MFDF News Feed

March 17, 2022

Asset managers have cut back on their Russia investments, and some index providers, including MSCI and FTSE Russell, have removed Russian equities and debt, according to Reuters.

March 16, 2022

According to Chairman Gensler the proposal “would specify when and what information about cybersecurity incidents companies must disclose in a current report, such as on Form 8-K. It also would require updates in periodic reports to give investors more complete information on previously disclosed, material cybersecurity incidents.”

March 15, 2022

Members of Congress focused their questions on inflation, interest rates, the implications for the financial system due to the crisis in Ukraine, stable pricing mandate, and cybersecurity preparedness among financial institutions.

March 14, 2022

Birdthistle spoke in support of recent Investment Advisers Act rule proposals that if adopted would “close gaps in information and enhance investor protections in light of industry developments,” specifically noting the Commission’s cybersecurity rule proposal.

March 10, 2022

“Proposed Rule 13f-2 would make aggregate data about large short positions available to the public for individual equity securities,” said SEC Chair Gary Gensler. “This would provide the public and market participants with more visibility into the behavior of large short sellers."

March 9, 2022

Speakers from Dechert will review the SEC’s recent proposed amendments to the money market fund rules and the possible impact on responsibilities for boards overseeing money funds. This webinar will be broadcast live from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, March 10, 2022.

March 8, 2022

The SEC recently charged BlockFi Lending LLC with failing to register the offers and sales of its retail crypto lending product and violating the registration provisions of the 1940 Act.

March 7, 2022

In BlackRock CEO's 2022 letter, net zero initiatives were a major focus along with stakeholder capitalism and BlackRock’s efforts to empower shareholders to vote their own proxies. According to Fink’s letter, “every company and every industry will be transformed by the transition to a net zero world.”

March 3, 2022

In considering the CCO’s compensation, the board has an interest in establishing a compensation structure that is sufficient to attract and retain a highly qualified CCO.

March 2, 2022

Glass Lewis found approximately 74% of the S&P 500 disclosed board racial/ethnic diversity on an individual or aggregate level. “None” was the dominant category in 2020, as companies did not provide this data.

March 1, 2022

According to the complaint, Velissaris executed the overvaluation scheme by altering inputs and manipulating the code of a third-party pricing service used to value the funds’ assets.

February 28, 2022

Panelists will review the recent risk alert issued by the SEC on October 26, 2021, entitled “Observations from Examinations in the Registered Investment Company Initiatives” identifying topics of interest and concern for boards of directors, outside counsel, internal legal staff, and compliance officers. This webinar will be broadcast live from 2:00 to 3:00 Eastern time on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

February 24, 2022

Commissioner Hester Peirce opposed the proposals stating that “there is no new information that compels reopening the recently adopted rules” since the rules were last amended in 2020.

February 23, 2022

The report recommends several steps to address risks posed by stablecoins including the enactment of legislation to ensure that payment stablecoins are subject to a federal prudential framework on a consistent and comprehensive basis.

February 22, 2022

According to SEC Chair Gary Gensler, shortening the settlement cycle should reduce the amount of margin that counterparties would need to post with clearinghouses.

February 21, 2022

Anne Beaumont from Friedman Kaplan’s LIBOR Transition Task Force will discuss how boards can make sure they have the information and tools necessary to assess the risks and challenges that LIBOR transition presents for funds, evaluate the status and sufficiency of funds’ LIBOR transition plans, and navigate and avoid problems in the final months of the transition.

February 17, 2022

The report notes that NRSROs are increasing their offerings of ESG-related products and services and highlights areas of potential concern , including non-adherence to established methodologies or policies and procedures, inconsistent application of ESG factors, and the adequate disclosure of the use of ESG factors applied in rating actions.

February 16, 2022

More than half of the executives PwC surveyed responded that global ETF assets under management will reach at least $18 trillion by 2026, representing a 14.6% compound annual growth rate (“CAGR’) between June 2021 and June 2026.

February 15, 2022

The working group observed issues with redemption pressures, liquidity, and first mover advantage, and supports further investigation into their contribution to market stress.

February 14, 2022

The rule proposal (Rule 38a-2) would require a fund’s board of directors to approve the initial cybersecurity policies and procedures and review an annual written report on cybersecurity incidents and material changes to the fund’s cybersecurity policies and procedures.