-CITE- 15 USC CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -MISC1- Sec. 78a. Short title. 78b. Necessity for regulation. 78c. Definitions and application. 78c-1. Swap agreements. 78d. Securities and Exchange Commission. 78d-1. Delegation of functions by Commission. 78d-2. Transfer of functions with respect to assignment of personnel to chairman. 78d-3. Appearance and practice before the Commission. 78e. Transactions on unregistered exchanges. 78f. National securities exchanges. 78g. Margin requirements. 78h. Restrictions on borrowing and lending by members, brokers, and dealers. 78i. Manipulation of security prices. 78j. Manipulative and deceptive devices. 78j-1. Audit requirements. 78k. Trading by members of exchanges, brokers, and dealers. 78k-1. National market system for securities; securities information processors. 78l. Registration requirements for securities. 78l-1. Applications for unlisted trading privileges deemed filed under section 78l of this title. 78m. Periodical and other reports. 78n. Proxies. 78o. Registration and regulation of brokers and dealers. 78o-1. Brokers deemed to be registered. 78o-2. Liabilities arising prior to amendment unaffected. 78o-3. Registered securities associations. 78o-4. Municipal securities. 78o-5. Government securities brokers and dealers. 78o-6. Securities analysts and research reports. 78o-7. Registration of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. 78p. Directors, officers, and principal stockholders. 78q. Records and reports. 78q-1. National system for clearance and settlement of securities transactions. 78q-2. Automated quotation systems for penny stocks. 78r. Liability for misleading statements. 78s. Registration, responsibilities, and oversight of self-regulatory organizations. 78t. Liability of controlling persons and persons who aid and abet violations. 78t-1. Liability to contemporaneous traders for insider trading. 78u. Investigations and actions. 78u-1. Civil penalties for insider trading. 78u-2. Civil remedies in administrative proceedings. 78u-3. Cease-and-desist proceedings. 78u-4. Private securities litigation. 78u-5. Application of safe harbor for forward-looking statements. 78v. Hearings by Commission. 78w. Rules, regulations, and orders; annual reports. 78x. Public availability of information. 78y. Court review of orders and rules. 78z. Unlawful representations. 78aa. Jurisdiction of offenses and suits. 78aa-1. Special provision relating to statute of limitations on private causes of action. 78bb. Effect on existing law. 78cc. Validity of contracts. 78dd. Foreign securities exchanges. 78dd-1. Prohibited foreign trade practices by issuers. 78dd-2. Prohibited foreign trade practices by domestic concerns. 78dd-3. Prohibited foreign trade practices by persons other than issuers or domestic concerns. 78ee. Transaction fees. 78ff. Penalties. 78gg. Separability. 78hh. Effective date. 78hh-1. Effective date of certain sections. 78ii, 78jj. Omitted or Repealed. 78kk. Authorization of appropriations. 78ll. Requirements for the EDGAR system. 78mm. General exemptive authority. 78nn. Tennessee Valley Authority. 78oo. Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal Home Loan Banks. -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78a 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78a. Short title -STATUTE- This chapter may be cited as the "Securities Exchange Act of 1934." -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 1, 48 Stat. 881.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "This Act" meaning the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, act June 6, 1934, ch. 404. The act was divided into two titles as follows: "Title I - Regulation of Securities Exchanges" and "Title II - Amendments to Securities Act of 1933." This section was section 1 of title I of the Act, which title, as amended, is set out as sections 78a to 78l, 78m to 78o, 78o-3 to 78dd-1, 78ee to 78hh, and 78mm of this title. Sections 78kk, 78ll, 78nn, and 78oo of this title, which were directed to be added at the end of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, have been treated in the Code as added to title I of the Act to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See Codification notes set out under those sections. Title II of the act amended or repealed sections 77b to 77e, 77j, 77k, 77m, 77o, and 77s, and added former sections 78ii and 78jj of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables. -MISC1- SHORT TITLE OF 2006 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 109-291, Sec. 1, Sept. 29, 2006, 120 Stat. 1327, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 78o-7 of this title, amending sections 78c, 78o, 78q, 78u-2, 80a-2, 80a-9, 80b-2, and 80b-3 of this title, section 4519 of Title 12, Banks and Banking, section 1087-2 of Title 20, Education, and section 181 of Title 23, Highways, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 78o-7 of this title] may be cited as the 'Credit Rating Agency Reform Act of 2006'." SHORT TITLE OF 2004 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 108-458, title VII, Sec. 7803(a), Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3861, provided that: "This section [amending sections 78l and 78o-5 of this title] may be cited as the 'Emergency Securities Response Act of 2004'." SHORT TITLE OF 2002 AMENDMENTS Pub. L. 107-204, title XI, Sec. 1101, July 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 807, provided that: "This title [amending sections 77h-1, 78u-3, and 78ff of this title and sections 1512 and 1513 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 994 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure] may be cited as the 'Corporate Fraud Accountability Act of 2002'." Pub. L. 107-123, Sec. 1, Jan. 16, 2002, 115 Stat. 2390, provided that: "This Act [enacting chapter 48 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, amending sections 77f, 77ggg, 78d, 78m, 78n, and 78ee of this title, sections 3132 and 5373 of Title 5, and section 1833b of Title 12, Banks and Banking, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 78ee of this title and section 4802 of Title 5] may be cited as the 'Investor and Capital Markets Fee Relief Act'." SHORT TITLE OF 1998 AMENDMENTS Pub. L. 105-366, Sec. 1, Nov. 10, 1998, 112 Stat. 3302, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 78dd-3 of this title, amending sections 78dd-1, 78dd-2, and 78ff of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 78dd-1 of this title] may be cited as the 'International Anti-Bribery and Fair Competition Act of 1998'." Pub. L. 105-353, Sec. 1, Nov. 3, 1998, 112 Stat. 3227, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 77b, 77k, 77m, 77p, 77r, 77v, 77z-1 to 77z-3, 77aa, 77ccc, 77ddd, 77mmm, 77sss, 78c, 78d, 78g, 78n, 78o, 78o-4, 78o-5, 78q, 78s, 78t, 78u-4, 78z, 78bb, 78ee, 78kk, 78ll, 80a-2, 80a-3, 80a-12, 80a-18, 80a-29, 80a-30, 80b-3, and 80b-18a of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 77p and 78u of this title] may be cited as the 'Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act of 1998'." SHORT TITLE OF 1996 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 104-290, Sec. 1(a), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3416, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 77z-3, 78mm, and 80b-3a of this title, amending sections 77b, 77c, 77f, 77r, 77ddd, 78c, 78d, 78g, 78h, 78o, 78q, 78bb, 78ee, 78kk, 80a-2, 80a-3, 80a-6, 80a- 12, 80a-24, 80a-26, 80a-27, 80a-29, 80a-30, 80a-34, 80a-54, 80a- 60, 80a-63, 80b-2, 80b-3, 80b-5, and 80b-18a of this title and section 1002 of Title 29, Labor, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 77e, 77r, 78b, 78n, 78o, 78ee, 80a-2, 80a-3, 80a-24, 80a-51, 80b-2, 80b-3a, 80b-10, and 80b-20 of this title, and section 1002 of Title 29] may be cited as the 'National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996'." Pub. L. 104-290, title I, Sec. 101, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3417, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 77z-3 and 78mm of this title, amending sections 77b, 77r, 78c, 78g, 78h, 78o, 78q, 78bb, and 80a-2 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 77e and 77r of this title] may be cited as the 'Capital Markets Efficiency Act of 1996'." Pub. L. 104-290, title IV, Sec. 401, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3441, provided that: "This title [amending sections 77f, 78d, 78ee, and 78kk of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 78ee of this title] may be cited as the 'Securities and Exchange Commission Authorization Act of 1996'." SHORT TITLE OF 1995 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 104-67, Sec. 1(a), Dec. 22, 1995, 109 Stat. 737, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 77z-1, 77z-2, 78j-1, 78u-4, and 78u-5 of this title, amending sections 77k, 77l, 77t, 78o, 78t, 78u, and 78u-4 of this title and section 1964 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 77k, 77l, and 78j-1 of this title] may be cited as the 'Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995'." SHORT TITLE OF 1994 AMENDMENTS Pub. L. 103-389, Sec. 1, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4081, provided that: "This Act [amending section 78l of this title] may be cited as the 'Unlisted Trading Privileges Act of 1994'." Pub. L. 103-325, title II, Sec. 201, Sept. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 2198, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle A (Secs. 201-210) of title II of Pub. L. 103-325 enacting section 1835 of Title 12, Banks and Banking, amending sections 77r-1, 78c, 78g, 78h, and 78k of this title and sections 24, 1464, and 1757 of Title 12, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 78b of this title and section 3305 of Title 12] may be cited as the 'Small Business Loan Securitization and Secondary Market Enhancement Act of 1994'." SHORT TITLE OF 1993 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 103-202, Sec. 1(a), Dec. 17, 1993, 107 Stat. 2344, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 3130 of Title 31, Money and Finance, amending sections 78c, 78f, 78n, 78o, 78o-3, 78o-5, 78s, and 78w of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 78f, 78n, and 78o-5 of this title, and section 3121 of Title 31] may be cited as the 'Government Securities Act Amendments of 1993'." Pub. L. 103-202, title III, Sec. 301, Dec. 17, 1993, 107 Stat. 2359, provided that: "This title [amending sections 78f, 78n, and 78o-3 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 78f and 78n of this title] may be cited as the 'Limited Partnership Rollup Reform Act of 1993'." SHORT TITLE OF 1990 AMENDMENTS Pub. L. 101-550, Sec. 1, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2713, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 77ccc to 77eee, 77iii to 77rrr, 77uuu, 77vvv, 78c, 78d, 78n, 78o, 78o-4, 78o-5, 78q-1, 78x, 78kk, 79z-5, 80a-2, 80a-9, 80a-44, 80a-45, 80b-2, 80b-3, 80b-10, and 80b- 18 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 77aaa and 78n of this title] may be cited as the 'Securities Acts Amendments of 1990'." Pub. L. 101-550, title I, Sec. 101, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2713, provided that: "This title [amending sections 77uuu, 78d, 78kk, 79z-5, 80a-45, and 80b-18 of this title] may be cited as the 'Securities and Exchange Commission Authorization Act of 1990'." Pub. L. 101-550, title II, Sec. 201, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2714, provided that: "This title [amending sections 78c, 78d, 78o, 78o-4, 78o-5, 78q-1, 78x, 80a-2, 80a-9, 80a-44, 80b-2, 80b-3, and 80b-10 of this title] may be cited as the 'International Securities Enforcement Cooperation Act of 1990'." Pub. L. 101-550, title III, Sec. 301, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2721, provided that: "This title [amending section 78n of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 78n of this title] may be cited as the 'Shareholder Communications Improvement Act of 1990'." Pub. L. 101-432, Sec. 1, Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 963, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 1831l of Title 12, Banks and Banking, amending sections 78i, 78l, 78m, 78o-5, 78q, 78q-1, and 78y of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 78b and 78q-1 of this title] may be cited as the 'Market Reform Act of 1990'." Pub. L. 101-429, Sec. 1(a), Oct. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 931, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 77h-1, 78q-2, 78u-2, and 78u-3 of this title, amending sections 77g, 77t, 78c, 78o, 78o- 3, 78o-4, 78q-1, 78u, 78u-1, 78w, 78cc, 80a-9, 80a-41, 80b-3, 80b- 9, and 80b-14 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 77g, 78o, and 78s of this title] may be cited as the 'Securities Enforcement Remedies and Penny Stock Reform Act of 1990'." Pub. L. 101-429, title V, Sec. 501, Oct. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 951, provided that: "This title [enacting section 78q-2 of this title, amending sections 77g, 78c, 78o, 78o-3, and 78cc of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 78o and 78s of this title] may be cited as the 'Penny Stock Reform Act of 1990'." SHORT TITLE OF 1988 AMENDMENTS Pub. L. 100-704, Sec. 1, Nov. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 4677, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 78t-1, 78u-1, and 80b-4a of this title, amending sections 78c, 78o, 78u, 78ff, and 78kk of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 78b, 78o, and 78u-1 of this title] may be cited as the 'Insider Trading and Securities Fraud Enforcement Act of 1988'." Pub. L. 100-418, title V, Sec. 5001, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1415, provided that: "This part [part I (Secs. 5001-5003) of subtitle A of title I of Pub. L. 100-418, amending sections 78m, 78dd-1, 78dd-2, and 78ff of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 78dd-1 of this title] may be cited as the 'Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Amendments of 1988'." SHORT TITLE OF 1987 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 1, Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1249, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 78d-1, 78d-2, and 78ll of this title, amending sections 77b, 77c, 77f, 77i, 77s, 77t, 77v, 77ccc, 78c, 78d, 78f, 78k-1, 78l, 78m, 78o, 78o-4, 78o-5, 78q, 78q-1, 78u, 78w, 78aa, 78bb, 78kk, 78lll, 79h, 79r, 79x, 79y, 79z-4, 80a-2, 80a- 3, 80a-5, 80a-6, 80a-9, 80a-12, 80a-15, 80a-17, 80a-18, 80a-20, 80a-21, 80a-22, 80a-24, 80a-26, 80a-28, 80a-35, 80a-41, 80a-52, 80a- 53, 80a-54, 80a-56, 80b-2, 80b-3, 80b-5, 80b-9, 80b-11, 80b-13, and 80b-14 of this title, and repealing sections 78d-1, 78d-2, and 78jj of this title] may be cited as the 'Securities and Exchange Commission Authorization Act of 1987'." SHORT TITLE OF 1986 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 99-571, Sec. 1(a), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3208, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 78o-5 of this title and section 9110 of Title 31, Money and Finance, amending sections 78c, 78o, 78o-3, 78q, 78w, 78y, 80a-9, and 80b-3 of this title and section 3121 of Title 31, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 78o-5 of this title] may be cited as the 'Government Securities Act of 1986'." SHORT TITLE OF 1985 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 99-222, Sec. 1, Dec. 28, 1985, 99 Stat. 1737, provided that: "This Act [amending section 78n of this title and enacting a provision set out as a note under section 78n of this title] may be cited as the 'Shareholder Communications Act of 1985'." SHORT TITLE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 98-376, Sec. 1, Aug. 