SEC 2021 EXAMINATION PRIORITIES

One day after the SEC Division of Examinations published its 2021 Examination Priorities, Division Director Peter Driscoll explained to IAA General Counsel Gail Bernstein what his examiners will be looking for, and why there's an enhanced focus on climate risks and ESG-related issues. Their virtual conversation took place at the 2021 IAA Compliance Conference.

HOT TOPICS FROM INSIDE THE BELTWAY

At the 2021 Investment Adviser Association Compliance Conference, a panel featuring IAA President & CEO Karen Barr, IAA Vice President for Government Relations, Harris Associates Partner and General Counsel Rana Wright, and Mindset DC Partner Langston Emerson explored what's happening on Capitol Hill, the new Biden Administration and noteworthy regulatory developments.

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, ECONOMIC AND RISK ANALYSIS

Rule implementation is a priority for the SEC's Division of Investment Management, whose Acting Director Sarah ten Siethoff spoke at the 2021 IAA Compliance Conference. Siethoff said her staff is focused on implementing the many new rules that were adopted last year, while pursuing new rulemakings - including money market reforms and updating the Custody Rule. Joining her was Dr. Alexander Schiller, Assistant Director of the Office of Asset Management in the SEC's Division of Economic and Risk Analysis.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN THE ASSET MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY

At the IAA’s 2021 Compliance Conference, a panel of IAA members that included Brown Capital Management Chief Compliance Officer Robert E. Burks, Jr., Diamond Hill Capital Management General Counsel Carlotta King, and Virtus Managing Partner Hope L. Newsome examined ways to make the industry more diverse, equitable and inclusive.

GAMESTOP, REDDIT, WHAT'S NEXT? OH MY!

Sponsored by Bates Compliance

The frenzy in GameStop and AMC Entertainment Holding stocks has caused firms to pause and regulators to scrutinize practices to protect investors. Should we expect more online forum fueled frenzies? How should compliance prepare and address for this new reality?

INVESTMENT ADVISORY FIRM INSIGHTS

Sponsored by Broadridge Fi360 Solutions

This session presents information on insights, observations and trends based on key findings from Centre for Fiduciary Excellence assessment data report on investment advisory firms. Topics covered include: investment strategies, investment philosophy, target date funds 3(38), and investment manager data security.

SEC HOT TOPIC: COMPLIANCE TIPS FOR EVALUATING YOUR FIRM'S ADVISORY FEES AND EXPENSES

Sponsored by Core Compliance & Legal Services, Inc.

Advisory Fees and Expenses continue to remain a top SEC examination focus area. This session covers the SEC’s guidance on the most common compliance issues involving advisory fees and expenses; common exam document requests; best practices and tips to consider for evaluating your firm’s advisory fees and expenses; and the latest SEC exam questions related to advisory fee structures.

EXAM DEFICIENCIES FOR PRIVATE FUND ADVISERS

Sponsored by Foreside

Private fund advisers face unique regulatory risks. In this session we discuss common issues and deficiencies that fund advisers experience during SEC exams and practice tips to avoid them. Specific topics discussed include conflicts of interest, allocation of fees/expenses, compliance programs, valuation, and Form ADV and Form PF filings.