REGULATION PERSONAL Flashcards
What is JEEP?
Joint Ethics Enforcement Program
Who handles ethical complaints with national implications when it comes to CPAs?
The AICPA
What is scienter?
Whether or not a person or company has a “guilty mind”
Who is generally impacted in a fraud case?
“reasonably foreseeable” victims
What element must be proven in constructive fraud?
Gross negligence
What is the majority (restatement) view?
Limiting an accountant’s liability to a limited class of actually foreseen users
What is the “Ultramares” rule?
An accountant’s liability is only to those they are in privity of contract with
How can a CPA be convicted of common law fraud?
With knowledge of misstatements or recklessly making the misstatements
When does actual fraud occur?
An accountant makes a statement they know is false
When does constructive fraud occur?
An accountant makes a statement they have no reasonable grounds to believe is true
What are the two key provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)?
- Anti-bribery
2. books and records and internal accounting controls
What does RICO stand for?
Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act
How long must audit and review papers be retained for?
7 years
When is disclosing a client’s name not acceptable?
When they are experiencing financial difficulties (i.e. bankruptcy)
What does 26 USC Sec. 7525 provide?
Modest testimonial privilege to clients of all tax advisers
- only for noncriminal matters
- exempts written tax shelter advice
What does GAPP stand for?
Generally Accepted Privacy Principles
What is a bilateral contract?
A promise in exchange for a promise creating a contract
What is an executory contract?
One not fully performed
What does common law cover?
- real estate
- services (employment)
What does the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) cover?
- Sales of goods
- Goods and services combined
What methods can express contracts be in?
Oral or written
What are implied-in-fact contracts?
Agreeing to a service before payment is determined
What is a unilateral contract?
A promise in exchange for performance
Executed contract
One that is fully performed
What is the “mirror image” rule?
If a response is not a mirror image acceptance of an offer, it is a rejection and a counteroffer (common law)
What are most general business advertisements?
Simply invitations to trade
What are the three main elements of a contract?
offer, acceptance, and consideration
What do you need for an offer to be valid under Common Law?
- present intent - objective basis
2. language - all details
What do you need for an offer to be valid under UCC?
- present intent - objective basis
2. language - subject matter
What brings termination?
- rejection
- counteroffer
- revocation
- All effective upon receipt
What other things bring termination?
- death of offeror
- bankruptcy
- illegality
What is an option?
- paid-for offer
- consideration required
- irrevocable
What are the requirements for a Merchant Firm Offer (UCC)?
- writing
- signed
- by a merchant
- states it will be kept open (max three months)
- need an option over three months
What happens with a conditional acceptance?
Counter offer and rejection (usually prepositional phrases)
When no means are given and the same or faster method of communication is used, when is the acceptance of an offer effective under UCC?
When properly mailed - Mailbox Rule applies
When no means are given and the same method of communication is used, when is the acceptance of an offer effective under Common Law?
When properly mailed - Mailbox Rule Applies
When no means are given and a slower method of communication is used, when is the acceptance of an offer effective under UCC?
When received if the offer is still open
When no means are given and a different method of communication is used, when is the acceptance of an offer effective under Common Law?
When received if the offer is still open
When specified means (stipulated) are given and specified means are used, when is the acceptance of an offer effective under UCC and Common Law?
Mailbox Rule
When specified means (stipulated) are given and specified means are not used, when is the acceptance of an offer effective under UCC and Common Law?
counteroffer and rejection
When prompt shipment is the offer and the proper goods are shipped, when is the acceptance of an offer effective under UCC?
Upon shipment
When prompt shipment is the offer and improper goods are shipped, when is the acceptance of an offer effective under UCC?
breach and acceptance
What constitutes consideration?
A promise to do something new or something not already obligated to do
Why are charitable subscriptions a consideration issue?
Enforceable despite lack of detriment on one side
What’s wrong with preexisting obligations when it comes to consideration?
Not sufficient consideration
When is a modification enforceable?
- UCC - in good faith
- Common Law - with additional consideration
What is a liquidated debt?
The terms are clear as far as payment, interest, etc. (i.e. a mortgage)
What is a un-liquidated debt?
You acknowledge you owe a debt, but disagree on the amount
What is the standard statute of limitations on contracts?
four years
What does the parol evidence rule prohibit?
Evidence that additional terms were agreed upon before the contract was signed
Over what dollar amount must sale of goods contracts (UCC) be in writing?
$500 or more
When must the sale of land be in writing?
Always
For what time period must a services contract always be in writing?
