The SEC Office of the Investor Advocate identified "problematic products and practices" and summarized steps the agency and related self-regulatory organizations took to respond to investor concerns during the past year.
The SEC Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations highlighted exam priorities for 2019. The priorities focus on areas that represent increased risks to retail investors and the integrity of the U.S. capital markets.
In testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, SEC Chair Jay Clayton reviewed progress on the agency's regulatory and policy initiatives.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Ombudsman detailed the agency's internal engagement and outreach initiatives in a 2018 Annual Report titled Advocating for Fair Process in Consumer Financial Protection .
SEC Division of Investment Management Director Dalia Blass expressed support for Regulation Best Interest and discussed the recently proposed disclosure framework for variable contracts.
The Financial Conduct Authority Cryptoasset Taskforce advised UK authorities to take "strong action" to mitigate the potential tricks associated with cryptoassets, but expressed a positive view overall of the benefits offered by these new technologies. The report is a very positive step from the UK regulators, and a good regulatory start in analyzing and encouraging the right type of DLT activity.
In a report to Congress, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau evaluated a 2013 rule requiring remittance transfer providers to make certain disclosures to consumers regarding costs, fees and other information prior to the purchase of such transfers.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau expects to issue proposed rules in January 2019 aimed at amending the Payday, Vehicle Title, and Certain High-Cost Installment Loans rule.
In a recent advisory, the North American Securities Administrators Association warned investors about scams and risks concerning marijuana-related investments.
SEC Office of Municipal Securities Director Rebecca Olsen discussed the importance of adequate disclosures in the municipal securities market for retail investors.
