SEC proposes rule changes allowing general solicitation in certain private securities offerings *

USA - September 7 2012
On August 29, 2012, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) proposed amendments to its rules that would allow securities issuers to solicit accredited investors by means of general solicitation and advertising in unregistered securities offerings made in reliance on Rule 506 of Regulation D.

Co-authors: William Schutte, Joseph M. Jarvis.

A money finder's commission by any other name is still a commission *

USA - September 1 2012
Although the use of money finders is prevalent, particularly among smaller businesses seeking capital, many finder arrangements involve the type of activities and compensation structures that would cause the finder to come within the definition of a broker-dealer.

Co-authors: William W. Mahood III.

SEC adopts new listing standard requirements for compensation committees and disclosures requirements for compensation advisers *

USA - July 25 2012
On June 20, 2012, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission adopted new Rule 10C-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and adopted an amendment to its existing proxy disclosure rules.

Co-authors: Evan Gilbert, William Schutte.

The power of the crowd comes to private finance *

USA - March 6 2012
Crowd dynamics, crowd innovation, crowd creativity, crowdsourcing…crowdfunding.