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 1264, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 78c, 78o, 78t, 78u, and 78ff of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 78c of this title] may be cited as the 'Insider Trading Sanctions Act of 1984'." SHORT TITLE OF 1977 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 95-213, title I, Sec. 101, Dec. 19, 1977, 91 Stat. 1494, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 78dd-1 and 78dd-2 of this title and amending sections 78m and 78ff of this title] may be cited as the 'Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977'." Pub. L. 95-213, title II, Sec. 201, Dec. 19, 1977, 91 Stat. 1498, provided that: "This title [amending sections 78m and 78o of this title] may be cited as the 'Domestic and Foreign Investment Improved Disclosure Act of 1977'." SHORT TITLE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Section 1 of Pub. L. 94-29, June 4, 1975, 89 Stat. 97, provided: "That this Act [enacting sections 78k-1, 78o-4, 78q-1, and 78kk of this title, amending sections 77d, 77x, 77yyy, 78b, 78c, 78d-1, 78f, 78h, 78k, 78l, 78m, 78o, 78o-3, 78q, 78s, 78u, 78w, 78x, 78y, 78bb, 78ee, 78ff, 78iii, 79z-3, 80a-9, 80a-10, 80a-13, 80a-15, 80a- 16, 80a-18, 80a-31, 80a-35, 80a-48, 80b-3, 80b-4, and 80b-17 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 78b and 78f of this title] may be cited as the 'Securities Acts Amendments of 1975'." SHORT TITLE OF 1964 AMENDMENT Section 1 of Pub. L. 88-467, Aug. 20, 1964, 78 Stat. 565, provided: "That this Act [amending sections 77d, 78c, 78l to 78o, 78o-3, 78p, 78t, 78w, and 78ff of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 78c of this title] may be cited as the 'Securities Acts Amendments of 1964'." SHORT TITLE OF 1936 AMENDMENT Act May 27, 1936, ch. 462, 49 Stat. 1375, enacting sections 78l- 1, 78o-1, 78o-2, and 78hh-1 of this title, and amending sections 78l, 78o, 78q, 78r, 78t, 78u, 78w, and 78ff of this title, is popularly known as the Unlisted Securities Trading Act. SEVERABILITY Pub. L. 104-290, Sec. 3, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3417, provided: "If any provision of this Act [see Short Title of 1996 Amendment note above], an amendment made by this Act, or the application of such provision or amendment to any person or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act, the amendments made by this Act, and the application of the provisions of such to any person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby." CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS OF 1998 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 105-353, Sec. 2, Nov. 3, 1998, 112 Stat. 3227, provided that: "The Congress finds that - "(1) the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 [see Short Title of 1995 Amendment note above] sought to prevent abuses in private securities fraud lawsuits; "(2) since enactment of that legislation, considerable evidence has been presented to Congress that a number of securities class action lawsuits have shifted from Federal to State courts; "(3) this shift has prevented that Act from fully achieving its objectives; "(4) State securities regulation is of continuing importance, together with Federal regulation of securities, to protect investors and promote strong financial markets; and "(5) in order to prevent certain State private securities class action lawsuits alleging fraud from being used to frustrate the objectives of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, it is appropriate to enact national standards for securities class action lawsuits involving nationally traded securities, while preserving the appropriate enforcement powers of State securities regulators and not changing the current treatment of individual lawsuits." PURPOSES OF 1996 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 104-290, title IV, Sec. 402, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3441, provided: "The purposes of this title [see Short Title of 1996 Amendment note above] are - "(1) to authorize appropriations for the Commission for fiscal year 1997; and "(2) to reduce over time the rates of fees charged under the Federal securities laws." -CROSS- DEFINITIONS Pub. L. 104-290, Sec. 2, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3417, provided: "For purposes of this Act [see Short Title of 1996 Amendment note above] - "(1) the term 'Commission' means the Securities and Exchange Commission; and "(2) the term 'State' has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78c]." -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78b 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78b. Necessity for regulation -STATUTE- For the reasons hereinafter enumerated, transactions in securities as commonly conducted upon securities exchanges and over- the-counter markets are affected with a national public interest which makes it necessary to provide for regulation and control of such transactions and of practices and matters related thereto, including transactions by officers, directors, and principal security holders, to require appropriate reports to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanisms of a national market system for securities and a national system for the clearance and settlement of securities transactions and the safeguarding of securities and funds related thereto, and to impose requirements necessary to make such regulation and control reasonably complete and effective, in order to protect interstate commerce, the national credit, the Federal taxing power, to protect and make more effective the national banking system and Federal Reserve System, and to insure the maintenance of fair and honest markets in such transactions: (1) Such transactions (a) are carried on in large volume by the public generally and in large part originate outside the States in which the exchanges and over-the-counter markets are located and/or are effected by means of the mails and instrumentalities of interstate commerce; (b) constitute an important part of the current of interstate commerce; (c) involve in large part the securities of issuers engaged in interstate commerce; (d) involve the use of credit, directly affect the financing of trade, industry, and transportation in interstate commerce, and directly affect and influence the volume of interstate commerce; and affect the national credit. (2) The prices established and offered in such transactions are generally disseminated and quoted throughout the United States and foreign countries and constitute a basis for determining and establishing the prices at which securities are bought and sold, the amount of certain taxes owing to the United States and to the several States by owners, buyers, and sellers of securities, and the value of collateral for bank loans. (3) Frequently the prices of securities on such exchanges and markets are susceptible to manipulation and control, and the dissemination of such prices gives rise to excessive speculation, resulting in sudden and unreasonable fluctuations in the prices of securities which (a) cause alternately unreasonable expansion and unreasonable contraction of the volume of credit available for trade, transportation, and industry in interstate commerce, (b) hinder the proper appraisal of the value of securities and thus prevent a fair calculation of taxes owing to the United States and to the several States by owners, buyers, and sellers of securities, and (c) prevent the fair valuation of collateral for bank loans and/or obstruct the effective operation of the national banking system and Federal Reserve System. (4) National emergencies, which produce widespread unemployment and the dislocation of trade, transportation, and industry, and which burden interstate commerce and adversely affect the general welfare, are precipitated, intensified, and prolonged by manipulation and sudden and unreasonable fluctuations of security prices and by excessive speculation on such exchanges and markets, and to meet such emergencies the Federal Government is put to such great expense as to burden the national credit. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 2, 48 Stat. 881; Pub. L. 94- 29, Sec. 2, June 4, 1975, 89 Stat. 97.) -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 1975 - Pub. L. 94-29 inserted "to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanisms of a national market system for securities and a national system for the clearance and settlement of securities transactions and the safeguarding of securities and funds related thereto," after "require appropriate reports," in introductory provisions preceding par. (1). EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Section 31(a) of Pub. L. 94-29 provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 78k-1, 78o-4, 78q-1, and 78kk of this title, amending this section and sections 77d, 77x, 77yyy, 78c, 78d-1, 78f, 78h, 78k, 78l, 78m, 78o, 78o-3, 78q, 78s, 78u, 78w, 78x, 78y, 78bb, 78ee, 78ff, 78iii, 79z-3, 80a-9, 80a-10, 80a-13, 80a-15, 80a-16, 80a-18, 80a-31, 80a-35, 80a-48, 80b-3, 80b-4, and 80b-17 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 78a and 78f of this title] shall become effective on the date of its enactment [June 4, 1975] except as hereinafter provided. The amendments made by this Act to sections 3(a)(12), 6(a) through (d), 11A(b), 15(a), 15A, 15B(a), 17A(b), and (c), and 19(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [sections 78c(a)(12), 78f(a) through (d), 78k-1(b), 78o(a), 78o-3, 78o-4(a), 78q-1(b) and (c), and 78s(g) of this title] shall become effective one hundred eighty days after the date of enactment of this Act [June 4, 1975], and the amendments made by this Act to section 31 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [section 78ee of this title] shall become effective on January 1, 1976. Neither the provisions of section 3(a)(3), 6(b)(2), or 6(c)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended by this Act) [section 78c(a)(3), 78f(b)(2), or 78f(c)(1) of this title] nor any rule or regulation thereunder shall apply so as to deprive any person of membership in any national securities exchange (or its successor) of which such person was, on the date of enactment of this Act [June 4, 1975], a member or a member firm as defined in the constitution of such exchange or so as to deny membership in any such exchange (or its successor) to any natural person who is or becomes associated with such member or member firm." STUDY AND REPORT ON IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES ON SECURITIES MARKETS Pub. L. 104-290, title V, Sec. 510(a), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3450, provided that: "(1) Study. - "(A) In general. - The Commission shall conduct a study of - "(i) the impact of technological advances and the use of on- line information systems on the securities markets, including steps that the Commission has taken to facilitate the electronic delivery of prospectuses to institutional and other investors; "(ii) how such technologies have changed the way in which the securities markets operate; and "(iii) any steps taken by the Commission to address such changes. "(B) Considerations. - In conducting the study under subparagraph (A), the Commission shall consider how the Commission has adapted its enforcement policies and practices in response to technological developments with regard to - "(i) disclosure, prospectus delivery, and other customer protection regulations; "(ii) intermediaries and exchanges in the domestic and international financial services industry; "(iii) reporting by issuers, including communications with holders of securities; "(iv) the relationship of the Commission with other national regulatory authorities and organizations to improve coordination and cooperation; and "(v) the relationship of the Commission with State regulatory authorities and organizations to improve coordination and cooperation. "(2) Report. - Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 11, 1996], the Commission shall submit a report to the Congress on the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1)." JOINT STUDY ON IMPACT OF ADDITIONAL SECURITIES BASED ON POOLED OBLIGATIONS Pub. L. 103-325, title II, Sec. 209, Sept. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 2202, provided that: "(a) Joint Study Required. - The Board and the Commission shall conduct a joint study of the impact of the provisions of this subtitle [subtitle A [Secs. 201-210 of title II of Pub. L. 103- 325], see Short Title of 1994 Amendment note set out under section 78a of this title] (including the amendments made by this subtitle) on the credit and securities markets. Such study shall evaluate - "(1) the impact of the provisions of this subtitle on the availability of credit for business and commercial enterprises in general, and the availability of credit in particular for - "(A) businesses in low- and moderate-income areas; "(B) businesses owned by women and minorities; "(C) community development efforts; "(D) community development financial institutions; "(E) businesses in different geographical regions; and "(F) a diversity of types of businesses; "(2) the structure and operation of the markets that develop for small business related securities and commercial mortgage related securities, including the types of entities (such as pension funds and insurance companies) that are significant purchasers of such securities, the extent to which such entities are sophisticated investors, the use of credit enhancements in obtaining investment-grade ratings, any conflicts of interest that arise in such markets, and any adverse effects of such markets on commercial real estate ventures, pension funds, or pension fund beneficiaries; "(3) the extent to which the provisions of this subtitle with regard to margin requirements, the number of eligible investment rating categories, preemption of State law, and the treatment of such securities as government securities for the purpose of State investment limitations, affect the structure and operation of such markets; and "(4) in view of the findings made pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3), any additional suitability or disclosure requirements or other investor protections that should be required. "(b) Reports. - "(1) In general. - The Board and the Commission shall submit to the Congress a report on the results of the study required by subsection (a) before the end of - "(A) the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 23, 1994]; "(B) the 4-year period beginning on such date of enactment; and "(C) the 6-year period beginning on such date of enactment. "(2) Contents of report. - Each report required under paragraph (1) shall contain or be accompanied by such recommendations for administrative or legislative action as the Board and the Commission consider appropriate and may include recommendations regarding the need to develop a system for reporting additional information concerning investments by the entities described in subsection (a)(2). "(c) Definitions. - As used in this section - "(1) the term 'Board' means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; and "(2) the term 'Commission' means the Securities and Exchange Commission." INTERMARKET COORDINATION; REPORTS TO CONGRESS Pub. L. 101-432, Sec. 8(a), Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 976, provided that: "The Secretary of the Treasury, the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, shall report to the Congress not later than May 31, 1991, and annually thereafter until May 31, 1995, on the following: "(1) the efforts their respective agencies have made relating to the coordination of regulatory activities to ensure the integrity and competitiveness of United States financial markets; "(2) the efforts their respective agencies have made to formulate coordinated mechanisms across marketplaces to protect the payments and market systems during market emergencies; "(3) the views of their respective agencies with respect to the adequacy of margin levels and use of leverage by market participants; and "(4) such other issues and concerns relating to the soundness, stability, and integrity of domestic and international capital markets as may be appropriate. The agencies shall cooperate in the development of their reports, and prior to submitting its report to Congress, each agency shall provide copies to the other agencies." SECURITIES LAWS STUDY Pub. L. 100-704, Sec. 7, Nov. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 4682, directed Securities and Exchange Commission to study and investigate adequacy of Federal securities laws and regulations for protection of the public interest and interests of investors, specified subjects for the study and investigation and authority of Commission in conducting the study and investigation, directed Commission to supply interim information to Congress on the progress of, and any impediments to completing, the study and investigation, directed Commission to report to Congress on results of the study and investigation within 18 months after the date funds are appropriated for the study and investigation, including in such report the Commission's recommendations. FOREIGN INVESTMENT STUDY Pub. L. 93-479, Oct. 