Client Alert
Financial Reform Expands SEC Enforcement Authority
July 23, 2010
Alan J. Brudner, Howard M. Privette & Adam D. Schneir
In addition to expanding the regulatory authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Financial Protection Act includes several notable changes to the SECs enforcement powers. In conjunction with authorizing increases in the SECs budget over the next several years, these provisions of Dodd-Frank clearly signal Congresss intent that the SEC intensify its enforcement activity in the years to come. Congress also mandated a number of studies to examine areas where additional changes might be made, both in relation to the Commissions own enforcement powers, and with respect to private securities litigation matters.
This report summarizes several of the more significant provisions addressing these issues.