The SEC has just published the text of the proposed rule on political contributions by investment advisers. SEC voted unanimously to propose this rule at its July 22nd Open Meeting.
http://www.sec.gov/rules/proposed/2009/ia-2910.pdf
The proposed rule is intended to curtail “pay to play” practices by investment advisers that seek to manage money for state and local governments.
The new proposed rule has four primary aspects:
1. Restricting Political Contributions
An investment adviser who makes a political contribution to an elected official in a position to influence the selection of the adviser would be barred for two years from providing advisory services for compensation, either directly or through a fund.
The contribution prohibition would also apply to certain executives and employees of the investment adviser.
Additionally, the range of restricted officials would include political incumbents and candidates for a position that can influence the selection of an adviser.
There is a de minimis exception that permits contributions of up to $250 per election per candidate if the contributor is entitled to vote for the candidate.
2. Banning Solicitation of Contributions
The proposed rule also would prohibit an adviser from coordinating, or asking another person or political action committee to:
- Make a contribution to an elected official (or candidate) who can influence the selection of the adviser.
- Make a payment to a political party of the state or locality where the adviser is seeking to provide advisory services to the government.
3. Restricting Indirect Contributions and Solicitations
There would be prohibition on engaging in pay to play conduct indirectly, if that conduct would violate the rule if the adviser did it directly. That would include directing or funding contributions through third parties such as spouses, lawyers or companies affiliated with the adviser.
4. Banning Third-Party Solicitors
There is prohibition on paying a third party, such as a placement agent, to solicit a government client on behalf of the investment adviser.
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[…] The original story seemed mildly interesting. The SEC warned firms that municipal securities rules prohibiting pay-to-play apply to affiliated financial professionals, not just a firm’s employees. The story caught my eye because MSRB Rule G-37 was identified as a model for the SEC’s proposal on pay to play. […]
[…] The original story seemed mildly interesting. The SEC warned firms that municipal securities rules prohibiting pay-to-play apply to affiliated financial professionals, not just a firm's employees. The story caught my eye because MSRB Rule G-37 was identified as a model for the SEC's proposal on pay to play. […]
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