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 1450, directed Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of Commerce to conduct a comprehensive, overall study of foreign direct and portfolio investments in the United States and submit to Congress an interim report twelve months after Oct. 26, 1974, and not later than one and one-half years after Oct. 26, 1974, a full and complete report of the findings made under the study authorized, together with such recommendations as they considered appropriate. -EXEC- EX. ORD. NO. 12631. WORKING GROUP ON FINANCIAL MARKETS Ex. Ord. No. 12631, Mar. 18, 1988, 53 F.R. 9421, provided: By virtue of the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, and in order to establish a Working Group on Financial Markets, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Establishment. (a) There is hereby established a Working Group on Financial Markets (Working Group). The Working Group shall be composed of: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury, or his designee; (2) the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or his designee; (3) the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or his designee; and (4) the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or her designee. (b) The Secretary of the Treasury, or his designee, shall be the Chairman of the Working Group. Sec. 2. Purposes and Functions. (a) Recognizing the goals of enhancing the integrity, efficiency, orderliness, and competitiveness of our Nation's financial markets and maintaining investor confidence, the Working Group shall identify and consider: (1) the major issues raised by the numerous studies on the events in the financial markets surrounding October 19, 1987, and any of those recommendations that have the potential to achieve the goals noted above; and (2) the actions, including governmental actions under existing laws and regulations (such as policy coordination and contingency planning), that are appropriate to carry out these recommendations. (b) The Working Group shall consult, as appropriate, with representatives of the various exchanges, clearinghouses, self- regulatory bodies, and with major market participants to determine private sector solutions wherever possible. (c) The Working Group shall report to the President initially within 60 days (and periodically thereafter) on its progress and, if appropriate, its views on any recommended legislative changes. Sec. 3. Administration. (a) The heads of Executive departments, agencies, and independent instrumentalities shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide the Working Group such information as it may require for the purpose of carrying out this Order. (b) Members of the Working Group shall serve without additional compensation for their work on the Working Group. (c) To the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of funds therefor, the Department of the Treasury shall provide the Working Group with such administrative and support services as may be necessary for the performance of its functions. Ronald Reagan. -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78c 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78c. Definitions and application -STATUTE- (a) Definitions When used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires - (1) The term "exchange" means any organization, association, or group of persons, whether incorporated or unincorporated, which constitutes, maintains, or provides a market place or facilities for bringing together purchasers and sellers of securities or for otherwise performing with respect to securities the functions commonly performed by a stock exchange as that term is generally understood, and includes the market place and the market facilities maintained by such exchange. (2) The term "facility" when used with respect to an exchange includes its premises, tangible or intangible property whether on the premises or not, any right to the use of such premises or property or any service thereof for the purpose of effecting or reporting a transaction on an exchange (including, among other things, any system of communication to or from the exchange, by ticker or otherwise, maintained by or with the consent of the exchange), and any right of the exchange to the use of any property or service. (3)(A) The term "member" when used with respect to a national securities exchange means (i) any natural person permitted to effect transactions on the floor of the exchange without the services of another person acting as broker, (ii) any registered broker or dealer with which such a natural person is associated, (iii) any registered broker or dealer permitted to designate as a representative such a natural person, and (iv) any other registered broker or dealer which agrees to be regulated by such exchange and with respect to which the exchange undertakes to enforce compliance with the provisions of this chapter, the rules and regulations thereunder, and its own rules. For purposes of sections 78f(b)(1), 78f(b)(4), 78f(b)(6), 78f(b)(7), 78f(d), 78q(d), 78s(d), 78s(e), 78s(g), 78s(h), and 78u of this title, the term "member" when used with respect to a national securities exchange also means, to the extent of the rules of the exchange specified by the Commission, any person required by the Commission to comply with such rules pursuant to section 78f(f) of this title. (B) The term "member" when used with respect to a registered securities association means any broker or dealer who agrees to be regulated by such association and with respect to whom the association undertakes to enforce compliance with the provisions of this chapter, the rules and regulations thereunder, and its own rules. (4) Broker. - (A) In general. - The term "broker" means any person engaged in the business of effecting transactions in securities for the account of others. (B) Exception for certain bank activities. - A bank shall not be considered to be a broker because the bank engages in any one or more of the following activities under the conditions described: (i) Third party brokerage arrangements. - The bank enters into a contractual or other written arrangement with a broker or dealer registered under this chapter under which the broker or dealer offers brokerage services on or off the premises of the bank if - (I) such broker or dealer is clearly identified as the person performing the brokerage services; (II) the broker or dealer performs brokerage services in an area that is clearly marked and, to the extent practicable, physically separate from the routine deposit- taking activities of the bank; (III) any materials used by the bank to advertise or promote generally the availability of brokerage services under the arrangement clearly indicate that the brokerage services are being provided by the broker or dealer and not by the bank; (IV) any materials used by the bank to advertise or promote generally the availability of brokerage services under the arrangement are in compliance with the Federal securities laws before distribution; (V) bank employees (other than associated persons of a broker or dealer who are qualified pursuant to the rules of a self-regulatory organization) perform only clerical or ministerial functions in connection with brokerage transactions including scheduling appointments with the associated persons of a broker or dealer, except that bank employees may forward customer funds or securities and may describe in general terms the types of investment vehicles available from the bank and the broker or dealer under the arrangement; (VI) bank employees do not receive incentive compensation for any brokerage transaction unless such employees are associated persons of a broker or dealer and are qualified pursuant to the rules of a self-regulatory organization, except that the bank employees may receive compensation for the referral of any customer if the compensation is a nominal one-time cash fee of a fixed dollar amount and the payment of the fee is not contingent on whether the referral results in a transaction; (VII) such services are provided by the broker or dealer on a basis in which all customers that receive any services are fully disclosed to the broker or dealer; (VIII) the bank does not carry a securities account of the customer except as permitted under clause (ii) or (viii) of this subparagraph; and (IX) the bank, broker, or dealer informs each customer that the brokerage services are provided by the broker or dealer and not by the bank and that the securities are not deposits or other obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (ii) Trust activities. - The bank effects transactions in a trustee capacity, or effects transactions in a fiduciary capacity in its trust department or other department that is regularly examined by bank examiners for compliance with fiduciary principles and standards, and - (I) is chiefly compensated for such transactions, consistent with fiduciary principles and standards, on the basis of an administration or annual fee (payable on a monthly, quarterly, or other basis), a percentage of assets under management, or a flat or capped per order processing fee equal to not more than the cost incurred by the bank in connection with executing securities transactions for trustee and fiduciary customers, or any combination of such fees; and (II) does not publicly solicit brokerage business, other than by advertising that it effects transactions in securities in conjunction with advertising its other trust activities. (iii) Permissible securities transactions. - The bank effects transactions in - (I) commercial paper, bankers acceptances, or commercial bills; (II) exempted securities; (III) qualified Canadian government obligations as defined in section 24 of title 12, in conformity with section 78o-5 of this title and the rules and regulations thereunder, or obligations of the North American Development Bank; or (IV) any standardized, credit enhanced debt security issued by a foreign government pursuant to the March 1989 plan of then Secretary of the Treasury Brady, used by such foreign government to retire outstanding commercial bank loans. (iv) Certain stock purchase plans. - (I) Employee benefit plans. - The bank effects transactions, as part of its transfer agency activities, in the securities of an issuer as part of any pension, retirement, profit-sharing, bonus, thrift, savings, incentive, or other similar benefit plan for the employees of that issuer or its affiliates (as defined in section 1841 of title 12), if the bank does not solicit transactions or provide investment advice with respect to the purchase or sale of securities in connection with the plan. (II) Dividend reinvestment plans. - The bank effects transactions, as part of its transfer agency activities, in the securities of an issuer as part of that issuer's dividend reinvestment plan, if - (aa) the bank does not solicit transactions or provide investment advice with respect to the purchase or sale of securities in connection with the plan; and (bb) the bank does not net shareholders' buy and sell orders, other than for programs for odd-lot holders or plans registered with the Commission. (III) Issuer plans. - The bank effects transactions, as part of its transfer agency activities, in the securities of an issuer as part of a plan or program for the purchase or sale of that issuer's shares, if - (aa) the bank does not solicit transactions or provide investment advice with respect to the purchase or sale of securities in connection with the plan or program; and (bb) the bank does not net shareholders' buy and sell orders, other than for programs for odd-lot holders or plans registered with the Commission. (IV) Permissible delivery of materials. - The exception to being considered a broker for a bank engaged in activities described in subclauses (I), (II), and (III) will not be affected by delivery of written or electronic plan materials by a bank to employees of the issuer, shareholders of the issuer, or members of affinity groups of the issuer, so long as such materials are - (aa) comparable in scope or nature to that permitted by the Commission as of November 12, 1999; or (bb) otherwise permitted by the Commission. (v) Sweep accounts. - The bank effects transactions as part of a program for the investment or reinvestment of deposit funds into any no-load, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq.] that holds itself out as a money market fund. (vi) Affiliate transactions. - The bank effects transactions for the account of any affiliate of the bank (as defined in section 1841 of title 12) other than - (I) a registered broker or dealer; or (II) an affiliate that is engaged in merchant banking, as described in section 1843(k)(4)(H) of title 12. (vii) Private securities offerings. - The bank - (I) effects sales as part of a primary offering of securities not involving a public offering, pursuant to section 3(b), 4(2), or 4(6) of the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77c(b), 77d(2), 77d(6)] or the rules and regulations issued thereunder; (II) at any time after the date that is 1 year after November 12, 1999, is not affiliated with a broker or dealer that has been registered for more than 1 year in accordance with this chapter, and engages in dealing, market making, or underwriting activities, other than with respect to exempted securities; and (III) if the bank is not affiliated with a broker or dealer, does not effect any primary offering described in subclause (I) the aggregate amount of which exceeds 25 percent of the capital of the bank, except that the limitation of this subclause shall not apply with respect to any sale of government securities or municipal securities. (viii) Safekeeping and custody activities. - (I) In general. - The bank, as part of customary banking activities - (aa) provides safekeeping or custody services with respect to securities, including the exercise of warrants and other rights on behalf of customers; (bb) facilitates the transfer of funds or securities, as a custodian or a clearing agency, in connection with the clearance and settlement of its customers' transactions in securities; (cc) effects securities lending or borrowing transactions with or on behalf of customers as part of services provided to customers pursuant to division (aa) or (bb) or invests cash collateral pledged in connection with such transactions; (dd) holds securities pledged by a customer to another person or securities subject to purchase or resale agreements involving a customer, or facilitates the pledging or transfer of such securities by book entry or as otherwise provided under applicable law, if the bank maintains records separately identifying the securities and the customer; or (ee) serves as a custodian or provider of other related administrative services to any individual retirement account, pension, retirement, profit sharing, bonus, thrift savings, incentive, or other similar benefit plan. (II) Exception for carrying broker activities. - The exception to being considered a broker for a bank engaged in activities described in subclause (I) shall not apply if the bank, in connection with such activities, acts in the United States as a carrying broker (as such term, and different formulations thereof, are used in section 78o(c)(3) of this title and the rules and regulations thereunder) for any broker or dealer, unless such carrying broker activities are engaged in with respect to government securities (as defined in paragraph (42) of this subsection). (ix) Identified banking products. - The bank effects transactions in identified banking products as defined in section 206 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. (x) Municipal securities. - The bank effects transactions in municipal securities. (xi) De minimis exception. - The bank effects, other than in transactions referred to in clauses (i) through (x), not more than 500 transactions in securities in any calendar year, and such transactions are not effected by an employee of the bank who is also an employee of a broker or dealer. (C) Execution by broker or dealer. - The exception to being considered a broker for a bank engaged in activities described in clauses (ii), (iv), and (viii) of subparagraph (B) shall not apply if the activities described in such provisions result in the trade in the United States of any security that is a publicly traded security in the United States, unless - (i) the bank directs such trade to a registered broker or dealer for execution; (ii) the trade is a cross trade or other substantially similar trade of a security that - (I) is made by the bank or between the bank and an affiliated fiduciary; and (II) is not in contravention of fiduciary principles established under applicable Federal or State law; or (iii) the trade is conducted in some other manner permitted under rules, regulations, or orders as the Commission may prescribe or issue. (D) Fiduciary capacity. - For purposes of subparagraph (B)(ii), the term "fiduciary capacity" means - (i) in the capacity as trustee, executor, administrator, registrar of stocks and bonds, transfer agent, guardian, assignee, receiver, or custodian under a uniform gift to minor act, or as an investment adviser if the bank receives a fee for its investment advice; (ii) in any capacity in which the bank possesses investment discretion on behalf of another; or (iii) in any other similar capacity. (E) Exception for entities subject to section 78o(e). - The term "broker" does not include a bank that - (i) was, on the day before November 12, 1999, subject to section 78o(e) of this title; and (ii) is subject to such restrictions and requirements as the Commission considers appropriate. (F) Joint rulemaking required. - The Commission and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall jointly adopt a single set of rules or regulations to implement the exceptions in subparagraph (B). (5) Dealer. - (A) In general. - The term "dealer" means any person engaged in the business of buying and selling securities for such person's own account through a broker or otherwise. (B) Exception for person not engaged in the business of dealing. - The term "dealer" does not include a person that buys or sells securities for such person's own account, either individually or in a fiduciary capacity, but not as a part of a regular business. (C) Exception for certain bank activities. - A bank shall not be considered to be a dealer because the bank engages in any of the following activities under the conditions described: (i) Permissible securities transactions. - The bank buys or sells - (I) commercial paper, bankers acceptances, or commercial bills; (II) exempted securities; (III) qualified Canadian government obligations as defined in section 24 of title 12, in conformity with section 78o-5 of this title and the rules and regulations thereunder, or obligations of the North American Development Bank; or (IV) any standardized, credit enhanced debt security issued by a foreign government pursuant to the March 1989 plan of then Secretary of the Treasury Brady, used by such foreign government to retire outstanding commercial bank loans. (ii) Investment, trustee, and fiduciary transactions. - The bank buys or sells securities for investment purposes - (I) for the bank; or (II) for accounts for which the bank acts as a trustee or fiduciary. (iii) Asset-backed transactions. - The bank engages in the issuance or sale to qualified investors, through a grantor trust or other separate entity, of securities backed by or representing an interest in notes, drafts, acceptances, loans, leases, receivables, other obligations (other than securities of which the bank is not the issuer), or pools of any such obligations predominantly originated by - (I) the bank; (II) an affiliate of any such bank other than a broker or dealer; or (III) a syndicate of banks of which the bank is a member, if the obligations or pool of obligations consists of mortgage obligations or consumer-related receivables. (iv) Identified banking products. - The bank buys or sells identified banking products, as defined in section 206 