In this issue:

- US DEVELOPMENTS

- SEC Developments

- Noteworthy US Securities Law Litigation

- Recent SEC/DOJ Enforcement Matters

- EU DEVELOPMENTS

- European Commission Launches Public Consultation on Proposals to Improve EU Merger Control

- ESMA Publishes Final Guidelines on Enforcement of Financial Information

- ESMA Consults on Draft Technical Standards and Advice on the Market Abuse Regulation

- European Commission Publishes Q&A on Statutory Audit Measures

- European Commission Publishes Consultation on Existing Framework for Cross-border Mergers

- Council Adopts Directive for Disclosure of Non-financial and Diversity Information

- UK DEVELOPMENTS

- FRC issues a new edition of the UK Corporate Governance Code

- ABI publishes guidance on members’ views on certain aspects of equity capital transactions

- IMA Publishes Guidance on Share Capital Management Issues

- FCA publishes consultation paper on competition in wholesale securities and investment markets

- FCA publishes eighth bulletin for primary market participants

- FCA publishes quarterly consultation on Listing Rules, Prospectus Rules and Disclosure and Transparency Rules

- FCA publishes consultation paper on IMSs

- LSE publishes notice regarding implementation of T+2 standard settlement period and subsequent New Dividend Procedure Timetable

- Consultation on miscellaneous amendments to the Takeover Code

- Takeover Panel publishes consultation paper on post-offer commitments and intentions

- BIS consultation on UK implementation of Accounting Directive

- FRC consultation on UK implementation of Accounting Directive

- CMA implements Order on audit reforms

- Guidelines Monitoring Group publishes feedback and final advice following consultation on amendments to the Walker Guidelines

- EHRC publishes guidance on equality law framework

- ICC publishes guidance for companies on adopting policies on corporate gifts and hospitality

- ASIAN DEVELOPMENTS

- HKEx releases Concept Paper on Weighted Voting Rights

- Excerpt from SEC Staff Issues Guidance on Verifying Accredited Investor Status:

Last year, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted rule changes permitting general solicitation and general advertising in private placements under Rule 506 of Regulation D under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and securities offerings under Rule 144A under the Securities Act.