The CFTC initiated a review of a CFTC Designated Contract Market offering related to "which political party will be in control of each chamber of the U.S. Congress."

The SEC adopted amendments to rules governing whistleblowers that will (i) expand the scope of award eligibility, and (ii) grant the SEC discretion to award larger amounts where the whistleblower's assistance results in multiple successful recovery actions.

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board finalized a Statement of Protocol with the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the China Ministry of Finance. The protocol allows for the inspection of public accounting firms and their audits in mainland China.

The SEC adopted amendments to disclosure rules on executive compensation. The amendments require most reporting companies to provide specific disclosure concerning the relationship between executive compensation "actually paid" to their named executive officers and the company's financial performance.

The SEC approved a proposal to amend the MSRB rule on new market information to better align the requirements for applying for a CUSIP number with the actual process for obtaining one.