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. (6) The term "bank" means (A) a banking institution organized under the laws of the United States or a Federal savings association, as defined in section 1462(5) of title 12, (B) a member bank of the Federal Reserve System, (C) any other banking institution or savings association, as defined in section 1462(4) of title 12, whether incorporated or not, doing business under the laws of any State or of the United States, a substantial portion of the business of which consists of receiving deposits or exercising fiduciary powers similar to those permitted to national banks under the authority of the Comptroller of the Currency pursuant to section 92a of title 12, and which is supervised and examined by State or Federal authority having supervision over banks or savings associations, and which is not operated for the purpose of evading the provisions of this chapter, and (D) a receiver, conservator, or other liquidating agent of any institution or firm included in clauses (A), (B), or (C) of this paragraph. (7) The term "director" means any director of a corporation or any person performing similar functions with respect to any organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated. (8) The term "issuer" means any person who issues or proposes to issue any security; except that with respect to certificates of deposit for securities, voting-trust certificates, or collateral-trust certificates, or with respect to certificates of interest or shares in an unincorporated investment trust not having a board of directors or of the fixed, restricted management, or unit type, the term "issuer" means the person or persons performing the acts and assuming the duties of depositor or manager pursuant to the provisions of the trust or other agreement or instrument under which such securities are issued; and except that with respect to equipment-trust certificates or like securities, the term "issuer" means the person by whom the equipment or property is, or is to be, used. (9) The term "person" means a natural person, company, government, or political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of a government. (10) The term "security" means any note, stock, treasury stock, security future, bond, debenture, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement or in any oil, gas, or other mineral royalty or lease, any collateral-trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security, certificate of deposit, or group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or in general, any instrument commonly known as a "security"; or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing; but shall not include currency or any note, draft, bill of exchange, or banker's acceptance which has a maturity at the time of issuance of not exceeding nine months, exclusive of days of grace, or any renewal thereof the maturity of which is likewise limited. (11) The term "equity security" means any stock or similar security; or any security future on any such security; or any security convertible, with or without consideration, into such a security, or carrying any warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase such a security; or any such warrant or right; or any other security which the Commission shall deem to be of similar nature and consider necessary or appropriate, by such rules and regulations as it may prescribe in the public interest or for the protection of investors, to treat as an equity security. (12)(A) The term "exempted security" or "exempted securities" includes - (i) government securities, as defined in paragraph (42) of this subsection; (ii) municipal securities, as defined in paragraph (29) of this subsection; (iii) any interest or participation in any common trust fund or similar fund that is excluded from the definition of the term "investment company" under section 3(c)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(3)]; (iv) any interest or participation in a single trust fund, or a collective trust fund maintained by a bank, or any security arising out of a contract issued by an insurance company, which interest, participation, or security is issued in connection with a qualified plan as defined in subparagraph (C) of this paragraph; (v) any security issued by or any interest or participation in any pooled income fund, collective trust fund, collective investment fund, or similar fund that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(10)(B) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a- 3(c)(10)(B)]; (vi) solely for purposes of sections 78l, 78m, 78n, and 78p of this title, any security issued by or any interest or participation in any church plan, company, or account that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(14) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(14)]; and (vii) such other securities (which may include, among others, unregistered securities, the market in which is predominantly intrastate) as the Commission may, by such rules and regulations as it deems consistent with the public interest and the protection of investors, either unconditionally or upon specified terms and conditions or for stated periods, exempt from the operation of any one or more provisions of this chapter which by their terms do not apply to an "exempted security" or to "exempted securities". (B)(i) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A)(i) of this paragraph, government securities shall not be deemed to be "exempted securities" for the purposes of section 78q-1 of this title. (ii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A)(ii) of this paragraph, municipal securities shall not be deemed to be "exempted securities" for the purposes of sections 78o and 78q-1 of this title. (C) For purposes of subparagraph (A)(iv) of this paragraph, the term "qualified plan" means (i) a stock bonus, pension, or profit- sharing plan which meets the requirements for qualification under section 401 of title 26, (ii) an annuity plan which meets the requirements for the deduction of the employer's contribution under section 404(a)(2) of title 26, (iii) a governmental plan as defined in section 414(d) of title 26 which has been established by an employer for the exclusive benefit of its employees or their beneficiaries for the purpose of distributing to such employees or their beneficiaries the corpus and income of the funds accumulated under such plan, if under such plan it is impossible, prior to the satisfaction of all liabilities with respect to such employees and their beneficiaries, for any part of the corpus or income to be used for, or diverted to, purposes other than the exclusive benefit of such employees or their beneficiaries, or (iv) a church plan, company, or account that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(14) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(14)], other than any plan described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of this subparagraph which (I) covers employees some or all of whom are employees within the meaning of section 401(c) of title 26, or (II) is a plan funded by an annuity contract described in section 403(b) of title 26. (13) The terms "buy" and "purchase" each include any contract to buy, purchase, or otherwise acquire. For security futures products, such term includes any contract, agreement, or transaction for future delivery. (14) The terms "sale" and "sell" each include any contract to sell or otherwise dispose of. For security futures products, such term includes any contract, agreement, or transaction for future delivery. (15) The term "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission established by section 78d of this title. (16) The term "State" means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or any other possession of the United States. (17) The term "interstate commerce" means trade, commerce, transportation, or communication among the several States, or between any foreign country and any State, or between any State and any place or ship outside thereof. The term also includes intrastate use of (A) any facility of a national securities exchange or of a telephone or other interstate means of communication, or (B) any other interstate instrumentality. (18) The term "person associated with a broker or dealer" or "associated person of a broker or dealer" means any partner, officer, director, or branch manager of such broker or dealer (or any person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such broker or dealer, or any employee of such broker or dealer, except that any person associated with a broker or dealer whose functions are solely clerical or ministerial shall not be included in the meaning of such term for purposes of section 78o(b) of this title (other than paragraph (6) thereof). (19) The terms "investment company", "affiliated person", "insurance company", "separate account", and "company" have the same meanings as in the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq.]. (20) The terms "investment adviser" and "underwriter" have the same meanings as in the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80b-1 et seq.]. (21) The term "person associated with a member" or "associated person of a member" when used with respect to a member of a national securities exchange or registered securities association means any partner, officer, director, or branch manager of such member (or any person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such member, or any employee of such member. (22)(A) The term "securities information processor" means any person engaged in the business of (i) collecting, processing, or preparing for distribution or publication, or assisting, participating in, or coordinating the distribution or publication of, information with respect to transactions in or quotations for any security (other than an exempted security) or (ii) distributing or publishing (whether by means of a ticker tape, a communications network, a terminal display device, or otherwise) on a current and continuing basis, information with respect to such transactions or quotations. The term "securities information processor" does not include any bona fide newspaper, news magazine, or business or financial publication of general and regular circulation, any self-regulatory organizations, any bank, broker, dealer, building and loan, savings and loan, or homestead association, or cooperative bank, if such bank, broker, dealer, association, or cooperative bank would be deemed to be a securities information processor solely by reason of functions performed by such institutions as part of customary banking, brokerage, dealing, association, or cooperative bank activities, or any common carrier, as defined in section 153 of title 47, subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission or a State commission, as defined in section 153 of title 47, unless the Commission determines that such carrier is engaged in the business of collecting, processing, or preparing for distribution or publication, information with respect to transactions in or quotations for any security. (B) The term "exclusive processor" means any securities information processor or self-regulatory organization which, directly or indirectly, engages on an exclusive basis on behalf of any national securities exchange or registered securities association, or any national securities exchange or registered securities association which engages on an exclusive basis on its own behalf, in collecting, processing, or preparing for distribution or publication any information with respect to (i) transactions or quotations on or effected or made by means of any facility of such exchange or (ii) quotations distributed or published by means of any electronic system operated or controlled by such association. (23)(A) The term "clearing agency" means any person who acts as an intermediary in making payments or deliveries or both in connection with transactions in securities or who provides facilities for comparison of data respecting the terms of settlement of securities transactions, to reduce the number of settlements of securities transactions, or for the allocation of securities settlement responsibilities. Such term also means any person, such as a securities depository, who (i) acts as a custodian of securities in connection with a system for the central handling of securities whereby all securities of a particular class or series of any issuer deposited within the system are treated as fungible and may be transferred, loaned, or pledged by bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of securities certificates, or (ii) otherwise permits or facilitates the settlement of securities transactions or the hypothecation or lending of securities without physical delivery of securities certificates. (B) The term "clearing agency" does not include (i) any Federal Reserve bank, Federal home loan bank, or Federal land bank; (ii) any national securities exchange or registered securities association solely by reason of its providing facilities for comparison of data respecting the terms of settlement of securities transactions effected on such exchange or by means of any electronic system operated or controlled by such association; (iii) any bank, broker, dealer, building and loan, savings and loan, or homestead association, or cooperative bank if such bank, broker, dealer, association, or cooperative bank would be deemed to be a clearing agency solely by reason of functions performed by such institution as part of customary banking, brokerage, dealing, association, or cooperative banking activities, or solely by reason of acting on behalf of a clearing agency or a participant therein in connection with the furnishing by the clearing agency of services to its participants or the use of services of the clearing agency by its participants, unless the Commission, by rule, otherwise provides as necessary or appropriate to assure the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of securities transactions or to prevent evasion of this chapter; (iv) any life insurance company, its registered separate accounts, or a subsidiary of such insurance company solely by reason of functions commonly performed by such entities in connection with variable annuity contracts or variable life policies issued by such insurance company or its separate accounts; (v) any registered open-end investment company or unit investment trust solely by reason of functions commonly performed by it in connection with shares in such registered open-end investment company or unit investment trust, or (vi) any person solely by reason of its performing functions described in paragraph (25)(E) of this subsection. (24) The term "participant" when used with respect to a clearing agency means any person who uses a clearing agency to clear or settle securities transactions or to transfer, pledge, lend, or hypothecate securities. Such term does not include a person whose only use of a clearing agency is (A) through another person who is a participant or (B) as a pledgee of securities. (25) The term "transfer agent" means any person who engages on behalf of an issuer of securities or on behalf of itself as an issuer of securities in (A) countersigning such securities upon issuance; (B) monitoring the issuance of such securities with a view to preventing unauthorized issuance, a function commonly performed by a person called a registrar; (C) registering the transfer of such securities; (D) exchanging or converting such securities; or (E) transferring record ownership of securities by bookkeeping entry without physical issuance of securities certificates. The term "transfer agent" does not include any insurance company or separate account which performs such functions solely with respect to variable annuity contracts or variable life policies which it issues or any registered clearing agency which performs such functions solely with respect to options contracts which it issues. (26) The term "self-regulatory organization" means any national securities exchange, registered securities association, or registered clearing agency, or (solely for purposes of sections 78s(b), 78s(c), and 78w(b) (!1) of this title) the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board established by section 78o-4 of this title. (27) The term "rules of an exchange", "rules of an association", or "rules of a clearing agency" means the constitution, articles of incorporation, bylaws, and rules, or instruments corresponding to the foregoing, of an exchange, association of brokers and dealers, or clearing agency, respectively, and such of the stated policies, practices, and interpretations of such exchange, association, or clearing agency as the Commission, by rule, may determine to be necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors to be deemed to be rules of such exchange, association, or clearing agency. (28) The term "rules of a self-regulatory organization" means the rules of an exchange which is a national securities exchange, the rules of an association of brokers and dealers which is a registered securities association, the rules of a clearing agency which is a registered clearing agency, or the rules of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. (29) The term "municipal securities" means securities which are direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed as to principal or interest by, a State or any political subdivision thereof, or any agency or instrumentality of a State or any political subdivision thereof, or any municipal corporate instrumentality of one or more States, or any security which is an industrial development bond (as defined in section 