10 minute read 28 Feb 2022
Six key SEC priorities in 2022

Six key SEC priorities in 2022

Authors
Bridget Neill

EY Americas Vice Chair, Public Policy

Regulatory and policy strategist. Three decades in shaping public policy impacting global financial markets and accounting profession. Passionate about family. Outdoor sports enthusiast.

Shauna Steele

EY Americas Director, Public Policy

Experienced capital markets, public policy and trade professional helping EY firms in the Americas navigate the dynamic public policy environment. Avid reader, Spanish speaker and mother of three.

Steven Jacobs

EY Americas Director of SEC Regulatory Matters and Capital Markets Leader

Former Associate Chief Accountant at the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Seasoned advisor on financial reporting and regulatory topics.

10 minute read 28 Feb 2022

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  • What public companies, boards and investors should watch for in 2022

What public companies, boards and investors should watch for this year. 

In brief 

  • The 2022 SEC rulemaking agenda under SEC Chair Gensler includes a focus on enhancing transparency and modernizing rules for today’s economy and technologies.
  • Multiple proposals and other actions that could significantly shift regulatory requirements are expected in the months ahead. 

The 2022 agenda for the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) promises to be active and wide-ranging under the leadership of Chair Gary Gensler. Since being sworn into office in April 2021, Gensler has worked to fill key posts, actively engaged on issues of importance to the capital markets and the Biden administration, and demonstrated a willingness to leverage all the SEC’s authorities to drive an agenda focused on investor protection, transparency and accountability. Gensler has highlighted two components shaping the SEC’s agenda for 2022, which he suggests are to drive efficiency in the capital markets and modernize rules for today’s economy and technologies.

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  • SEC top six: What public companies, boards and investors should watch for in 2022

As SEC Chair, Gensler has set a robust and high-profile rulemaking agenda for the Commission. Some of the items on the SEC’s current rulemaking agenda signal a clear shift in regulatory approach from that of former SEC Chairman Jay Clayton, such as consideration of new climate-related disclosures. The agenda also includes reconsideration of certain rules that were only finalized late in Clayton’s tenure. The SEC rulemaking agenda also has drawn attention due to relatively shorter deadlines for public comments. In response to concerns, Gensler recently agreed to longer minimum comment periods for new proposals but highlighted the importance of both moving forward as well as receiving input.

We explore six SEC priorities for 2022 that may be of interest to investors, board members and issuers. The priorities covered are disclosures; the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Dodd-Frank Act or DFA) implementation; the proxy process; Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (HFCAA) implementation; digital assets; and enforcement priorities. We also offer insights on the possible timing and direction of Commission activity around these key focus areas. The SEC has various other important priorities on their agenda that are not covered below, including expected and pending rulemakings relating to market structure, money market funds, and private funds and companies.

 

|Chapter 1

Disclosures

The SEC disclosure regime is set to evolve under Gensler. 

 

Since his March 2021 Senate confirmation hearing, Gensler has pointed to both investor protection and demand as key Commission considerations. Expected actions in 2022: 

1. Rule proposal on climate-related disclosures and ongoing monitoring:

Gensler has been vocal about his view of the need for consistent and comparable climate-related disclosures that help inform decisions in the public capital markets. In 2022, the SEC is expected to issue a rule proposal on climate-related disclosures. In the meantime, Gensler and the SEC staff have indicated they are paying close attention to companies’ current climate-related disclosures, emphasizing the importance of complying with the 2010 Commission Guidance Regarding Disclosure Related to Climate Change.

2. Rule proposal on human capital disclosures: 

Gensler has spoken extensively on investor interest in human capital disclosures. The SEC has indicated it will propose a rule in 2022 focused on enhancing disclosures about companies’ human capital management.

3. Rule proposal on corporate board diversity: 

The SEC’s rulemaking agenda includes a proposal to require disclosures on corporate board diversity, following the agency’s 2021 approval of a rule that requires Nasdaq-listed companies to disclose information about their boards’ diversity.

4. Rule proposal on cybersecurity risk governance: 

The SEC rulemaking agenda includes rule proposals on cybersecurity risk to be introduced in spring 2022, which are expected to go beyond interpretive guidance published in 2018.

5. Rule proposal on disclosures for special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs):

The SEC has indicated it is drafting a proposal to improve SPAC disclosures regarding conflicts of interest and share dilution, in response to investor protection concerns relating to SPAC transactions. 

