Let Your Voice Be Heard

With little fanfare or media coverage, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission last week said that for the next 60 days it is seeking public comment on disclosure requirements relating to a host of management, security holders and corporate governance matters.

SEC Chair Mary Jo White is leading a charge to address outdated and redundant disclosure requirements for the benefit of the nearly half of all Americans, who in some form, own stock in publicly traded companies—from direct ownership of individual securities, to ownership through 401-K and pension plans, IRAs, mutual funds and ETFs.

As part of the SEC’s “Disclosure Effectiveness Initiative”, the Commission wants to be certain that information disclosed by public companies and relied upon by investors to buy, sell, or hold, is as clear, accurate and comprehensible as possible, conveyed in a manner that is timely, and delivered making best use of today’s technology.

Amendments being considered address outdated and redundant disclosure requirements, and providing investors with what they need to make informed decisions.

Granted, for most Americans, revamping public company disclosure practices may not be one of the most important issues facing the world today. But if you are reading this blogpost, you likely are reasonably close to the heart of this matter, so let your voice be heard. You have until the end of October to do so.

Roger Pondel, rpondel@pondel.com