Because the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill grabs headlines every day, other regulations are entering the scene almost undetected. Broker-dealers and registered investment advisors may not be aware of new upcoming regulations, which could impact their business.
The Dodd-Frank reform bill has shaken the marketplace and the regulatory bodies. In its aftermath, there have been a flurry of mandated studies, proposals and rulemakings, but it has also spurred other agencies and organizations into action. As such, new regulations are on the horizon besides just those implemented under Dodd-Frank authority.
Last summer, in addition to passing Dodd-Frank, Congress also passed the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FACTA), which imposes stricter IRS filing requirements on those having overseas assets of more $50,000 US dollars. This legislation has significant effect on institutions that hold assets for U.S. investors. FACTA will take effect in 2013.
FINRA revised its suitability rule (currently NASD Rule 2310), which is slated to go into effect on July 9, 2012. The revised rule adds five new elements that broker dealers and firms must consider: client liquidity, age, investment experience, time horizon, and risk tolerance.
FINRA also has implemented new trade-reporting requirements. In May 2011, FINRA began requiring brokerage firms to start using its Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE) system to report trades of asset-backed securities. This coming October, broker dealers will have to begin reporting more trades and additional, previously undisclosed data into FINRA’s Order Audit Trading System.
The Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (Fincen) has been discussing the possibility of subjecting registered investment advisory firms and hedge funds to its anti-money laundering rules. Although nothing has been implemented yet, Fincen is considering making it a requirement for these firms to file suspicious-activity reports (SARs) like banks and broker dealers.
With all of these new regulations and those yet come, it is important to have legal counsel that knows and understands the changing regulatory environment.
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