Massachusetts Securities Regulator Sues SEC to Overturn New Rules for Startups

Posted on May 27th, 2015 at 2:58 PM
Massachusetts Securities Regulator Sues SEC to Overturn New Rules for Startups

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law LLC:

William Galvin, the Massachusetts securities regulator, has filed a lawsuit against the SEC to overturn a recently adopted rule that he claims curtails state oversight of stock offerings by small and emerging companies.

In April, the SEC adopted Regulation A+. The new regulation seeks to ease the registration requirements for start-up companies that wish to raise up to $50 million. Under the rule, offerings of up to $20 million would have to be filed with the state and the SEC. Those between $20 million and $50 million would require SEC registration only.

The North American Securities Administrators Association had been touting a coordinated review initiative for Regulation A+.

State regulators strongly resisted the rule, arguing it pre-empted their oversight of a portion of the market they are best situated to oversee.

According to Mr. Galvin, the SEC rule was vague in its definition of the kind of investor who qualifies to purchase the small offerings. It did not place net worth or salary restrictions, which means that local businesses could target retail investors in the area.

The state of Montana also has filed a suit against the rule.

The attorneys of Eccleston Law LLC represent investors and advisers nationwide in securities and employment matters. Our attorneys draw on a combined experience of nearly 65 years in delivering the highest quality legal services.

Related Attorneys: James J. Eccleston

Tags: Eccleston Law LLC, James Eccleston, eccleston, Eccleston Law, North America Securities Administrators Association, SEC,

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

Thank you so very much for your guidance, patience, and expertise.

Beth and Steve K.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

March 21, 2025
SEC Updates Marketing Rule Guidance to Clarify Extracted Performance and Portfolio Metrics

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued updated guidance on its marketing rule, addressing industry concerns regarding net performance requirements, extracted performance, and portfolio characteristics.

March 20, 2025
Stifel Loses Raiding Case, Ordered to Pay Over $7 Million in Legal Fees

Stifel Financial has lost its raiding and breach-of-contract claim against a group of advisors who left its Indianapolis office to establish their own firm.

March 19, 2025
FINRA Enforcement Actions in 2024: Fines Drop But Cases Increase

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) imposed $59 million in fines in 2024, reflecting a 35 percent decrease from the previous year, according to an analysis by Eversheds Sutherland.