From the Hill and #EachforEqual

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March 2020

From the Hill

Public Statement of SEC Chairman Jay Clayton for FSOC Open Meeting

The women and men of the SEC are focused on two overriding issues: (1) we are facing a national challenge — an unprecedented health and safety crisis that requires all Americans, for the sake of all Americans, to significantly change our daily behavior, including behavior at our banks, broker-dealers, investment advisers and other market participants; and (2) the reality that the continuing orderly operation of our credit and other capital markets is an essential factor in driving an effective health and safety response to COVID-19 — our health care, pharmaceutical, transportation, manufacturing, food services and many other industries all depend upon the continuing provision and receipt of capital and credit and the flow of capital more generally.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Regulatory Relief Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic

Due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), FINRA is providing temporary relief for member firms from rules and requirements in the Frequently Asked Questions below. The relief provided does not extend beyond the identified rules and requirements. FINRA will continue to monitor the situation to determine whether additional guidance and relief may be appropriate.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Division of Corporation Finance, Securities and Exchange Commission - CF Disclosure Guidance: Topic No. 9

This guidance provides the Division of Corporation Finance’s current views regarding disclosure and other securities law obligations that companies should consider with respect to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and related business and market disruptions.

Order Granting Application by The Financial Information Forum and Security Traders Association for a Temporary Exemption Pursuant to Rule 606(c) of Regulation NMS Under the Exchange Act in Response to the Effects of COVID-19

The Financial Information Forum (“FIF”) and Security Traders Association (“STA”) have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) an application for an exemption from certain requirements of Rule 606 of Regulation NMS under the Exchange Act in light of unforeseen and uncertain demands on information technology and other resources required to respond to COVID-19. This order grants the following temporary exemptive relief from certain requirements of Rule 606, which is set forth in greater detail below.

STA Women in Finance

#EachforEqual

By Julie Andress , KeyBanc Capital Markets & STA WIF Co-Chair

The IWD 2020 social campaign, #EachforEqual, provides a unified direction to incite continuous collective action, and the campaign runs all year long. International Women’s Day didn’t end yesterday, or last for 24 hours. It just started, with activity around #EachforEqual to be reinforced and amplified across the globe throughout the entire year.

Taking Stock

brought to you by JonesTrading

Finding Hope

By Jim Toes , STA

While I was standing on the corner waiting for the light to change, I noticed a man to my left who had just walked out of a deli. He handed a homeless person a brown bag containing a sandwich and then proceeded to have a respectful conversation. He was a Wall Street person (not the homeless guy, the other guy). He was alone and therefore, not trying to impress anyone. It wasn’t until he got closer to me that I realized he was a former boss of mine. One of my favorites, in fact. We chatted for a few minutes and then went our separate ways; he, much happier after having felt the grace of helping someone in need.