Less than halfway through the process of implementing the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, the pace of rule-writing by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has slowed by about half. The agency’s five commissioners haven’t met once in the last four months to approve or propose regulations required under Dodd-Frank, designed to curb the kind of risky practices that fueled the 2008 financial crisis.
Enacted in 2010, Dodd-Frank requires U.S. regulators to write hundreds of new rules to revamp how the financial sector does business, and more of those rules were assigned to the SEC than any other agency. Since the law’s one-year anniversary July 21, the register has recorded only 39 rulemaking SEC votes, or about 5.3 a month, the data show.
SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) lawyers specialize in navigating the complex regulatory landscape of securities law in the United States. These legal professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that companies comply with federal securities regulations, which are designed to protect investors and maintain the integrity of financial markets.
An SEC lawyer’s responsibilities include advising clients on matters related to securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and compliance with SEC rules. They also represent clients in investigations and enforcement actions brought by the SEC, where they defend against allegations of securities fraud, insider trading, and other violations.
Due to the high stakes involved, SEC lawyers must possess a deep understanding of financial regulations, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret complex legal documents. They often work with corporations, financial institutions, investment advisers, and public companies to ensure that all transactions and disclosures are in line with SEC requirements.
In addition to their advisory role, SEC lawyers are also involved in litigation, representing clients in court or in administrative proceedings. Their expertise is critical in helping businesses avoid costly penalties and reputational damage, making them indispensable in the financial and corporate sectors.