103(c)(2) (!1) of title 26) the interest on which is excludable from gross income under section 103(a)(1) (!1) of title 26 if, by reason of the application of paragraph (4) or (6) of section 103(c) (!1) of title 26 (determined as if paragraphs (4)(A), (5), and (7) were not included in such section 103(c)),(!1) paragraph (1) of such section 103(c) (!1) does not apply to such security. (30) The term "municipal securities dealer" means any person (including a separately identifiable department or division of a bank) engaged in the business of buying and selling municipal securities for his own account, through a broker or otherwise, but does not include - (A) any person insofar as he buys or sells such securities for his own account, either individually or in some fiduciary capacity, but not as a part of a regular business; or (B) a bank, unless the bank is engaged in the business of buying and selling municipal securities for its own account other than in a fiduciary capacity, through a broker or otherwise: Provided, however, That if the bank is engaged in such business through a separately identifiable department or division (as defined by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board in accordance with section 78o-4(b)(2)(H) of this title), the department or division and not the bank itself shall be deemed to be the municipal securities dealer. (31) The term "municipal securities broker" means a broker engaged in the business of effecting transactions in municipal securities for the account of others. (32) The term "person associated with a municipal securities dealer" when used with respect to a municipal securities dealer which is a bank or a division or department of a bank means any person directly engaged in the management, direction, supervision, or performance of any of the municipal securities dealer's activities with respect to municipal securities, and any person directly or indirectly controlling such activities or controlled by the municipal securities dealer in connection with such activities. (33) The term "municipal securities investment portfolio" means all municipal securities held for investment and not for sale as part of a regular business by a municipal securities dealer or by a person, directly or indirectly, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with a municipal securities dealer. (34) The term "appropriate regulatory agency" means - (A) When used with respect to a municipal securities dealer: (i) the Comptroller of the Currency, in the case of a national bank, or a subsidiary or a department or division of any such bank; (ii) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in the case of a State member bank of the Federal Reserve System, a subsidiary or a department or division thereof, a bank holding company, a subsidiary of a bank holding company which is a bank other than a bank specified in clause (i), (iii), or (iv) of this subparagraph, or a subsidiary or a department or division of such subsidiary; (iii) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, in the case of a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (other than a member of the Federal Reserve System), or a subsidiary or department or division thereof; (iv) the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, in the case of a savings association (as defined in section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(b))), the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, a subsidiary or a department or division of any such savings association, or a savings and loan holding company; and (v) the Commission in the case of all other municipal securities dealers. (B) When used with respect to a clearing agency or transfer agent: (i) the Comptroller of the Currency, in the case of a national bank, or a subsidiary of any such bank; (ii) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in the case of a State member bank of the Federal Reserve System, a subsidiary thereof, a bank holding company, or a subsidiary of a bank holding company which is a bank other than a bank specified in clause (i), (iii), or (iv) of this subparagraph; (iii) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, in the case of a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (other than a member of the Federal Reserve System), or a subsidiary thereof; (iv) the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, in the case of a savings association (as defined in section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(b))), the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or a subsidiary of any such savings association, or a savings and loan holding company; and (v) the Commission in the case of all other clearing agencies and transfer agents. (C) When used with respect to a participant or applicant to become a participant in a clearing agency or a person requesting or having access to services offered by a clearing agency: (i) The Comptroller of the Currency, in the case of a national bank when the appropriate regulatory agency for such clearing agency is not the Commission; (ii) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in the case of a State member bank of the Federal Reserve System, a bank holding company, or a subsidiary of a bank holding company, or a subsidiary of a bank holding company which is a bank other than a bank specified in clause (i), (iii), or (iv) of this subparagraph when the appropriate regulatory agency for such clearing agency is not the Commission; (iii) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, in the case of a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (other than a member of the Federal Reserve System) when the appropriate regulatory agency for such clearing agency is not the Commission; (iv) the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, in the case of a savings association (as defined in section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(b))), the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, a savings and loan holding company, or a subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company when the appropriate regulatory agency for such clearing agency is not the Commission; and (v) the Commission in all other cases. (D) When used with respect to an institutional investment manager which is a bank the deposits of which are insured in accordance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.]: (i) the Comptroller of the Currency, in the case of a national bank; (ii) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in the case of any other member bank of the Federal Reserve System; (iii) the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, in the case of a savings association (as defined in section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(b))) the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; and (iv) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, in the case of any other insured bank. (E) When used with respect to a national securities exchange or registered securities association, member thereof, person associated with a member thereof, applicant to become a member thereof or to become associated with a member thereof, or person requesting or having access to services offered by such exchange or association or member thereof, or the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, the Commission. (F) When used with respect to a person exercising investment discretion with respect to an account; (i) the Comptroller of the Currency, in the case of a national bank; (ii) the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, in the case of a savings association (as defined in section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(b))), the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; and (iii) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in the case of any other member bank of the Federal Reserve System; (iv) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, in the case of any other bank the deposits of which are insured in accordance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.]; and (v) the Commission in the case of all other such persons. (G) When used with respect to a government securities broker or government securities dealer, or person associated with a government securities broker or government securities dealer: (i) the Comptroller of the Currency, in the case of a national bank or a Federal branch or Federal agency of a foreign bank (as such terms are used in the International Banking Act of 1978 [12 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.]); (ii) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in the case of a State member bank of the Federal Reserve System, a foreign bank, an uninsured State branch or State agency of a foreign bank, a commercial lending company owned or controlled by a foreign bank (as such terms are used in the International Banking Act of 1978), or a corporation organized or having an agreement with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System pursuant to section 25 or section 25A of the Federal Reserve Act [12 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 611 et seq.]; (iii) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, in the case of a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (other than a member of the Federal Reserve System or a Federal savings bank) or an insured State branch of a foreign bank (as such terms are used in the International Banking Act of 1978); (iv) the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, in the case of a savings association (as defined in section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1813(b)]) the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (!2) (v) the Commission, in the case of all other government securities brokers and government securities dealers. (H) When used with respect to an institution described in subparagraph (D), (F), or (G) of section 1841(c)(2), or held under section 1843(f) of title 12 - (i) the Comptroller of the Currency, in the case of a national bank; (ii) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in the case of a State member bank of the Federal Reserve System or any corporation chartered under section 25A of the Federal Reserve Act [12 U.S.C. 611 et seq.]; (iii) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, in the case of any other bank the deposits of which are insured in accordance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.]; or (iv) the Commission in the case of all other such institutions. As used in this paragraph, the terms "bank holding company" and "subsidiary of a bank holding company" have the meanings given them in section 1841 of title 12, and the term "District of Columbia savings and loan association" means any association subject to examination and supervision by the Office of Thrift Supervision under section 1466a of title 12. As used in this paragraph, the term "savings and loan holding company" has the same meaning as in section 1467a(a) of title 12. (35) A person exercises "investment discretion" with respect to an account if, directly or indirectly, such person (A) is authorized to determine what securities or other property shall be purchased or sold by or for the account, (B) makes decisions as to what securities or other property shall be purchased or sold by or for the account even though some other person may have responsibility for such investment decisions, or (C) otherwise exercises such influence with respect to the purchase and sale of securities or other property by or for the account as the Commission, by rule, determines, in the public interest or for the protection of investors, should be subject to the operation of the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations thereunder. (36) A class of persons or markets is subject to "equal regulation" if no member of the class has a competitive advantage over any other member thereof resulting from a disparity in their regulation under this chapter which the Commission determines is unfair and not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. (37) The term "records" means accounts, correspondence, memorandums, tapes, discs, papers, books, and other documents or transcribed information of any type, whether expressed in ordinary or machine language. (38) The term "market maker" means any specialist permitted to act as a dealer, any dealer acting in the capacity of block positioner, and any dealer who, with respect to a security, holds himself out (by entering quotations in an inter-dealer communications system or otherwise) as being willing to buy and sell such security for his own account on a regular or continuous basis. (39) A person is subject to a "statutory disqualification" with respect to membership or participation in, or association with a member of, a self-regulatory organization, if such person - (A) has been and is expelled or suspended from membership or participation in, or barred or suspended from being associated with a member of, any self-regulatory organization, foreign equivalent of a self-regulatory organization, foreign or international securities exchange, contract market designated pursuant to section 5 of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 7), or any substantially equivalent foreign statute or regulation, or futures association registered under section 17 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 21), or any substantially equivalent foreign statute or regulation, or has been and is denied trading privileges on any such contract market or foreign equivalent; (B) is subject to - (i) an order of the Commission, other appropriate regulatory agency, or foreign financial regulatory authority - (I) denying, suspending for a period not exceeding 12 months, or revoking his registration as a broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, government securities broker, or government securities dealer or limiting his activities as a foreign person performing a function substantially equivalent to any of the above; or (II) barring or suspending for a period not exceeding 12 months his being associated with a broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, government securities broker, government securities dealer, or foreign person performing a function substantially equivalent to any of the above; (ii) an order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission denying, suspending, or revoking his registration under the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); or (iii) an order by a foreign financial regulatory authority denying, suspending, or revoking the person's authority to engage in transactions in contracts of sale of a commodity for future delivery or other instruments traded on or subject to the rules of a contract market, board of trade, or foreign equivalent thereof; (C) by his conduct while associated with a broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, government securities broker, or government securities dealer, or while associated with an entity or person required to be registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, has been found to be a cause of any effective suspension, expulsion, or order of the character described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of this paragraph, and in entering such a suspension, expulsion, or order, the Commission, an appropriate regulatory agency, or any such self-regulatory organization shall have jurisdiction to find whether or not any person was a cause thereof; (D) by his conduct while associated with any broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, government securities broker, government securities dealer, or any other entity engaged in transactions in securities, or while associated with an entity engaged in transactions in contracts of sale of a commodity for future delivery or other instruments traded on or subject to the rules of a contract market, board of trade, or foreign equivalent thereof, has been found to be a cause of any effective suspension, expulsion, or order by a foreign or international securities exchange or foreign financial regulatory authority empowered by a foreign government to administer or enforce its laws relating to financial transactions as described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of this paragraph; (E) has associated with him any person who is known, or in the exercise of reasonable care should be known, to him to be a person described by subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) of this paragraph; or (F) has committed or omitted any act, or is subject to an order or finding, enumerated in subparagraph (D), (E), (H), or (G) of paragraph (4) of section 78o(b) of this title, has been convicted of any offense specified in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph (4) or any other felony within ten years of the date of the filing of an application for membership or participation in, or to become associated with a member of, such self- regulatory organization, is enjoined from any action, conduct, or practice specified in subparagraph (C) of such paragraph (4), has willfully made or caused to be made in any application for membership or participation in, or to become associated with a member of, a self-regulatory organization, report required to be filed with a self-regulatory organization, or proceeding before a self-regulatory organization, any statement which was at the time, and in the light of the circumstances under which it was made, false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or has omitted to state in any such application, report, or proceeding any material fact which is required to be stated therein. (40) The term "financial responsibility