The SEC has released the agency's strategic plan, annual reports and budget documents. As a starting matter, the documents request more funding and emphasize the significance of the enforcement program. While much of the document is standard fare as to the SEC's missions (good disclosure, protect investors), the document does provide some guidance as to the SEC's longer-term priorities. Among the items specifically mentioned in the reports are (i) improvements to the proxy information infrastructure; (ii) consideration of how beneficial ownership reporting requirements should apply to swaps;

View release in full here (links externally to SEC website).

FINRA and the other members of the Intermarket Surveillance Group have extended the effective dates for firms to submit new data elements for Electronic Blue Sheets to correspond with the recent extension by the SEC of the implementation of SEC Large Trader Reporting Rule (SEA Rule 13h-1). Electronic Blue Sheets are discussed in the Broker-Dealer Guide, Recordkeeping Chapter. Effective Dates: November 30, 2012, and May 1, 2013 View release in full here(links externally to FINRA website).

BATS amended its telemarketing rules to conform to FTC requirements and essentially to conform to federal law. This rule change will not be relevant to firms that are already FINRA members subject to its telemarketing rules. Telemarketing requirements are discussed in the Broker-Dealer Guide, Communications Chapter, Section VI. View release in full here (links externally to SEC website).

View release in full here (links externally to SEC website).