SEC Seeks Public Comments on Rules

In accordance with the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act that was recently signed into law, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that it is making it easier for the public to provide comments as the agency sets out to make rules and amendments.

To facilitate public comment, the SEC is providing a series of e-mail links on its website where the public will be able to comment even before the agency proposes regulatory reform rules and amendments. The SEC also will provide greater public disclosure of meetings with SEC staff and hold public hearings on selected topics.

"It has not even been a week since the President signed the regulatory reform legislation into law, but at the SEC we are already working to fully implement the dozens of studies and rulemakings required of our agency," Chairman Mary L. Schapiro said in a statement. "We recognize that the process of establishing regulations works best when all stakeholders are engaged and contribute their combined talents and experiences. We look forward to preliminary public comments in these areas."

The public can provide preliminary comments on the areas in which the SEC will be engaged in rulemaking and studies over the next 18 months. Comments will be posted on the website.