Search Results for agency_names:"Investment Company Act Release No. 35487

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved a rule change proposed by The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. This change modifies the complimentary service packages offered to companies that switch their listing to Nasdaq, known as "Eligible Switches." Now, companies with a market capitalization of $750 million or more will have access to additional services like the Annual Perception Study, alongside Stock Surveillance or Global Targeting tools, over a four-year period. The new rule also broadens the definition of "Eligible Switch" to include companies switching from any national securities exchange, not just the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which is designed to increase competition and bring more value to Nasdaq.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved rule changes proposed by Nasdaq to enhance the enforcement of listing standards for companies trading on its exchange. The approved changes involve the suspension of trading for companies that have not met the minimum bid price requirement after a second compliance period, even if they appeal the decision. Additionally, Nasdaq will not allow a compliance period for companies that fail to meet the bid price requirement within one year of a reverse stock split. These changes are intended to protect investors by reducing the risk of manipulation and ensuring the integrity of the stock market, particularly by addressing issues with companies that repeatedly fail to meet listing standards.

The State Department has released a report required by the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, detailing the actions taken under this law in 2024. During the year, the U.S. designated 70 foreign individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses and corruption across 19 countries. These actions were part of efforts to hold accountable those involved in serious crimes like violence against women, bribery, and political repression. The report also highlights international cooperation with countries like Canada and the UK in enforcing these sanctions globally.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the application of MX2 LLC to become a national securities exchange. MX2 will operate similarly to the existing MEMX exchange but will not list new securities; instead, it will trade existing ones through unlisted trading privileges. The exchange will use automated systems with no physical trading floor and partner with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for regulatory functions. Several conditions accompany this approval, including joining specific national market system plans and forming regulatory agreements.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing updates to the fees charged under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for fiscal years 2022 to 2024. This proposal aims to adjust existing fees and introduce new fee categories to ensure the fees offset a portion of the costs of the EPA's responsibilities under TSCA. New exemptions are also proposed for certain manufacturers to reduce the burden on smaller entities and those engaged in specific activities, like research and development. EPA seeks to redistribute the fees more equitably among manufacturers based on production volume, aiming to refine the fee process from previous implementations and ensure industries that contribute to chemical manufacturing support EPA's oversight and evaluation efforts.

On December 20, 2024, Nasdaq ISE, LLC submitted a proposal to the Securities and Exchange Commission to increase the position and exercise limits for options on the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) from 25,000 to 250,000 contracts. This change aims to reflect the high trading volume and demand for IBIT options, allowing more flexibility for investors and market makers. The proposal suggests that increasing the limits would improve market liquidity and efficiency while ensuring effective regulation. The Securities and Exchange Commission is reviewing this proposal and inviting public comments before deciding whether to approve or disapprove the proposed changes.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed rules to implement the Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (TRACED Act). These rules aim to simplify how private entities can report illegal robocalls and caller ID spoofing to the FCC. The proposal includes setting up an online portal for submitting reports, which would be monitored by the FCC's Enforcement Bureau. The definition of "private entity" will exclude public entities, such as government agencies, ensuring the system is only used by individuals, companies, and organizations outside of the government.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is proposing to extend the current collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 related to investment companies. According to rule 0-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, which was amended in 2001, funds relying on specific exemptions must have independent legal counsel whose independence is verified by the fund's independent directors. The SEC estimates that around 1,010 funds need to spend approximately 0.75 hours annually to meet these requirements, with an overall compliance cost of about $175,523. The SEC invites public comments on whether this information collection is necessary and how it can be improved or made less burdensome.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. proposed a rule change to list options on the Fidelity Ethereum Fund. This proposal aims to allow trading of options that would make it easier and cheaper for investors to gain exposure to Ethereum, a popular cryptocurrency, without the complexities of dealing directly with the underlying asset. The Exchange argues that this will promote transparency and enhance market competition by moving such trading from the over-the-counter market to a regulated environment. The proposed options would have certain size limits to prevent market manipulation, and the SEC is inviting public comments on this proposal before making a final decision.

The Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc. filed a rule change with the Securities and Exchange Commission to list and trade options on the Fidelity Ethereum Fund. This fund is an Ethereum-backed commodity ETF, aiming to reflect Ethereum's performance and provide investors exposure to the Ethereum market without direct handling of the cryptocurrency. The Exchange proposes specific position and exercise limits for these options to minimize risks and maintain a fair trading environment. The SEC is seeking public comments on this rule change proposal before making a decision.