1 year or greater
What satisfies the Statute of Frauds?
- Record
- Signature
- Sufficient terms
What are the requirements for a merchant’s confirmation memo?
- writing (record)
- signed by one of the merchants
- underlying oral agreement
- two merchants required
What are the UCC exceptions under the Statute of Frauds?
- Goods actually accepted by the buyer
- Payments actually received by the seller
- Specially manufactured
- Admission - in any proceeding while under oath
When can a minor disaffirm a contract?
While still a minor and for a reasonable time after reaching the age of majority (voidable contract)
What happens if a buyer accepts an offer containing an immaterial unilateral mistake?
The contract is still valid
How can a minor upon turning 18 ratify a contract?
By specifically promising to be bound by the entire contract, either written or orally
How must an adult perform with a contract with a minor?
They are bound to it and must perform regardless
What is duress?
Threats that overcome one’s free will inducing a person to assent to a contract
What four proofs from the defendant are required in a common law fraud action?
- a false statement of fact or misrepresentation
- knowledge of the false statement
- reliance by the plaintiff
- a loss suffered by the plaintiff
How are future contracts treated if a person is declared insane?
All void
What are the requirements for being (not declared) insane (voidable contracts)?
- don’t understand the nature of contracts
- did not understand the effect of a specific contract
What happens to a contract if you are drunk to the extent of mental incapacity?
Voidable
What is the defense to a unilateral mistake of fact?
No defense
What is the defense to a unilateral mistake in computation?
Defense is within range or offeree knows
What happens under a mutual mistake of fact?
Valid defense
What do you need under innocent misrepresentation to rescind a contract?
- a basis of the bargain
- fact or promise
What must occur to use fraud as a defense to rescind a contract (three things)?
- material misstatement/basis of bargain
- must prove knowledge
- must prove intent to defraud
- (can be rewarded punitive damages)
What happens under an accord and satisfaction?
Parties agree to accept a different performance and the substituted performance is performed
What is a mutual rescission?
Both parties agree to the discharge of their obligations
What happens if a service becomes illegal to perform?
Discharge of a party’s duties
What is a rescission?
An undoing of a contract
What at the three types of conditions that can be present in a contract?
- conditions precedent
- conditions concurrent
- conditions subsequent
What happens when conditions fail in a contract?
Performance is discharged
What are the tests under substantial performance?
- Is it for practical purposes just as good
- Was it done in good faith
- Can the party be compensated
What is anticipatory repudiation?
Breach before performance is due
When are nominal damages awarded?
Under a technical breach
What are compensatory damages?
Return parties to original positions as if there was no breach
What are liquidated damages?
Agreed-upon in advance damages; alternative to compensatory damages
What is specific performance?
Requiring breaching party to perform; used against seller in land contract
What rights do incidental beneficiaries have under a contract?
They don’t. They may not sue to enforce contracts.
What two things make a creditor beneficiary?
- One party to a contract in question owed the creditor money
- The contract in question was made specifically to satisfy the debt
What is not normally transferred under delegation?
liability
What does the Statute of Frauds require under the UCC?
- signature of person to be charged
- quantity of goods ordered
- written evidence of an agreement
What are the open terms under the UCC?
Price, payment, and delivery
What if you ship the wrong thing under UCC without advanced notice?
Breach and acceptance at the same time
What does shipment mean under the UCC?
Acceptance
What does conditional acceptance result in under common law and UCC?
A counter offer
If a non-merchant accepts with additional terms what happens?
Contract without additional terms
If a merchant accepts with additional terms what happens?
- Have to check if material, there is an objection, or offer is limited. - If immaterial, it is usually included.
When does risk of loss pass from seller to buyer in a F.O.B. place of shipment contract?
When the goods are placed in possession of the carrier
When does risk of loss pass from seller to buyer in a F.O.B. buyer’s place of business contract?
When the goods are delivered to the buyer’s destination
When does identification occur on existing goods?
At the time of contracting
When are future and fungible goods identified?
When the goods are shipped, marked, or otherwise designated for the buyer
What does COD mean?
Collect or cash on delivery
What are the rules under CF?
- lump sum; cost and freight
- risk and title pass to the buyer upon delivery to carrier
- the seller includes cost of freight in contract price
What can a thief never do with a title?
Pass good title
What are the three types of express warranties under the UCC?
- Affirmations of fact or promises
- Description of the goods
- Sample or model
What implied warranties does the UCC give the buyer (unless disclaimed by the seller)?
