On March 6, 2025, for the first time since 2008, the staff (the “Staff”) of the Securities and Exchange Commission updated its guidance on the use of lock-up agreements in connection with Rule 145(a) transactions (i.e., certain mergers, consolidations, reclassifications of securities and acquisitions of assets). Prior to the SEC’s update, if a person entering
Fintech Funding Trends 2024: Capital Raising Slows, Deal Sizes Grow
According to CB Insights’ State of Fintech 2024 Report (the “Report”), global fintech companies raised $33.7 billion in private placements in 2024, marking a 20% drop year-over-year. Deal volume also declined, with 3,580 offerings completed—a 17% decline from the prior year. However, this annual funding decline was the smallest in three years, signaling potential stabilization…
MB Microtalk: Amendments to Beneficial Ownership Rules (13D/G)

In this MB Microtalk video, Mayer Brown’s Andrew Noreuil discusses the recent final amendments to certain beneficial ownership rules under the Exchange Act, and the impact of those changes on the reporting of beneficial ownership on Schedules 13D and 13G.
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Market Trends 2022/23: Financial Disclosures for Merger & Acquisition Transactions
This practice note discusses the main amendments to the financial disclosure requirements for acquisitions and dispositions of businesses by U.S. reporting companies, which took effect in January 2021. The amendments aim to improve the quality and relevance of the information provided to investors, reduce the complexity and costs of preparing the disclosures, and promote capital…
A New Federal Exemption from Broker Registration for Qualifying M&A Brokers Became Effective on March 29, 2023 (Prior SEC No-Action Relief Has Been Withdrawn)
Although the New Federal Exemption Is Generally Aligned with the SEC’s 2014 No-Action Relief, There Are Some Notable Differences. Moreover, State Law Registration Requirements for M&A Brokers Are Not Preempted.
The U.S. Congress recently enacted a conditional exemption (the “Exemption”) from registration under Section 15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for qualifying brokers…
Global Insurtech Trends in 2022
CB Insights’ State of Insurtech 2022 provides a perspective on trends in the sector. In 2022, global insurtech funding fell over 50% to $8.4 billion, following 2021’s record-breaking total funding of $17.8 billion. With about $1 billion in funding, the fourth quarter of 2022 marked the lowest amount raised since the second quarter 2018.

Down…
Fintech Financing Trends
Globally, the total volume of fintech deal activity, which includes financings by private companies, IPOs, and M&A activity, has declined for three consecutive quarters. Activity in the second quarter of 2022 was down 67% from the peak, which was recorded in the third quarter of 2021. Financings by private companies in the sector were at…
New SEC C&DIs Impacting Mergers and Acquisitions
On March 22, 2022, the staff (Staff) of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued six compliance and disclosure interpretations (C&DIs) impacting mergers and acquisitions. Two of the new C&DIs relate to Item 1.01 of Form 8-K. Three of the C&DIs interpret proxy solicitation requirements. One addresses a tender offer issue relating to special…
Proposed Changes to Beneficial Ownership Reporting Rules and Impact to Stakeholders
March 11, 2022 Webinar
12:00pm – 1:00pm EST
Register here.
On February 10, 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) proposed amendments to the rules governing reporting on Schedules 13D and 13G. These proposed amendments are intended to modernize the rules by, among other things, making information available to the public in a more…
Global Venture Financing Trends in 2021 Q2
According to CB Insights’ latest State of Venture Report, global startup financing in Q2’21 reached $156.2 billion, a 157% year-over-year increase and a record quarter high. U.S. startup funding accounted for the largest portion of the global quarter total, raising $70.4 billion, followed by Asia raising $42.2 billion. Meanwhile, funding to China-based companies continued…