On October 11, the SEC proposed amendments designed to simplify public company disclosure, reduce repetition, eliminate outdated requirements and improve overall presentation and navigability. The proposal is part of the SEC’s ongoing disclosure effectiveness initiative and responds to a legislative mandate under the FAST Act of 2015 to modernize and simplify requirements in Regulation S-K, the set of rules governing public-company disclosure. Many of the ideas were developed by the SEC staff in an earlier report delivered to Congress under the FAST Act, although in some cases the proposed amendments were altered following further study. The SEC is also proposing a few additional requirements. While the proposal does not address numerous other undertakings in progress that are part of the SEC’s disclosure effectiveness initiative, it is a welcome incremental step in furtherance of the SEC’s articulated goal of improving the public company disclosure regime for the benefit of both companies and investors.

If you have any questions regarding the matters covered in this publication, please reach out to any of the lawyers listed below or your usual Davis Polk contact.

This communication, which we believe may be of interest to our clients and friends of the firm, is for general information only. It is not a full analysis of the matters presented and should not be relied upon as legal advice. This may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions. Please refer to the firm's privacy notice for further details.

Related materials

Read the full update
Copy link to share post