SEC and IOSCO release proposals regarding asset backed securities
On April 7, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced proposals to revise the rules respecting asset-backed securities in order to "better protect investors in the securitization market." Specifically, the proposals would make changes to the offering process, disclosure and reporting for asset-backed securities (ABS). The changes are described by the SEC as being comprehensive and imposing new burdens in order to "provide investors with timely and sufficient information...reduce the likelihood of undue reliance on credit ratings, and help restore investor confidence in the representations and warranties regarding the assets." Comments on the proposals are being accepted by the SEC for 90 days after publication of the proposals in the Federal Register.
Meanwhile, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) released a report yesterday entitled "Disclosure Principles for Public Offerings and Listings of Asset Backed Securities". The report is intended to "provide guidance to securities regulators who are developing or reviewing their regulatory disclosure regimes for public offerings and listings of asset-backed securities (ABS)." Specifically, the report outlines the information that should be included in any offer or listing document for a publicly offered or listed ABS.
