Securities law

A newly-published MSRB document is aimed at helping to reign in what the SEC has described as fairly widespread violations occurring at smaller municipal advisory firms.

Some worry that MSRB's late release of an updated set of FAQs on markup disclosure requirements will hinder their meeting the May 14 effective date.

Analysts have noticed a definite hesitance of issuers to talk to them one-on-one and blame the MSRB's market advisory warning issuers against revealing material information to select investors.

The Securities Exchange Commission and the former town attorney for Oyster Bay, N.Y. have agreed to a proposed settlement of SEC charges.

Groups representing both dealer and non-dealer muni advisors are opposed to the MSRB's new rule and rule changes on advertising because they are too dissimilar from FINRA's rules and could be confusing.

The SEC told a federal court that it will not pursue a judgment against the muni advisor firm or its principal unless it appears that the settlement process has stalled.

As bond lawyers meeting in Phoenix discussed current topics in securities law and enforcement on Thursday, one theme that emerged was the importance of a smart response to SEC inquiries.

Market participants want the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board's compliance guidance to be clear and within the scope of its authority.

Third-party vendors are confident their products will help dealers comply with new markup disclosure rules, but need to integrate them to dealers' systems.

The MSRB has taken the relatively rare step of asking for public comments on a draft set of frequently asked questions related to the board's primary muni advisor rule.