- Fitness for a particular purpose
- Merchantability
- The usage of trade
How is an express warranty created?
Affirmation of fact or promise of performance
What is the restriction and disclaimer for an express warranty?
- Must be part of the basis of the bargain
- Can’t make a disclaimer inconsistent with a express warranty
How is an implied warranty of merchantability created?
- Given in every sale of goods by a merchant
What is the restriction for an implied warranty of merchantability?
- Only given by merchants
What is the disclaimer for an implied warranty of merchantability?
- If written, must be conspicuous
- Must use disclaimer of quality or use “merchantability” or general disclaimer “as is” or “with all faults”
How is an implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose created?
- The seller knows of the buyer’s reliance for particular use
What is the restriction for an implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose?
Seller must have knowledge - buyer must rely
What is the disclaimer for an implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose?
- Must be in writing, conspicuous, and clear there are no warranties
- Also disclaimed with “as is” or “with all faults”
When is a warranty of title created?
Given in every sale
What is the restriction on warranty of title?
Doesn’t apply in circumstances where apparent warranty is not given
What is the disclaimer on warranty of title?
Must state there is no warranty of title
What are the rules under product liability - strict tort liability?
- Defective condition unreasonably dangerous
- Defendant in the business of using, selling, or manufacturing the product
- Condition of product is the same
* knowledge of the defect is required for punitive damages
What is wrong with a disclaimer of warranty for personal injury?
It violates public policy
What does a C.O.D. (cash on delivery) contract not permit before payment is made?
Inspection of the goods, but can be later rejected if nonconforming
What rights are available on a buyer when the seller commits an anticipatory breach of contract?`
- demand assurance of performance
- cancel the contract
When can a revocation of acceptance occur?
- after acceptance
- must materially impair value and either be a defect non-discoverable or a promise to cure
Right to cure
Upon notification by the buyer, prior to performance date, Seller has the right to get conforming goods to the buyer
When can a seller stop delivery under Article II?
- insolvency
- advance breach by buyer
When can a seller recover the resale price under Article II?
- the buyer fails to take the goods: contract price minus resale price + incidental damages expenses saved)
When can a seller recover the market price under Article II?
- the buyer fails to take the goods: contract price - market price + incidental damages expenses saved
When can a seller recover for action for price under Article II?
- specially manufactured goods: contract price + incidental damages - expenses saved
When can a seller recover for lost profit under Article II?
- anticipatory repudiation: profits + incidental damages - salvage value
When can a buyer recover under specific performance (replevin / identification)?
- For rare, unique goods - buyer gets goods (incidentals)
When can a buyer recover the cover price?
- the seller fails to deliver: cover price - contract price + incidentals + consequential damages - expenses saved
When can a buyer recover the market price?
- the seller fails to deliver: market price - contract price + incidentals + consequential damages - expenses saved
What negotiable instruments does the paper article of the UCC cover?
drafts, checks, notes, and certificates of deposit
Under what instances is a note negotiable?
When it is payable at a definite time or on demand
What is a draft?
An order to pay - involves three parties
What is a certificate of deposit?
A promise to pay - involves two parties
What is a promissory note?
A promise made between two parties
What are the parties under notes and certificates of deposit?
- maker
- payee
What are the parties under checks and drafts?
- drawer
- drawee
- payee
When are sight drafts due?
When presented
When are time drafts due?
In 30 days
What are the six requirements for negotiability?
- written
- signed by maker or drawer
- unconditional promise or order to pay
- payable on demand or at a definite time
- sum certain in money
- words of negotiability
What are the negotiable instruments interpretation rules?
- handwritten over preprinted and typewritten
- typewritten over preprinted
- words over numbers
What does a qualified endorsement do?
Limits the warranties that the transferor of the instrument gives
What does blank endorsement do?
Changes order paper to bearer paper
What does special endorsement do?
Keeps order paper as order paper or bearer to order
What is a qualified endorsement?
without recourse - limits liability
What are the requirements for a holder in due course?
holder, given value, in good faith, and no notices of defenses, dishonor or overdue
What is the shelter provision?
Someone can become a holder in due course by gift of inheritance because they did nothing wrong
Who is the primary party on a note?
The maker
Who is the primary party on a check?
The drawee
What are the secondary parties on a note?
payee and endorsers
What are the secondary parties on a check?
drawer, payee, and endorsers
What are time limits for presentment of checks?
