On April 19, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced the appointments of SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s senior staff, who will be responsible for advising Gensler on matters before the SEC. Prashant Yerramalli, appointed as SEC’s Chief of Staff, will continue to serve the role, which he has held since January under Acting Chair Allison Herren

On December 22, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved the New York Stock Exchange’s proposed new direct listing rules to allow companies engaging in a direct listing to raise capital directly through a primary sale of shares, in addition to, or instead of, only facilitating sales of shares by existing shareholders, as previously permitted.
Continue Reading SEC Again Approves NYSE’s Direct Listing Rules

On December 3, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that its Strategic Hub for Innovation and Financial Technology (FinHub), will migrate from its current position within the Division of Corporate Finance and be designated as a stand-alone office. FinHub will continue to be led by Valerie A. Szczepanik, who will become its first director and will report directly to the SEC Chairman. FinHub leads the SEC’s work in encouraging responsible innovation in the financial sector, including through the use of new technologies and business models. FinHub engages directly with market participants to further these efforts.
Continue Reading SEC Announces Stand-Alone Office Focused on Innovation and Financial Technology