Insights
COVID-19 and SM&CR: FCA Issues New Guidance for Senior Managers
The FCA is maintaining a dedicated webpage detailing its expectations for solo-regulated firms during the COVID-19 pandemic, and guidance on the application of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (“SM&CR”).
- Compliance
SEC Relief for Business Development Companies
On April 9, 2020, the SEC announced temporary, conditional relief until December 31, 2020, allowing business development companies flexibility to issue and sell senior securities, and invest alongside certain affiliates that would otherwise be prohibited by the Investment Company Act.
- Compliance
Regulation Best Interest Compliance Date Confirmed by the SEC
The SEC issued a public statement addressing the June 30, 2020 implementation deadline for Regulation Best Interest and Form CRS in light of the challenges raised by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Compliance
Staying on Top of Data Privacy During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Technology and information security may not be as strong in work-from-home environments as in office settings, and the risk of exposure of sensitive information may be greater. Firms need to remain vigilant about data privacy to meet regulatory expectations and protect against breaches.
- Cybersecurity
- Privacy
- BCP
- COVID-19
2020 Vision: 10 Concerns for European firms over the coming months
At our recent UK conference, 'Regulatory Horizon 2020 | The Challenges Ahead', we captured 10 concerns for European firms (aside from Covid-19). This checklist remains relevant for firms prepared to look through the crisis to the eventual recovery ahead.
- Compliance
FINRA's Pandemic-Related Business Continuity Planning, Guidance, and Regulatory Relief
FINRA recently issued a regulatory notice reminding firms that they should review their pandemic-related business continuity planning. This review should include assessing whether their business continuity plans (“BCPs”) are flexible enough to address the impact of potential pandemic-related situations to their businesses.
- Compliance
New "Coronavirus" Malware Targets Windows Users
Researchers have discovered multiple computer viruses and destructive software (malware) that use coronavirus and COVID-19 themes. These malware programs can be significantly damaging to systems and the data they maintain.
- Cybersecurity
Security Risks with Zoom and Other Teleconferencing Tools
Security issues with video and audio conferencing tools, particularly Zoom, have increased during the pandemic. Learn what steps firms and individuals should take to protect themselves from this risk.
- Cybersecurity
Tips to Enhance Electronic Communication Surveillance
With reduced face-to-face interactions, employees are increasingly turning to electronic devices and platforms to communicate with their co-workers and clients. Increased electronic communication traffic can result in additional risks. Regulators, although providing relief in certain areas, still expect the compliance role to function effectively to mitigate these risks.
- Compliance
SFC issues guidance to fund industry participants related to the COVID-19 outbreak
Responding to volatility in local and international markets following the COVID-19 outbreak, the Hong Kong Securities & Futures Commission (SFC) has issued four reminders to fund industry participants and intermediaries of their obligations. We examine what this means for firms.
- Compliance