FHFA Issues 2015 Scorecard for Fannie, Freddie and Common Securitization Solutions
On January 14, FHFA released the 2015 Scorecard outlining specific priorities for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and their joint venture, Common Securitization Solutions, LLC. The Scorecard assesses Fannie and Freddie's performance under FHFA's Strategic Plan for Fannie and Freddie and furthers the goals outlined thereunder, including building a new single-family securitization infrastructure for use by the Enterprises. Release. Scorecard. Strategic Plan.
SEC Adopts New Rules for Security-Based Swap Market
On January 14, the SEC adopted new rules that will require security-based swap data repositories (SDRs) to register with the SEC and prescribe reporting and public dissemination requirements for security-based swap transaction data. The SEC also proposed certain additional rules, rule amendments and guidance related to the reporting and public dissemination of security-based swap transaction data. The rules implement Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act. The new rules will become effective 60 days after they are published in the Federal Register. Release.
Priorities Focus on Protecting Retail Investors, Assessing Market-Wide Risks and Using Data Analytics
On January 13, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced its Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations' (OCIE) priorities for 2015 which focus on three areas: protecting retail investors, especially those saving for or in retirement; assessing market-wide risks; and using data analytics to identify signs of potential illegal activity.
The 2015 examination priorities address issues across a variety of financial institutions, including investment advisers, investment companies, broker-dealers, transfer agents, clearing agencies, and national securities exchanges. Of particular interest are the following areas of examination:
Retail Investors – Retail investors are being offered products and services that were formerly characterized as alternative or institutional, including private funds, illiquid investments, and structured products. Additionally, financial services firms are offering a broad array of information, advice, products, and services to help retail investors plan for and live in retirement.
Market-Wide Risks – OCIE will examine for structural risks and trends that involve multiple firms or entire industries, including: monitoring large broker-dealers and asset managers in coordination with the SEC's policy divisions, conducting annual examinations of clearing agencies as required by the Dodd-Frank Act, assessing cybersecurity controls across a range of industry participants, and examining broker-dealers' compliance with best execution duties in routing equity order flow.
Data Analytics – OCIE will use its enhanced analytic capabilities to focus on registrants and registered representatives that appear to be potentially engaged in illegal activity. Press Release. Full Report.
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