SIFMA

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board's assets dropped by $8.5 million.

An SEC advisory committee recommended allowing investment advisers affiliated with broker-dealers to offer and sell negotiated new issue muni bonds during the order period that the dealer also participates in.

In the wake of the recent U.S. attack on an Iranian general, U.S. financial institutions are preparing to defend against potential cyberattacks.

As surface transportation funding is set to expire later in 2020, a new reauthorization could help push muni bond initiatives next year.

Another round of tax legislation is not expected to emerge until the very end of the year after the presidential election or in 2021 after a new Congress is sworn in.

Kenneth E. Bentsen Jr., the securities industry trade group's CEO, warned against a proposal to exempt some muni advisors from registering as broker-dealers.

The survey of 17 economists found they were split over the next interest rate move by the Federal Reserve.

Some market participants worry about the viability of a key muni advocacy talking point if enough midsize issuers begin to embrace the taxable market.

Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Jay Clayton seemed noncommittal on a proposed exemptive order for municipal advisors.

The changes will slim down underwriters' disclosures to issuers, which many believed had become too lengthy and wordy to be useful.

Dealer groups believe that some sections of the proposed amended guidance such as complex financing and disclosure standards would add complexity to the rule.

The debate between buy-side analysts and issuers and their underwriters flared up during a panel discussion at The Bond Buyer's California Public Finance Conference.

CEO Ken Bentsen and head of municipals Leslie Norwood talk markets, policy and regulations. John Hallacy and Lynne Funk host.

“A highly sophisticated frequent issuer may not need the same disclosures as a less sophisticated infrequent issuer,” the trade association for underwriters told the SEC.

Late last week FINRA sent out a notice reminding its members to register as MAs if they engage in investment-related activity with their clients.

The MSRB wants to work with other regulatory groups to decrease confusion surrounding suitability rules in conjunction with the SEC's new Regulation Best Interest.

Issuers and non-dealer muni advisors support the existing prohibition, while dealers asked the MSRB to provide some flexibility.

Market participants want someone with a deep industry knowledge as the MSRB is set to begin its search for a new president.

The evolution of muni advocacy has been in progression for years, though it was further galvanized by the shock and dismay at the 2017 tax reform.

Her announcement comes at a time of scrutiny from lawmakers and the SEC.