- 30 days to attach liability of endorsers
- 30 days to attach liability of drawer: only a problem if drawee bank fails
- Six-months of good faith for banks cashing checks
What happens if the check is presented over 30 days past and the bank fails?
drawer is off the hook for any amount above the FDIC insurance coverage
What is special about an accommodation party?
They step into the liability status of the party they are accommodating
What are the three presenter’s warranties?
Good title, no knowledge signatures are unauthorized, and no material alteration
What are the transferer’s warranties?
- good title
- signatures are genuine and authorized
- no material alteration
- no defenses (without recourse waives indorsement waiver)
- no knowledge of insolvency
What if someone asserts a personal defense against a holder in due course (HDC)?
HDC still gets paid
What are the real/universal defenses against a HDC?
- incapacity
- illegality
- fraud in factum
- bankruptcy
- lack of payment
- forgery
What happens with a HDC if there is a material alteration?
HDC still collects according to original terms
What are the exceptions to the forgery liability rules?
- fictitious payee
- negligence
- impostors
What is the big difference between domestic letters of credit and international letters of credit?
Domestic are revocable and international are irrevocable unless otherwise stated or agreed
What is a letter of credit?
Tool used by buyers to provide additional assurance of payment; buyer’s bank agrees to pay when specific requirements met (can’t vary terms)
What happens when a document is forged?
It is nonnegotiable
What is a bill of lading?
- issued by a carrier
- given to seller to evidence receipt of goods for storage
What are the rules under due negotiation?
- holder
- takes in good faith
- in ordinary course of business
- pays value: no pre-existing - antecedent - debt
- no notice of defense
What are the rights of a holder by due negotiation?
- title to document & goods
- issuer obligated to hold or deliver goods according to document terms
- not subject to personal defenses
- subject to claims of stolen goods
What are the warranties of transfer of document of title for value?
- document is genuine
- no knowledge of any fact that would impair its validity or worth
- negotiation is rightful
- negotiation is effective to transfer title to document and goods
Common carriers have absolute or strict liability except for?
- acts of god
- acts of public enemy
- defective packaging by shipper
- inherent delicacy of goods - easily spoiled foods
What is necessary for a security interest to attach?
- underlying debt/obligation
- security agreement or possession of the collateral by the creditor
- debtor must have interest in the property
Who is the secured party under Article 9?
the creditor
How do you attach a security interest?
security agreement: - writing - exception is possession - signed by debtor - description of collateral or possession or control interest in the collateral underlying debt
What are the types of property under security interests?
- tangible property
- intangible property
- miscellaneous - proceeds, negotiable instruments, commercial tort claims, and judicial liens in tort claims
What is the period of perfection
5 years for filing
- can renew anytime within the last six months
- for perfection by possession - as long as possession continues
- must use care with collateral
What are the temporary perfection rules?
4 month rule - collateral moved to another state
21-day rule - negotiable instruments
What are the automatic perfection rules?
- PMSI - purchase money security interest - consumer; not PMSI in inventory equipment
- proceeds - identify
- control
Who takes priority in a security interest in the ordinary course of business?
the buyer against a perfected secured creditor or a un-perfected secured creditor
Who takes priority in a security interest not in the ordinary course of business?
- With a perfected secured creditor, the creditor unless PMSI in consumer goods
- With an unperfected secured creditor, the buyer assuming no knowledge
What is the time limit on the right of release/termination on consumer goods?
- must be filed within 30 days after the final payment is made
- or within 20 days of demand by the consumer
What are the remedies if a debtor defaults?
- creditor - suit or repossession
- self-help - no court proceeding required before repossession - can’t breach the peace
What is the 60% rule under Article 9?
- creditor must sell collateral if debtor has paid 60% of cash price of collateral
- consumer goods - can demand sale within 90 days
What are the requirements for the sale under the 60% rule?
- notice to debtor
- notice to other secured parties
- public or private
- reasonable - price/practices
- all security interests are terminated
What is the order of distribution after a sale under the 60% rule?
- expenses, first priority, second, debtor
* all security interests in the property are terminated
What is a guarantor of collection?
Only stands liable if creditor has exhausted every other avenue
What is the process when a sub-surety is involved?
creditor
what is the process when co-sureties are involved?
creditor
What form must a suretyship contract be in?
in writing unless the surety financially or economically benefits from the contract
What happens under a suretyship contract if the principal debtor’s performance is tendered?
totally releases the surety
What happens when a surety loses capacity?
they can usually avoid liability
Under suretyship, what is subrogation?
rights of surety after they pay - steps into shoes of debtor and creditor; has same rights
Under suretyship, what is exoneration?
right of surety to force principal debtor to pay
Under suretyship, what is contribution?
rights from co-sureties - pro-rata share
Under suretyship, what is reimbursement?
right of surety to collect from principal debtor
What happens when there is a material change in loan terms with an uncompensated surety?
the surety is released
What land rights does a fee simple estate provide?
the right to sell, will, mortgage, and lien the property. It is the highest form of land ownership.