rules" means the rules and regulations of the Commission or the rules and regulations prescribed by any self-regulatory organization relating to financial responsibility and related practices which are designated by the Commission, by rule or regulation, to be financial responsibility rules. (41) The term "mortgage related security" means a security that is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization, and either: (A) represents ownership of one or more promissory notes or certificates of interest or participation in such notes (including any rights designed to assure servicing of, or the receipt or timeliness of receipt by the holders of such notes, certificates, or participations of amounts payable under, such notes, certificates, or participations), which notes: (i) are directly secured by a first lien on a single parcel of real estate, including stock allocated to a dwelling unit in a residential cooperative housing corporation, upon which is located a dwelling or mixed residential and commercial structure, on a residential manufactured home as defined in section 5402(6) of title 42, whether such manufactured home is considered real or personal property under the laws of the State in which it is to be located, or on one or more parcels of real estate upon which is located one or more commercial structures; and (ii) were originated by a savings and loan association, savings bank, commercial bank, credit union, insurance company, or similar institution which is supervised and examined by a Federal or State authority, or by a mortgagee approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to sections 1709 and 1715b of title 12, or, where such notes involve a lien on the manufactured home, by any such institution or by any financial institution approved for insurance by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to section 1703 of title 12; or (B) is secured by one or more promissory notes or certificates of interest or participations in such notes (with or without recourse to the issuer thereof) and, by its terms, provides for payments of principal in relation to payments, or reasonable projections of payments, on notes meeting the requirements of subparagraphs (A)(i) and (ii) or certificates of interest or participations in promissory notes meeting such requirements. For the purpose of this paragraph, the term "promissory note", when used in connection with a manufactured home, shall also include a loan, advance, or credit sale as evidence (!3) by a retail installment sales contract or other instrument. (42) The term "government securities" means - (A) securities which are direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed as to principal or interest by, the United States; (B) securities which are issued or guaranteed by the Tennessee Valley Authority or by corporations in which the United States has a direct or indirect interest and which are designated by the Secretary of the Treasury for exemption as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors; (C) securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by any corporation the securities of which are designated, by statute specifically naming such corporation, to constitute exempt securities within the meaning of the laws administered by the Commission; (D) for purposes of sections 78o-5 and 78q-1 of this title, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on a security described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) other than a put, call, straddle, option, or privilege - (i) that is traded on one or more national securities exchanges; or (ii) for which quotations are disseminated through an automated quotation system operated by a registered securities association; or (E) for purposes of sections 78o, 78o-5, and 78q-1 of this title as applied to a bank, a qualified Canadian government obligation as defined in section 24 of title 12. (43) The term "government securities broker" means any person regularly engaged in the business of effecting transactions in government securities for the account of others, but does not include - (A) any corporation the securities of which are government securities under subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (42) of this subsection; or (B) any person registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, any contract market designated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, such contract market's affiliated clearing organization, or any floor trader on such contract market, solely because such person effects transactions in government securities that the Commission, after consultation with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, has determined by rule or order to be incidental to such person's futures- related business. (44) The term "government securities dealer" means any person engaged in the business of buying and selling government securities for his own account, through a broker or otherwise, but does not include - (A) any person insofar as he buys or sells such securities for his own account, either individually or in some fiduciary capacity, but not as a part of a regular business; (B) any corporation the securities of which are government securities under subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (42) of this subsection; (C) any bank, unless the bank is engaged in the business of buying and selling government securities for its own account other than in a fiduciary capacity, through a broker or otherwise; or (D) any person registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, any contract market designated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, such contract market's affiliated clearing organization, or any floor trader on such contract market, solely because such person effects transactions in government securities that the Commission, after consultation with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, has determined by rule or order to be incidental to such person's futures- related business. (45) The term "person associated with a government securities broker or government securities dealer" means any partner, officer, director, or branch manager of such government securities broker or government securities dealer (or any person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), and any other employee of such government securities broker or government securities dealer who is engaged in the management, direction, supervision, or performance of any activities relating to government securities, and any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such government securities broker or government securities dealer. (46) The term "financial institution" means - (A) a bank (as defined in paragraph (6) of this subsection); (B) a foreign bank (as such term is used in the International Banking Act of 1978); and (C) a savings association (as defined in section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1813(b)]) the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (47) The term "securities laws" means the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 [15 U.S.C. 7201 et seq.], the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935,(!4) the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. 77aaa et seq.), the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq.), the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80b et seq.) [15 U.S.C. 80b-1 et seq.], and the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 (15 U.S.C. 78aaa et seq.). (48) The term "registered broker or dealer" means a broker or dealer registered or required to register pursuant to section 78o or 78o-4 of this title, except that in paragraph (3) of this subsection and sections 78f and 78o-3 of this title the term means such a broker or dealer and a government securities broker or government securities dealer registered or required to register pursuant to section 78o-5(a)(1)(A) of this title. (49) The term "person associated with a transfer agent" and "associated person of a transfer agent" mean any person (except an employee whose functions are solely clerical or ministerial) directly engaged in the management, direction, supervision, or performance of any of the transfer agent's activities with respect to transfer agent functions, and any person directly or indirectly controlling such activities or controlled by the transfer agent in connection with such activities. (50) The term "foreign securities authority" means any foreign government, or any governmental body or regulatory organization empowered by a foreign government to administer or enforce its laws as they relate to securities matters. (51)(A) The term "penny stock" means any equity security other than a security that is - (i) registered or approved for registration and traded on a national securities exchange that meets such criteria as the Commission shall prescribe by rule or regulation for purposes of this paragraph; (ii) authorized for quotation on an automated quotation system sponsored by a registered securities association, if such system (I) was established and in operation before January 1, 1990, and (II) meets such criteria as the Commission shall prescribe by rule or regulation for purposes of this paragraph; (iii) issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq.]; (iv) excluded, on the basis of exceeding a minimum price, net tangible assets of the issuer, or other relevant criteria, from the definition of such term by rule or regulation which the Commission shall prescribe for purposes of this paragraph; or (v) exempted, in whole or in part, conditionally or unconditionally, from the definition of such term by rule, regulation, or order prescribed by the Commission. (B) The Commission may, by rule, regulation, or order, designate any equity security or class of equity securities described in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A) as within the meaning of the term "penny stock" if such security or class of securities is traded other than on a national securities exchange or through an automated quotation system described in clause (ii) of subparagraph (A). (C) In exercising its authority under this paragraph to prescribe rules, regulations, and orders, the Commission shall determine that such rule, regulation, or order is consistent with the public interest and the protection of investors. (52) The term "foreign financial regulatory authority" means any (A) foreign securities authority, (B) other governmental body or foreign equivalent of a self-regulatory organization empowered by a foreign government to administer or enforce its laws relating to the regulation of fiduciaries, trusts, commercial lending, insurance, trading in contracts of sale of a commodity for future delivery, or other instruments traded on or subject to the rules of a contract market, board of trade, or foreign equivalent, or other financial activities, or (C) membership organization a function of which is to regulate participation of its members in activities listed above. (53)(A) The term "small business related security" means a security that is rated in 1 of the 4 highest rating categories by at least 1 nationally recognized statistical rating organization, and either - (i) represents an interest in 1 or more promissory notes or leases of personal property evidencing the obligation of a small business concern and originated by an insured depository institution, insured credit union, insurance company, or similar institution which is supervised and examined by a Federal or State authority, or a finance company or leasing company; or (ii) is secured by an interest in 1 or more promissory notes or leases of personal property (with or without recourse to the issuer or lessee) and provides for payments of principal in relation to payments, or reasonable projections of payments, on notes or leases described in clause (i). (B) For purposes of this paragraph - (i) an "interest in a promissory note or a lease of personal property" includes ownership rights, certificates of interest or participation in such notes or leases, and rights designed to assure servicing of such notes or leases, or the receipt or timely receipt of amounts payable under such notes or leases; (ii) the term "small business concern" means a business that meets the criteria for a small business concern established by the Small Business Administration under section 632(a) of this title; (iii) the term "insured depository institution" has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1813]; and (iv) the term "insured credit union" has the same meaning as in section 1752 of title 12. (54) Qualified investor. - (A) Definition. - Except as provided in subparagraph (B), for purposes of this chapter, the term "qualified investor" means - (i) any investment company registered with the Commission under section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-8]; (ii) any issuer eligible for an exclusion from the definition of investment company pursuant to section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a- 3(c)(7)]; (iii) any bank (as defined in paragraph (6) of this subsection), savings association (as defined in section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1813(b)]), broker, dealer, insurance company (as defined in section 2(a)(13) of the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77b(a)(13)]), or business development company (as defined in section 2(a)(48) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a)(48)]); (iv) any small business investment company licensed by the United States Small Business Administration under section 301(c) [15 U.S.C. 681(c)] or (d) (!5) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958; (v) any State sponsored employee benefit plan, or any other employee benefit plan, within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.], other than an individual retirement account, if the investment decisions are made by a plan fiduciary, as defined in section 3(21) of that Act [29 U.S.C. 1002(21)], which is either a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company, or registered investment adviser; (vi) any trust whose purchases of securities are directed by a person described in clauses (i) through (v) of this subparagraph; (vii) any market intermediary exempt under section 3(c)(2) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a- 3(c)(2)]; (viii) any associated person of a broker or dealer other than a natural person; (ix) any foreign bank (as defined in section 1(b)(7) of the International Banking Act of 1978 [12 U.S.C. 3101(7)]); (x) the government of any foreign country; (xi) any corporation, company, or partnership that owns and invests on a discretionary basis, not less than $25,000,000 in investments; (xii) any natural person who owns and invests on a discretionary basis, not less than $25,000,000 in investments; (xiii) any government or political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of a government who owns and invests on a discretionary basis not less than $50,000,000 in investments; or (xiv) any multinational or supranational entity or any agency or instrumentality thereof. (B) Altered thresholds for asset-backed securities and loan participations. - For purposes of subsection (a)(5)(C)(iii) of this section and section 206(a)(5) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the term "qualified investor" has the meaning given such term by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph except that clauses (xi) and (xii) shall be applied by substituting "$10,000,000" for "$25,000,000". (C) Additional authority. - The Commission may, by rule or order, define a "qualified investor" as any other person, taking into consideration such factors as the financial sophistication of the person, net worth, and knowledge and experience in financial matters. (55)(A) The term "security future" means a contract of sale for future delivery of a single security or of a narrow-based security index, including any interest therein or based on the value thereof, except an exempted security under paragraph (12) of this subsection as in effect on January 11, 1983 (other than any municipal security as defined in paragraph (29) of this subsection as in effect on January 11, 1983). The term "security future" does not include any agreement, contract, or transaction excluded from the Commodity Exchange Act [7 U.S.C. 1 et seq.] under section 2(c), 2(d), 2(f), or 2(g) of the Commodity Exchange Act [7 U.S.C. 2(c), (d), (f), (g)] (as in effect on December 21, 2000) or sections 27 to 27f of title 7. (B) The term "narrow-based security index" means an index - (i) that has 9 or fewer component securities; (ii) in which a component security comprises more than 30 percent of the index's weighting; (iii) in which the five highest weighted component securities in the aggregate comprise more than 60 percent of the index's weighting; or (iv) in which the lowest weighted component securities comprising, in the aggregate, 25 percent of the index's weighting have an aggregate dollar value of average daily trading volume of less than $50,000,000 (or in the case of an index with 15 or more component securities, $30,000,000), except that if there are two or more securities with equal weighting that could be included in the calculation of the lowest weighted component securities comprising, in the aggregate, 25 percent of the index's weighting, such securities shall be ranked from lowest to highest dollar value of average daily trading volume and shall be included in the calculation based on their ranking starting with the lowest ranked security. (C) Notwithstanding subparagraph (B), an index is not a narrow- based security index if - (i)(I) it has at least nine component securities; (II) no component security comprises more than 30 percent of the index's weighting; and (III) each component security is - (aa) registered pursuant to section 78l of this title; (bb) one of 750 securities with the largest market capitalization; and (cc) one of 675 securities with the largest dollar value of average daily trading volume; (ii) a board of trade was designated as a contract market by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission with respect to a contract of sale for future delivery on the index, before December 21, 2000; (iii)(I) a contract of sale for future delivery on the index traded on a designated contract market or registered derivatives transaction execution facility for at least 30 days as a contract of sale for future delivery on an index that was not a narrow-based security index; and (II) it has been a narrow-based security index for no more than 45 business days over 3 consecutive calendar months; (iv) a contract of sale for future delivery on the index is traded on or subject to the rules of a foreign board of trade and meets such requirements as are jointly established by rule or regulation by the Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; (v) no more than 18 months have passed since December 21, 2000, and - (I) it is traded on or subject to the rules of a foreign board of trade; (II) the offer and sale in the United States of a contract of sale for future delivery on the index was authorized before December 21, 2000; and (III) the conditions of such authorization continue to be met; or (vi) a contract of sale for future delivery on the index is traded on or subject to the rules of a board of trade and meets such requirements as are jointly established by rule, regulation, or order by the Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. (D) Within 1 year after December 21, 2000, the Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission jointly shall adopt rules or regulations that set forth the requirements under clause (iv) of subparagraph (C). (E) An index that is a narrow-based security index solely because it was a narrow-based security index for more than 45 business days over 3 consecutive calendar months pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (C) shall not be a narrow-based security index for the 3 following calendar months. (F) For purposes of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this paragraph - (i) the dollar value of average daily trading volume and the market capitalization shall be calculated as of the preceding 6 full calendar months; and (ii) the Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission shall, by rule or regulation, jointly specify the method to be used to determine market capitalization and dollar value of average daily trading volume. (56) The term "security futures product" means a security future or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security future. (57)(A) The term "margin", when used with respect to a security futures product, means the amount, type, and form of collateral required to secure any extension or maintenance of credit, or the amount, type, and form of collateral required as a performance bond related to the purchase, sale, or carrying of a security futures product. (B) The terms "margin level" and "level of margin", when used with respect to a security futures product, mean the amount of margin required to secure any extension or maintenance of credit, or the amount of margin required as a performance bond related to the purchase, sale, or carrying of a security futures product. (C) The terms "higher margin level" and "higher level of margin", when used with respect to a security futures product, mean a margin level established by a national securities exchange registered pursuant to section 78f(g) of this title that is higher than the minimum amount established and in effect pursuant to section 78g(c)(2)(B) of this title. (58) Audit committee. - The term "audit committee" means - (A) a committee (or equivalent body) established by and amongst the board of directors of an issuer for the purpose of overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of the issuer and audits of the financial statements of the issuer; and (B) if no such committee exists with respect to an issuer, the entire board of directors of the issuer. (59) Registered public accounting firm. - The term "registered public accounting firm" has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 [15 U.S.C. 7201]. (60) Credit rating. - The term "credit rating" means an assessment of the creditworthiness of an obligor as an entity or with respect to specific securities or money market instruments. (61) Credit rating agency. - The term "credit rating agency" means any person - (A) engaged in the business of issuing credit ratings on the Internet or through another readily accessible means, for free or for a reasonable fee, but does not include a commercial credit reporting company; (B) employing either a quantitative or qualitative model, or both, to determine credit ratings; and (C) receiving fees from either issuers, investors, or other market participants, or a combination thereof. (62) Nationally recognized statistical rating organization. - The term "nationally recognized statistical rating organization" means a credit rating agency that - (A) has been in business as a credit rating agency for at least the 3 consecutive years immediately preceding the date of its application for registration under section 78o-7 of this title; (B) issues credit ratings certified by qualified institutional buyers, in accordance with section 78o- 7(a)(1)(B)(ix) of this title, with respect to - (i) financial institutions, brokers, or dealers; (ii) insurance companies; (iii) corporate issuers; (iv) issuers of asset-backed securities (as that term is defined in section 1101(c) of part 229 of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on September 29, 2006); (v) issuers of government securities, municipal securities, or securities issued by a foreign government; or (vi) a combination of one or more categories of obligors described in any of clauses (i) through (v); and (C) is registered under section 78o-7 of this title. (63) Person associated with a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. - The term "person associated with" a nationally recognized statistical rating organization means any partner, officer, director, or branch manager of a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (or any person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, or any employee of a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. (64) Qualified institutional buyer. - The term "qualified institutional buyer" has the meaning given such term in section 230.144A(a) of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto. (b) Power to define technical, trade, accounting, and other terms The Commission and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as to matters within their respective jurisdictions, shall have power by rules and regulations to define technical, trade, accounting, and other terms used in this chapter, consistently with the provisions and purposes of this chapter. (c) Application to governmental departments or agencies No provision of this chapter shall apply to, or be deemed to include, any executive department or independent establishment of the United States, or any lending agency which is wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by the United States, or any officer, agent, or employee of any such department, establishment, or agency, acting in the course of his official duty as such, unless such provision makes specific reference to such department, establishment, or agency. (d) Issuers of municipal securities No issuer of municipal securities or officer or employee thereof acting in the course of his official duties as such shall be deemed to be a "broker", "dealer", or "municipal securities dealer" solely by reason of buying, selling, or effecting transactions in the issuer's securities. (e) Charitable organizations (1) Exemption Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, but subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a charitable organization, as defined in section 3(c)(10)(D) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(10)(D)], or any trustee, director, officer, employee, or volunteer of such a charitable organization acting within the scope of such person's employment or duties with such organization, shall not be deemed to be a "broker", "dealer", "municipal securities broker", "municipal securities dealer", "government securities broker", or "government securities dealer" for purposes of this chapter solely because such organization or person buys, holds, sells, or trades in securities for its own account in its capacity as trustee or administrator of, or otherwise on behalf of or for the account of - (A) such a charitable organization; (B) a fund that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(10)(B) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(10)(B)]; or (C) a trust or other donative instrument described in section 3(c)(10)(B) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(10)(B)], or the settlors (or potential settlors) or beneficiaries of any such trust or other instrument. (2) Limitation on compensation The exemption provided under paragraph (1) shall not be available to any charitable organization, or any trustee, director, officer, employee, or volunteer of such a charitable organization, unless each person who, on or after 90 days after December 8, 1995, solicits donations on behalf of such charitable organization from any donor to a fund that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(10)(B) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(10)(B)], is either a volunteer or is engaged in the overall fund raising activities of a charitable organization and receives no commission or other special compensation based on the number or the value of donations collected for the fund. (f) Consideration of promotion of efficiency, competition, and capital formation Whenever pursuant to this chapter the Commission is engaged in rulemaking, or in the review of a rule of a self-regulatory organization, and is required to consider or determine whether an action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, the Commission shall also consider, in addition to the protection of investors, whether the action will promote efficiency, competition, and capital formation. (g) Church plans No church plan described in section 414(e) of title 26, no person or entity eligible to establish and maintain such a plan under title 26, no company or account that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(14) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(14)], and no trustee, director, officer or employee of or volunteer for such plan, company, account person, or entity, acting within the scope of that person's employment or activities with respect to such plan, shall be deemed to be a "broker", "dealer", "municipal securities broker", "municipal securities dealer", "government securities broker", "government securities dealer", "clearing agency", or "transfer agent" for purposes of this chapter - (1) solely because such plan, company, person, or entity buys, holds, sells, trades in, or transfers securities or acts as an intermediary in making payments in connection with transactions in securities for its own account in its capacity as trustee or administrator of, or otherwise on behalf of, or for the account of, any church plan, company, or account that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(14) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(14)]; and (2) if no such person or entity receives a commission or other transaction-related sales compensation in connection with any activities conducted in reliance on the exemption provided by this subsection. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 3, 48 Stat. 882; Aug. 23, 1935, ch. 614, Sec. 203(a), 49 Stat. 704; Proc. No. 2695, eff. July 4, 1946, 11 F.R. 7517, 60 Stat. 1352; Pub. L. 86-70, Sec. 12(b), June 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 143; Pub. L. 86-624, Sec. 7(b), July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 412; Pub. L. 88-467, Sec. 2, Aug. 20, 1964, 78 Stat. 565; Pub. L. 91-373, title IV, Sec. 401(b), Aug. 10, 1970, 84 Stat. 718; Pub. L. 91-547, Sec. 28(a), (b), Dec. 14, 1970, 84 Stat. 1435; Pub. L. 91-567, Sec. 6(b), Dec. 22, 1970, 84 Stat. 1499; Pub. L. 94- 29, Sec. 3, June 4, 1975, 89 Stat. 97; Pub. L. 95-283, Sec. 16, May 21, 1978, 92 Stat. 274; Pub. L. 96-477, title VII, Sec. 702, Oct. 21, 1980, 94 Stat. 2295; Pub. L. 97-303, Sec. 2, Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1409; Pub. L. 98-376, Sec. 6(a), Aug. 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 1265; Pub. L. 98-440, title I, Sec. 101, Oct. 3, 1984, 98 Stat. 1689; Pub. L. 99-514, Sec. 2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 99-571, title I, Sec. 102(a)-(d), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3214-3216; Pub. L. 100-181, title III, Secs. 301-306, Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1253, 1254; Pub. L. 100-704, Sec. 6(a), Nov. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 4681; Pub. L. 101-73, title VII, Sec. 744(u)(1), Aug. 9, 1989, 103 Stat. 441; Pub. L. 101-429, title V, Sec. 503, Oct. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 952; Pub. L. 101-550, title II, Secs. 203(b), 204, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2717, 2718; Pub. L. 103-202, title I, Secs. 106(b)(2)(A), 109(a), Dec. 17, 1993, 107 Stat. 2350, 2352; Pub. L. 103-325, title II, Sec. 202, title III, Sec. 347(a), Sept. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 2198, 2241; Pub. L. 104-62, Sec. 4(a), (b), Dec. 8, 1995, 109 Stat. 684; Pub. L. 104-290, title I, Sec. 106(b), title V, Sec. 508(c), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3424, 3447; Pub. L. 105-353, title III, Sec. 301(b)(1)-(4), Nov. 3, 1998, 112 Stat. 3235, 3236; Pub. L. 106-102, title II, Secs. 201, 202, 207, 208, 221(b), 231(b)(1), Nov. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1385, 1390, 1394, 1395, 1401, 1406; Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 201], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-413; Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 2(b), title II, Sec. 205(a), title VI, Sec. 604(c)(1)(A), July 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 749, 773, 796; Pub. L. 108-359, Sec. 1(c)(1), Oct. 25, 2004, 118 Stat. 1666; Pub. L. 108-386, Sec. 8(f)(1)-(3), Oct. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2232; Pub. L. 108-447, div. H, title V, Sec. 520(1), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3267; Pub. L. 109-291, Sec. 3(a), Sept. 29, 2006, 120 Stat. 1328; Pub. L. 109-351, title I, Sec. 101(a)(1), title IV, Sec. 401(a)(1), (2), Oct. 13, 2006, 120 Stat. 1968, 1971, 1972.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b), (c), (e)(1), (f), and (g), was in the original "this title". See References in Text note set out under section 78a of this title. The Investment Company Act of 1940, referred to in subsec. (a)(4)(B)(v), (19), (47), (51)(A)(iii), is title I of act Aug. 20, 1940, ch. 686, 54 Stat. 789, as amended, which is classified generally to subchapter I (Sec. 80a-1 et seq.) of chapter 2D of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 80a-51 of this title and Tables. This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(4)(B)(vii)(II), was in the original "this Act". See References in Text note set out under section 78a of this title. Section 206 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(4)(B)(ix), (5)(C)(iv), (54)(B), is section 206 of Pub. L. 106- 102, which is set out as a note below. The Investment Advisers Act of 1940, referred to in subsec. (a)(20), (47), is title II of act Aug. 20, 1940, ch. 686, 54 Stat. 847, as amended, which is classified generally to subchapter II (Sec. 80b-1 et seq.) of chapter 2D of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 80b-20 of this title and Tables. Section 78w(b) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(26), was omitted from the Code. Section 103 of title 26, referred to in subsec. (a)(29), which related to interest on certain governmental obligations, was amended generally by Pub. L. 99-514, title XIII, Sec. 1301(a), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2602, and, as so amended, relates to interest on State and local bonds. Section 103(b)(2) (formerly section 103(c)(2)), which prior to the general amendment defined industrial development bond, relates to the applicability of the interest exclusion to arbitrage bonds. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(34)(D), (F)(iii), (H)(iii), is act Sept. 21, 1950, ch. 967, Sec. 2, 64 Stat. 873, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 16 (Sec. 1811 et seq.) of Title 12, Banks and Banking. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1811 of Title 12 and Tables. The International Banking Act of 1978, referred to in subsec. (a)(34)(G)(i) to (iii), (46)(B), is Pub. L. 95-369, Sept. 17, 1978, 92 Stat. 607, which enacted sections 347d, 611a, and 3101 to 3111 of Title 12, amended sections 72, 378, 614, 615, 618, 619, 1813, 1815, 1817, 1818, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1828, 1829b, 1831b, and 1841 of Title 12, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 36, 247, 601, 611a, and 3101 of Title 12. