Draft Registration Statements (October 2012)
- Sample Letter Sent to Public Companies on Accounting and Disclosure Issues Related to Potential Risks and Costs Associated with Mortgage and Foreclosure-Related Activities or Exposures (October 2010)
- Sample Letter Sent to Public Companies Asking for Information Related to Repurchase Agreements, Securities Lending Transactions, or Other Transactions Involving the Transfer of Financial Assets (March 2010)
- Sample Letter Sent to Public Companies on MD&A Disclosure Regarding Provisions and Allowances for Loan Losses (August 2009)
- Staff Guidance for Financial Institutions Filing Proxy Statements in Connection with the TARP Capital Purchase Program (November 2008)
- Sample Letter Sent to Public Companies on MD&A Disclosure Regarding the Application of SFAS 157 (Fair Value Measurements) (September 2008)
- Sample Letter Sent to Public Companies on MD&A Disclosure Regarding the Application of SFAS 157 (Fair Value Measurements) (March 2008)
- Sample Letter Sent to Public Companies That Have Identified Investments in Structured Investment Vehicles, Conduits or Collateralized Debt Obligations (December 2007)
Staff Reports
- Staff Observations of Custom Tag Rates
- Staff Observations in the Review of Smaller Reporting Company IPOs
- Staff Observations in the Review of Executive Compensation Disclosure
- Staff Observations in the Review of IFRS Financial Statements
- Staff Comments on Annual Reports Containing Financial Statements Prepared for the First Time on the Basis of International Financial Reporting Standards
- Summary by the Division of Corporation Finance of Significant Issues Addressed in the Review of the Periodic Reports of the Fortune 500 Companies Last Reviewed or Updated: May 12, 2025
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