What does a general warranty deed on real property provide?
gives the grantee/transferee the best protection on title
What is special about the timing of a joint tenancy on real property?
all tenants must acquire their interests at the same time
What are the factors that determine fixtures change from personal property to real property?
- degree of attachment
- degree of ownership
- damage upon removal
- relationship to property
- agreement of parties
What is a mechanic’s lien?
- statutory right
- strict filing and time requirements
- used when creditor has furnished materials, labor, or services related to repair or improvement of real estate
What are artisans’ liens?
- statutory right
- improvement of property
What is the statutory period for adverse possession of real property?
5-20 years
What is a special warranty on real property?
warranty for time of ownership, same rights as general warranty
Who are the parties to a mortgage?
- mortgagor - buyer/borrower
- mortgagee - creditor
What is assumption transferability under real property financing?
original mortgagor, and transferee personally liable, property subject to foreclosure
What is subject to transferability under real property financing?
original mortgagor personally liable, property subject to foreclosure
What are the rules under tenancy in common?
- creation - any time, any interest
- transferability - inter vivos or testamentary
- death of tenant
What are the rules under joint tenancy (right of survivorship)?
- creation - time, title, interest, and possession
Who may not file a petition for voluntary Chapter 7 Bankruptcy relief?
an insurance company
What is a garnishment?
legal process of having sums deducted directly from a debtor’s paycheck to satisfy a debt
What is a writ of attachment?
debtor’s property is seized so that if a creditor wins a judgement, something will be available to pay the judgement
What damages can a party involuntarily petitioned into Bankruptcy under Chapter 7 recover if the petition is dismissed?
court costs and attorney’s fees, compensatory damages, and punitive damages
What is the only requirement to file a voluntary petition under a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
not a “substantial abuse”
What is special about social security benefits when it comes to garnishment?
they are exempt from garnishment
What is a composition?
discharges debts if debtor performs as to all creditors who agreed
What is an assignment?
creditors may petition debtor in bankruptcy and set aside assignment
What is the homestead exemption?
protection for equity in home, but still subject to mortgage and IRS
What is involved in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
- voluntary/involuntary
- liquidation
- trustee appointed
- individual, partnerships, and corps. are eligible
What is involved in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy?
- reorganization
- voluntary/involuntary
- automatic stay
- individuals, partnerships, and corps. are eligible
- no need for trustee
What is involved in a Chapter 12 bankruptcy?
- family farmer chapter
- only voluntary
- 50/50 requirement - 50% of income from farm and 50% of debts due to farm
What is involved in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
- consumer debt adjustment plan
- voluntary
- only for individuals
- trustee appointed
What happens after a 3 or 5 year period under Chapter 13?
if debt plan met, court grants discharge, with exceptions
What are the duties of a debtor under bankruptcy?
- schedule of all assets
- list of all creditors
- schedule of current income and expenses
- approved credit counseling certificate
- copy of most recent federal tax return
What are the major effects of bankruptcy?
- automatic stay when petition is granted
- judgments and liens stop
- enforcement actions stop
What are the duties of a trustee in a bankruptcy?
- appointed by government
- collect debtor’s assets
- investigate debtor’s financial affairs
- furnish reports to interested parties
- review debtor’s materials
- representative for the debtor’s estate
What is included in the debtor’s estate during bankruptcy?
- tangible & intangible property
- all property acquired within 180 days of the bankruptcy
- inheritances and gifts
- property from divorce, separation, or property settlement
- life insurance proceeds
What exemptions can the debtor choose between during bankruptcy?
federal or state
What are the distribution priorities under a bankruptcy?
- secured creditors (to the extent of repossession)
- child support and alimony
- administration costs during bankruptcy
- employee wages (3 months preceding petition)
- contribution to benefit plans
- claims on raising or storage of grain
- consumer deposits
- taxes
- unsecured creditors
What debts are not discharged after a bankruptcy proceeding?
- alimony, child support payments, federal tax liens, and judgement liens based on intoxication torts
What are the non-dischargeable debts from bankruptcy?
