While the international COVID-19 outbreak continues to affect the lives of the world’s citizens and, by extension, the United States’ securities infrastructure, the SEC is taking steps to provide relief to firms and funds through delays in form filing and document delivery obligations.
As efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus expand worldwide, the SEC remains focused on maintaining a fair and orderly market and continuing its operations. The Commission has transitioned most of its staff to work remotely and conducts remote exams and enforcement.
The SEC adopted Regulation Best Interest (BI) which is intended to raise the standard of conduct for broker-dealers working with retail customers. The regulation had been under consideration since April 2018 and was passed by the Commission in a three-to-one vote.