6. Consideration of amendments to Rule 10b5-1 insider trading plan rules: 

The SEC is expected to consider responses to proposed amendments introduced in December 2021 that update rules governing Rule 10b5-1 insider trading plans. The proposed changes would impose cooling-off periods before trading could commence under a trading plan and prohibit multiple overlapping trading arrangements.

7. Consideration of amendments to rules governing share repurchases: 

In 2022, the SEC staff is expected to consider responses to a proposal approved in December 2021 that would require more detailed and frequent disclosure of share repurchases, including next-day reporting of the amount and price of the shares repurchased.

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|Chapter 2

Dodd-Frank Act implementation

The SEC’s agenda will likely prioritize required rulemakings under the Dodd-Frank Act. 

 

Gensler has indicated that he will prioritize completing the required rulemakings under the Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Act was a top priority during Gensler’s tenure from 2009 to 2014 as Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, a role he occupied when the act was passed. Expected actions in 2022: 

1. Consideration of comments on reproposed proxy vote reporting requirements: 

In September 2021, the SEC reproposed a Dodd-Frank Act rule originally issued in 2010 to address proxy vote reporting requirements for mutual, exchange-traded and certain other funds. The update would require institutional investment managers to disclose their votes on executive compensation, or so-called “say-on-pay” matters and use of structured data language to facilitate investor analysis of their proxy votes.

2. Consideration of input from reopened clawback rule proposal: 

In October 2021, the SEC reopened the comment period for a Dodd-Frank Act-mandated clawback rule introduced in 2015. The rule would direct national securities exchanges to require listed companies to take back incentive-based executive compensation in certain circumstances when material errors are found in recent financial statements.

3. Consideration of input from reopened pay-versus-performance rule proposal: 

In January 2022, the SEC voted to reopen the comment period for a 2015 Dodd-Frank Act mandate known as “pay versus performance,” which would require companies to disclose the relationship between executive compensation and the company’s financial performance.  

4. Reproposed rule on compensation that incentivizes risky behavior at financial institutions:

By October 2022, the SEC — alongside other financial regulatory agencies — plans to repropose a rule to restrict the ability of large financial institutions to provide compensation that encourages inappropriate risks. 

5. Proposed amendments to final rule regarding disclosures by resource extraction issuers: 

There may be amendments to a finalized Dodd-Frank Act-mandated rule, which took effect in March 2021, that requires resource extraction issuers to make annual disclosures about payments to foreign governments or the US federal government for the commercial development of oil, natural gas or minerals.

 

|Chapter 3

Proxy process

The SEC is expected to review and potentially modify various aspects of the proxy process. 

 

SEC actions regarding the proxy process have generated significant debate among capital market stakeholders in recent years, which is expected to continue. Several proxy-related SEC actions could alter rules finalized as recently as 2020. Expected actions in 2022: 

1. Consideration of input on proposed changes to proxy advice rules: 

The SEC is considering comments received on a November 2021 proposal that would rescind amendment rules set to take effect on 1 December 2021. The amendment requires proxy advisory firms to take specific action for exemptions from the SEC’s proxy solicitation rules.

2. Proposed changes to shareholder proposal process: 

In spring 2022, the SEC will likely introduce a proposal relating to Rule 14a-8, for which amendments were finalized in September 2020 that increased certain minimum thresholds for submitting shareholder proposals and changed the criteria for submitting shareholder proposals to take into consideration both the number of shares held and length of time that a shareholder held them.

3. Universal proxy card rule takes effect for shareholder meetings after 31 August 2022: 

In November 2021, the SEC adopted universal proxy card rule amendments that require universal proxy cards include the names of candidates nominated by either the company or the dissident shareholders. Companies must comply with these amended rules after 31 August 2022.

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|Chapter 4

HFCAA implementation

The SEC will focus on HFCAA implementation and additional disclosures for China-based companies. 

 

Gensler has expressed concerns about possible risks to investors from mainland Chinese and Hong Kong companies that are publicly traded in the US. The SEC is expected to take several steps to address these concerns. Expected actions in 2022: 

1. Continued implementation of the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (HFCAA): 

The HFCAA was passed in December 2020, requiring the SEC to identify and mandate disclosures from non-US companies trading in US markets whose auditors cannot be inspected or investigated completely by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). In 2021, the SEC and the PCAOB approved rules to identify auditors and companies that fall under the HFCAA. The PCAOB also determined in December 2021 that it cannot inspect or investigate registered audit firms that are located in mainland China and Hong Kong.