- taxes within 2 years of filing petition
- liability for obtaining money or property by false pretenses
- willful and malicious injures
- DWI debts
- alimony, maintenance, or child support
- unscheduled debts
- debts from fraud as a fiduciary
- government fines or penalties within 3 years prior
- education loans due within past five years
- prior bankruptcy debts in which debtor waived discharge
- mortgage issues
- Sarbanes-Oxley - bonuses; fraud
- consumer debt incurred within 90 days of filing
What are the requirements for a reaffirmation agreement?
- writing
- filed with court
- not rescinded prior to discharge
What are the requirements for a formation of agency - express agency?
- writing, but only if agent’s contracts must be in writing
- capacity of the principal
What is not required for a formation of agency - express agency?
- capacity of agent
- consideration - can be a gratuitous agency
What does an express agency relationship include?
- implied agency authority - whatever is customary
What are other types of agency relationships?
- apparent authority - by circumstances
- estoppel
- ratification - full knowledge, retroactive, accepts or fails to reject
What are the duties of an agent?
- follow instructions
- fiduciary - act only on behalf of the principal
What are the duties of a principal?
- liability
what are the duties of a principal to an agent?
- compensation unless gratuitous
- reimbursement for expenses
- indemification
When can an agency relationship terminate?
- agreement - automatic termination date or accomplishment of task
- unilateral act - you’re fired or I quit
- operation of law - death, insanity, bankruptcy, or breach of fiduciary duty
What is the contract liability of a disclosed principal and the agent has actual authority?
- principal liable to third party
- agent not liable to third party
What is the contract liability of a disclosed principal and the agent has apparent authority?
- principal liable to third party
- agent must indemnify principal
What is the contract liability of a disclosed principal and the agent has no actual or apparent authority?
- agent is liable to the third party
What is the contract liability of an undisclosed/partially disclosed principal and the contract is within actual authority?
- principal and agent liable to third party
- principal must indemnify agent
What is the contract liability of an undisclosed/partially disclosed principal and the contract is outside actual authority?
-agent is liable to the third party
What is the Doctrine of Respondeat Superior under a master-servant relationship?
- the principal is held liable for tort liability
- must be within scope of employment vs. frolic and detour
Who is liable to a third party under an authorized agent tort?
- the agent and the principal
Who is liable under an unauthorized agent tort?
- the principal is not liable unless - negligent hiring or supervision, or implicit approval
What is a security?
- an investment contract with four features:
1. investment of money
2. in a common enterprise
3. with an expectation of profit
4. to be earned primarily by the actions of others
How long after a security issuer files a registration statement with the SEC does it become effective?
20 days
What are the three periods involving a registration statement with the SEC?
- pre-filing - no offers or sales
- waiting - oral offers and a few written offers, but no sales
- post-effective - offers and sales now okay
What is the preliminary prospectus called?
- the “red herring” prospectus
What is SORP?
- Securities Offering Reform Package
- in 2005, enacted “company registration” for very large firms
What are WKSIs?
- Well-Known Seasoned Issuers
- can essentially offer shares without regard to the rules mentioned before because the market is always well informed about them
What are FWPs?
- “free writing prospectuses”
- supplemental written literature freely used by WKSIs
What securities are exempt from the registration process under the SEC?
- bank & government securities
- federally-regulated common carriers
- bankruptcy receivers/trustees
- insurance & annuity policies
What is rule 504 under Regulation D?
- allows qualified issuer to raise up to $1 million in a 12-month period without registering
What is rule 505 under Regulation D?
- allows qualified issuer to raise up to $5 million in a 12-month period without registering
- unlimited accredited investors, but no more than 35 unaccredited investors
What is rule 506 under Regulation D?
- allows qualified issuers to raise unlimited amounts without registering, if sell only to sophisticated investors or other represented by “purchaser representatives.”
What are some important things to remember about blue sky laws?
- states can enforce antifraud rules and require “notice” filing
- states can’t engage in “merit regulation” or register “covered” securities
What is the criteria for an emerging growth company (EGC)?
- less than $1 billion in annual gross revenue
- publicly traded less than five years
- public float less than $700 million
- Not issued more than $1 billion in nonconvertible debt in prior three years
What are the EGC benefits?
- only two years of audited financial statements for IPO
- reduced disclosure of executive pay
- confidential SEC review
For up to five years, what SEC requirements do EGCs not have to comply with?
- SOX section 404a internal control audits
- numerous rules on executive pay
What are the new crowdfunding rules on issuers?
- issuer cap - $1 million in a 12 month period