On December 14, 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) unanimously adopted amendments (the “amendments”) to Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and related disclosure obligations for public companies. The amendments (i) add new conditions to the availability of the affirmative defense to insider trading liability contained in Rule
Laura D. Richman
SEC Votes to Adopt Amendments to Rule 10b5-1 and Related Disclosure Amendments
At today’s open meeting, the Securities and Exchange Commission voted to approve amendments to Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The SEC had proposed extensive amendments in January 2022, which were the subject of significant comment from market participants. The final amendments take into account some of the commenters’ concerns—in particular by…
2023 SEC Filing Deadlines and Financial Statement Staleness Dates
In our latest Legal Update, we summarize the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s 2023 calendar year filing deadlines and financial statement staleness dates.
SEC Reopens Share Repurchase Disclosure Modernization Comment Period
On December 7, 2022, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a release (New Reopening Release), reopening the comment period on the share repurchase disclosure modernization rule changes that it proposed on December 15, 2021 (Share Repurchase Proposal). At the same time, the SEC made available a memorandum prepared by the staff of the…
New Mandatory Universal Proxy Rules

In this MB Microtalk Video, Mayer Brown Counsel, Laura Richman, discusses the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s universal proxy rules that are now in effect for shareholder meetings. These new rules provide for mandatory use of a universal proxy card for proxy solicitations for contested elections for directors.
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2023 US Proxy and Annual Reporting Season:Let the Preparations Begin!
With the calendar turning to autumn, the proxy and annual reporting season may seem a long way off. However, in light of the amount of work and planning that goes into the proxy statement, annual report, and annual meeting of shareholders, this is the ideal time to begin preparations.
This Legal Update provides an overview…
SEC Adopts Pay Versus Performance Disclosure Rule
On August 25, 2022, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) finally adopted a “pay versus performance” rule in accordance with a Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) mandate that requires SEC-reporting companies to disclose in a clear manner the relationship between executive compensation actually paid and the financial performance of…
SEC Votes on Changes to Shareholder Proposal and Proxy Solicitation Rules
On July 13, 2022, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) proposed amendments to revise three of the substantive bases for exclusion of shareholder proposals under Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Proposed Rules”). Specifically, the Proposed Rules would amend the following bases for exclusion: substantial implementation (Rule…
Market Trends 2021: COVID-19 from a Securities Law Perspective
In this practice note, we discuss market trends in capital markets and securities-related considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic. It describes how the US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) addressed the effects of the pandemic through exemptive orders and guidance and discusses key disclosure matters, including risk factors, management’s discussion and analysis of financial position and…
SEC Reopens Clawback Comment Period…Again
On June 8, 2022, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued a release (“New Reopening Release“), reopening the comment period on the clawback listing standard rules that it proposed in 2015 (“2015 Proposal“). At the same time, the SEC made available a memorandum prepared by the staff of the SEC’s…