SEC Proposes to Modernize the Advertising and Cash Solicitation Rules for Investment Advisers

The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it has voted to propose amendments to modernize the rules under the Investment Advisers Act addressing investment adviser advertisements and payments to solicitors. The proposed amendments are intended to update these rules to reflect changes in technology, the expectations of investors seeking advisory services, and the evolution of industry practices. “The advertising and solicitation rules provide important protections when advisers seek to attract clients and investors, yet neither rule has changed significantly since its adoption several decades ago,” said SEC Chairman Jay Clayton. “The reforms we have proposed today are designed to address market developments and to improve the quality of information available to investors, enabling them to make more informed choices.” The proposed amendments to the advertising rule would replace the current rule’s broadly drawn limitations with principles-based provisions.