2. Ongoing SEC staff scrutiny of disclosures by China-based issuers: 

The SEC likely will continue monitoring whether disclosures by China-based companies that are publicly traded in the US sufficiently capture perceived investment risks. In December 2021, the Division of Corporation Finance posted a sample comment letter highlighting expected areas of disclosure for China-based companies. Under another expected disclosure, these companies and their auditors would not be subject to SEC or PCAOB oversight and may be delisted in the US because of the HFCAA.

 

|Chapter 5

Digital assets

The SEC is set to consider how to appropriately regulate the digital asset market. 

 

While Gensler has recognized the potential of the digital asset market, he also has referred to it as the “Wild West” and observed the need for appropriate regulatory treatment. At this time, however, no digital asset-related rulemaking is listed on the Commission’s regulatory agenda. Expected actions in 2022:  

1. Ongoing utilization of the SEC’s existing authority to pursue digital asset-related enforcement actions: 

Consistent with Clayton’s approach, Gensler has expressed that many digital assets are securities or investment contracts and thus within SEC jurisdiction. Accordingly, the SEC’s enforcement agenda is expected to continue to prioritize investigations of companies that issue or trade digital assets that do not comply with the SEC’s registration and other rules.  

2. Continued debate and possible regulatory action on digital assets:

The SEC will continue considering whether and how to bring the digital asset market further under the financial regulatory umbrella. Gensler has expressed concerns about a lack of protections for investors who trade on crypto asset trading platforms and insufficient regulatory requirements for digital assets to further other public policy goals. While Gensler has asserted SEC authority over many types of crypto asset-related activity, he and other financial regulators also have appealed to Congress requesting additional authority to regulate a broader range of digital asset-related activity.

 

|Chapter 6

Enforcement

Gensler and his staff will pursue vigorous enforcement of SEC rules and regulations. 

 

Gensler has stated that he views vigorous enforcement as an important part of the SEC’s mission and has articulated several principles to guide the SEC Enforcement Division, including: consistent regulation of economic activity; heightened accountability; a focus on “high-impact” cases; and timeliness. Since joining the SEC in June 2021, SEC Division of Enforcement Director Gurbir Grewal has reinforced these messages and indicated that the SEC will conduct robust enforcement “without fear or favor.” Expected enforcement activity in 2022: 

1. Focus on gatekeepers:

Both Gensler and Grewal have emphasized the important role of gatekeepers in the capital markets. Grewal has also observed the role of gatekeepers in restoring and maintaining trust in the financial markets. He views their role as “the first lines of defense,” especially when companies want to test the limits of rules.

2. COVID-19-related disclosures: 

The SEC staff has stated that registrants should continue to consider the pandemic’s effects on financial reporting, internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) and disclosure controls and procedures; this includes ensuring changes due to the remote working environment are effectively incorporated.

3. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures: 

In March 2021, the SEC announced its creation of the Climate and ESG Task Force in the Division of Enforcement to identify errors in issuers’ climate risk disclosures and analyze compliance issues regarding ESG investment strategies.

4. SPACs: 

While the SEC staff considers a SPAC rule proposal, Gensler has directed the Enforcement Division to take action to protect SPAC investors in the meantime.

5. Crypto assets and initial coin offerings: 

The Division of Enforcement’s Cyber Unit, established in 2017, continues to address allegedly fraudulent and unregistered initial coin offerings and scrutinize other digital asset market participants for compliance with securities laws. 

Summary

The SEC under Chair Gary Gensler has laid out an ambitious agenda and timeline for possible changes to the Commission’s regulatory framework in 2022. The months ahead are expected to bring multiple proposals and other actions that could significantly shift regulatory requirements for issuers.

About this article

Authors
Bridget Neill

EY Americas Vice Chair, Public Policy

Regulatory and policy strategist. Three decades in shaping public policy impacting global financial markets and accounting profession. Passionate about family. Outdoor sports enthusiast.

Shauna Steele

EY Americas Director, Public Policy

Experienced capital markets, public policy and trade professional helping EY firms in the Americas navigate the dynamic public policy environment. Avid reader, Spanish speaker and mother of three.

Steven Jacobs

EY Americas Director of SEC Regulatory Matters and Capital Markets Leader

Former Associate Chief Accountant at the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Seasoned advisor on financial reporting and regulatory topics.