Washington, D.C., Oct. 15, 2008 (LAWFUEL) – The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) today announced that the second annual CCOutreach BD National Seminar will be held on March 10, 2009, in Washington, D.C. The seminar helps provide a forum for discussion on effective compliance practices and timely compliance issues in ever-changing markets.
Similar to the SEC’s CCOutreach National Seminar for chief compliance officers (CCOs) of investment advisers and investment companies, which will be held on Nov. 13, 2008, the CCOutreach BD National Seminar will help broker-dealer CCOs effectively communicate compliance risks, maintain compliance controls, and foster robust compliance programs within their firms, all for the benefit of investors.
SEC Chairman Christopher Cox said, “The CCOutreach BD program has proven invaluable in helping the SEC understand the needs and concerns of compliance officers. This National Seminar is an outstanding opportunity for broker-dealer CCOs and their regulators to discuss how to strengthen compliance with the securities laws. This two-way communication is focused directly on real-world problems. And it’s built on the shared conviction that empowering CCOs to implement strong compliance programs within their firms will prevent securities laws violations and better serve investors.”
FINRA CEO Mary L. Schapiro said, “FINRA is pleased to be partnering with the SEC to provide this unique opportunity for broker-dealer compliance chiefs to discuss priority topics directly with regulators. Given the current turmoil and uncertainty about financial markets and institutions, face-to-face meetings of this kind are more valuable than ever.”
The SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE), in coordination with the SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets, sponsor the CCOutreach BD program together with FINRA. The National Seminar will be held at the SEC’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. Five CCOutreach BD regional seminars will be held in spring 2009, with dates and locations to be announced at the National Seminar.
Panelists at the CCOutreach BD National Seminar will include SEC and FINRA staff and CCOs from broker-dealer firms, and will feature relevant topics for broker-dealer CCOs (or senior compliance staff if CCOs cannot attend). The SEC and FINRA staff are requesting input from CCOs on topics to discuss in order to make the National Seminar a practical and informative experience. A list of potential topics is available for CCOs to make selections by Nov. 10, 2008.
There is no cost to attend the National Seminar, but attendance is limited to 500 with priority given to broker-dealer CCOs on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additional details about the CCOutreach BD program and the National Seminar are available on the SEC Web site and the FINRA Web site.