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of Title 12 and Tables. Section 25 of the Federal Reserve Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(34)(G)(ii), is classified to subchapter I (Sec. 601 et seq.) of chapter 6 of Title 12, Banks and Banking. Section 25A of the Federal Reserve Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(34)(G)(ii), (H)(ii), is classified to subchapter II (Sec. 611 et seq.) of chapter 6 of Title 12. The Commodity Exchange Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(39)(B)(ii), (C), (55)(A), is act Sept. 21, 1922, ch. 369, 42 Stat. 998, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 1 (Sec. 1 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1 of Title 7 and Tables. The Securities Act of 1933, referred to in subsec. (a)(47), is act May 27, 1933, ch. 38, title I, 48 Stat. 74, as amended, which is classified generally to subchapter I (Sec. 77a et seq.) of chapter 2A of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 77a of this title and Tables. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (a)(47), is act June 6, 1934, ch. 404, 48 Stat. 881, as amended, which is classified generally to this chapter (Sec. 78a et seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 78a of this title and Tables. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, referred to in subsec. (a)(47), is Pub. L. 107-204, July 30, 2002, 1974, 116 Stat. 745, which is classified principally to chapter 98 (Sec. 7201 et seq.) of this title. Section 2 of the Act enacted section 7201 of this title and amended this section. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables. The Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, referred to in subsec. (a)(47), is title I of act Aug. 26, 1935, ch. 687, 49 Stat. 803, as amended, which was classified generally to chapter 2C (Sec. 79 et seq.) of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 109-58, title XII, Sec. 1263, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 974. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables. The Trust Indenture Act of 1939, referred to in subsec. (a)(47), is title III of act May 27, 1933, ch. 38, as added Aug. 3, 1939, ch. 411, 53 Stat. 1149, as amended, which is classified generally to subchapter III (Sec. 77aaa et seq.) of chapter 2A of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 77aaa of this title and Tables. The Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (a)(47), is Pub. L. 91-598, Dec. 30, 1970, 84 Stat. 1636, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 2B-1 (Sec. 78aaa et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 78aaa of this title and Tables. Section 301(d) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, referred to in subsec. (a)(54)(A)(iv), was classified to section 681(d) of this title and was repealed by Pub. L. 104-208, div. D, title II, Sec. 208(b)(3)(A), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009-742. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (a)(54)(A)(v), is Pub. L. 93-406, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 832, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 18 (Sec. 1001 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of Title 29 and Tables. -COD- CODIFICATION Words "Philippine Islands" deleted from definition of term "State" in subsec. (a)(16) under authority of Proc. No. 2695, which granted independence to the Philippine Islands. Proc. No. 2695 was issued pursuant to section 1394 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, and is set out as a note under that section. -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2006 - Subsec. (a)(4)(F). Pub. L. 109-351, Sec. 101(a)(1), added subpar. (F). Subsec. (a)(6)(A). Pub. L. 109-351, Sec. 401(a)(1)(A), inserted "or a Federal savings association, as defined in section 1462(5) of title 12" after "a banking institution organized under the laws of the United States". Subsec. (a)(6)(C). Pub. L. 109-351, Sec. 401(a)(1)(B), inserted "or savings association, as defined in section 1462(4) of title 12" after "other banking institution" and "or savings associations" after "having supervision over banks". Subsec. (a)(34). Pub. L. 109-351, Sec. 401(a)(2)(G), inserted at end of concluding provisions "As used in this paragraph, the term 'savings and loan holding company' has the same meaning as in section 1467a(a) of title 12." Subsec. (a)(34)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 109-351, Sec. 401(a)(2)(A)(i), substituted "clause (i), (iii), or (iv)" for "clause (i) or (iii)". Subsec. (a)(34)(A)(iv), (v). Pub. L. 109-351, Sec. 401(a)(2)(A)(ii)-(iv), added cl. (iv) and redesignated former cl. (iv) as (v). Subsec. (a)(34)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 109-351, Sec. 401(a)(2)(B)(i), substituted "clause (i), (iii), or (iv)" for "clause (i) or (iii)". Subsec. (a)(34)(B)(iv), (v). Pub. L. 109-351, Sec. 401(a)(2)(B)(ii)-(iv), added cl. (iv) and redesignated former cl. (iv) as (v). Subsec. (a)(34)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 109-351, Sec. 401(a)(2)(C)(i), substituted "clause (i), (iii), or (iv)" for "clause (i) or (iii)". Subsec. (a)(34)(C)(iv), (v). Pub. L. 109-351, Sec. 401(a)(2)(C)(ii)-(iv), added cl. (iv) and redesignated former cl. (iv) as (v). Subsec. (a)(34)(D)(iii), (iv). Pub. L. 109-351, Sec. 401(a)(2)(D), added cl. (iii) and redesignated former cl. (iii) as (iv). Subsec. (a)(34)(F)(ii) to (v). Pub. L. 109-351, Sec. 401(a)(2)(E), added cl. (ii) and redesignated former cls. (ii) to (iv) as (iii) to (v), respectively. Subsec. (a)(34)(H). Pub. L. 109-351, Sec. 401(a)(2)(F), moved subpar. (H) and inserted it immediately after subpar. (G). Subsec. (a)(60) to (64). Pub. L. 109-291 added pars. (60) to (64). 2004 - Subsec. (a)(12)(C)(iv). Pub. L. 108-359 added cl. (iv). Subsec. (a)(34)(A)(i), (B)(i), (C)(i), (D)(i), (F)(i). Pub. L. 108-386, Sec. 8(f)(1), struck out "or a bank operating under the Code of Law for the District of Columbia" after "national bank". Subsec. (a)(34)(G)(i). Pub. L. 108-386, Sec. 8(f)(2), struck out ", a bank in the District of Columbia examined by the Comptroller of the Currency," after "national bank". Subsec. (a)(34)(H)(i). Pub. L. 108-386, Sec. 8(f)(3), struck out "or a bank in the District of Columbia examined by the Comptroller of the Currency" after "national bank". Subsec. (a)(42)(B). Pub. L. 108-447 inserted "by the Tennessee Valley Authority or" after "issued or guaranteed". 2002 - Subsec. (a)(39)(F). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 604(c)(1)(A), inserted ", or is subject to an order or finding," before "enumerated" and substituted "(H), or (G)" for "or (G)". Subsec. (a)(47). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 2(b), inserted "the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002," before "the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935". Subsec. (a)(58), (59). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 205(a), added pars. (58) and (59). 2000 - Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 201(1)], inserted "security future," after "treasury stock,". Subsec. (a)(11). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 201(2)], added par. (11) and struck out former par. (11) which read as follows: "The term 'equity security' means any stock or similar security; or any security convertible, with or without consideration, into such a security, or carrying any warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase such a security; or any such warrant or right; or any other security which the Commission shall deem to be of similar nature and consider necessary or appropriate, by such rules and regulations as it may prescribe in the public interest or for the protection of investors, to treat as an equity security." Subsec. (a)(13), (14). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 201(3), (4)], inserted at end "For security futures products, such term includes any contract, agreement, or transaction for future delivery." Subsec. (a)(55) to (57). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 201(5)], added pars. (55) to (57). 1999 - Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 106-102, Sec. 201, inserted heading and amended text of par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The term 'broker' means any person engaged in the business of effecting transactions in securities for the account of others, but does not include a bank." Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 106-102, Sec. 202, inserted heading and amended text of par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The term 'dealer' means any person engaged in the business of buying and selling securities for his own account, through a broker or otherwise, but does not include a bank, or any person insofar as he buys or sells securities for his own account, either individually or in some fiduciary capacity, but not as a part of a regular business." Subsec. (a)(12)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 106-102, Sec. 221(b), amended cl. (iii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (iii) read as follows: "any interest or participation in any common trust fund or similar fund maintained by a bank exclusively for the collective investment and reinvestment of assets contributed thereto by such bank in its capacity as trustee, executor, administrator, or guardian;". Subsec. (a)(34)(H). Pub. L. 106-102, Sec. 231(b)(1), added subpar. (H) at end of par. (34). Subsec. (a)(42)(E). Pub. L. 106-102, Sec. 208, added subpar. (E). Subsec. (a)(54). Pub. L. 106-102, Sec. 207, added par. (54). 1998 - Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 105-353, Sec. 301(b)(1), substituted "deposit for" for "deposit, for". Subsec. (a)(12)(A)(vi). Pub. L. 105-353, Sec. 301(b)(2), realigned margins. Subsec. (a)(22)(A). Pub. L. 105-353, Sec. 301(b)(3), substituted "section 153" for "section 153(h)" and for "section 153(t)". Subsec. (a)(39)(B)(i). Pub. L. 105-353, Sec. 301(b)(4), substituted "of the Commission" for "to the Commission" in introductory provisions. 1996 - Subsec. (a)(12)(A)(vi), (vii). Pub. L. 104-290, Sec. 508(c)(1), added cl. (vi) and redesignated former cl. (vi) as (vii). Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 104-290, Secs. 106(b), 508(c)(2), added subsecs. (f) and (g), respectively. 1995 - Subsec. (a)(12)(A)(iv) to (vi). Pub. L. 104-62, Sec. 4(a), struck out "and" at end of cl. (iv), added cl. (v), and redesignated former cl. (v) as (vi). Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104-62, Sec. 4(b), added subsec. (e). 1994 - Subsec. (a)(41)(A)(i). Pub. L. 103-325, Sec. 347(a), substituted "on a residential" for "or on a residential" and inserted before semicolon ", or on one or more parcels of real estate upon which is located one or more commercial structures". Subsec. (a)(53). Pub. L. 103-325, Sec. 202, added par. (53). 1993 - Subsec. (a)(12)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 103-202, Sec. 106(b)(2)(A), substituted "sections 78o and 78q-1" for "sections 78o, 78o-3 (other than subsection (g)(3)), and 78q-1". Subsec. (a)(34)(G)(ii) to (iv). Pub. L. 103-202, Sec. 109(a)(1), amended cls. (ii) to (iv) generally. Prior to amendment, cls. (ii) to (iv) read as follows: "(ii) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in the case of a State member bank of the Federal Reserve System, a foreign bank, a State branch or a State agency of a foreign bank, or a commercial lending company owned or controlled by a foreign bank (as such terms are used in the International Banking Act of 1978); "(iii) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, in the case of a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (other than a member of the Federal Reserve System or a Federal savings bank); "(iv) the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, in the case of a savings association the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;". Subsec. (a)(46). Pub. L. 103-202, Sec. 109(a)(2), amended par. (46) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (46) read as follows: "The term 'financial institution' means (A) a bank (as such term is defined in paragraph (6) of this subsection), (B) a foreign bank, and (C) an insured institution (as such term is defined in section 1724 of title 12)." Subsec. (a)(52). Pub. L. 103-202, Sec. 109(a)(3), redesignated par. (51) defining "foreign financial regulatory authority" as (52). 1990 - Subsec. (a)(39)(A). Pub. L. 101-550, Sec. 203(b)(1), inserted "foreign equivalent of a self-regulatory organization, foreign or international securities exchange," after "self- regulatory organization,", "or any substantially equivalent foreign statute or regulation," after "(7 U.S.C. 7)," and "(7 U.S.C. 21),", and "or foreign equivalent" after "contract market". Subsec. (a)(39)(B). Pub. L. 101-550, Sec. 203(b)(2), added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: "is subject to an order of the Commission or other appropriate regulatory agency denying, suspending for a period not exceeding twelve months, or revoking his registration as a broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, government securities broker, or government securities dealer, or barring or suspending for a period not exceeding 12 months his being associated with a broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, government securities broker, or government securities dealer, or is subject to an order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission denying, suspending, or revoking his registration under the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1 et seq.);". Subsec. (a)(39)(D). Pub. L. 101-550, Sec. 203(b)(4), added subpar. (D). Former subpar. (D) redesignated (E). Subsec. (a)(39)(E). Pub. L. 101-550, Sec. 203(b)(3), (5), redesignated subpar. (D) as (E) and substituted "(A), (B), (C), or (D)" for "(A), (B), or (C)". Former subpar. (E) redesignated (F). Subsec. (a)(39)(F). Pub. L. 101-550, Sec. 203(b)(3), (6), redesignated subpar. (E) as (F), substituted "(D), (E), or (G)" for "(D) or (E)", and inserted "or any other felony" before "within ten years". Subsec. (a)(51). Pub. L. 101-550, Sec. 204, added par. (51) defining "foreign financial regulatory authority". Pub. L. 101-429 added par. (51) defining "penny stock". 1989 - Subsec. (a)(34). Pub. L. 101-73, Sec. 744(u)(1)(B), substituted "Office of Thrift Supervision" for "Federal Home Loan Bank Board" in concluding provisions. Subsec. (a)(34)(G)(iv) to (vi). Pub. L. 101-73, Sec. 744(u)(1)(A), added cl. (iv), redesignated cl. (vi) as (v), and struck out former cls. (iv) and (v) which read as follows: "(iv) the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, in the case of a Federal savings and loan association, Federal savings bank, or District of Columbia savings and loan association; "(v) the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, in the case of an institution insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (other than a Federal savings and loan association, Federal savings bank, or District of Columbia savings and loan association);". 1988 - Subsec. (a)(50). Pub. L. 100-704 added par. (50). 1987 - Subsec. (a)(6)(C). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 301, substituted "under the authority of the Comptroller of the Currency pursuant to section 92a of title 12" for "under section 11(k) of the Federal Reserve Act, as amended". Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 302, struck out reference to Canal Zone. Subsec. (a)(22)(B). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 303, substituted "association, or any" and "own behalf, in" for "association or any" and "own behalf in", respectively. Subsec. (a)(34)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 304, substituted "State" for "state". Subsec. (a)(39)(B). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 305, substituted "months, or revoking" for "months, revoking" and "barring or suspending for a period not exceeding 12 months his" for "barring his". Subsec. (a)(47). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 306(1), added par. (47). Subsec. (a)(49). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 306(2), added par. (49). 1986 - Subsec. (a)(12). Pub. L. 99-571, Sec. 102(a), in amending par. (12) generally, expanded definition of "exempted security" or "exempted securities" to include government securities as defined in par. (42) of this subsection, provided that such securities not be deemed exempt for purposes of section 78q-1 of this title, substituted section 78o-3(g)(3) of this title for section 78o- 3(b)(6), (11), and (g)(2) of this title in provision relating to municipal securities as not being "exempted securities" and defined "qualified plan" to mean qualified stock bonus, pension, or profit- sharing plan, qualified annuity plan, or governmental plan. Pub. L. 99-514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text. Subsec. (a)(29). Pub. L. 99-514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text. Subsec. (a)(34). Pub. L. 99-571, Sec. 102(b)(2), inserted ", and the term 'District of Columbia savings and loan association' means any association subject to examination and supervision by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board under section 1466a of title 12" in concluding provisions. Subsec. (a)(34)(G). Pub. L. 99-571, Sec. 102(b)(1), added subpar. (G). Subsec. (a)(39)(B). Pub. L. 99-571, Sec. 102(c)(1)(A), which directed insertion of "or other appropriate regulatory agency" after "Commission" was executed by making the insertion after "Commission" the first place appearing as the probable intent of Congress. Pub. L. 99-571, Sec. 102(c)(1)(B), substituted "municipal securities dealer, government securities broker, or government securities dealer" for "or municipal securities dealer" in two places. Subsec. (a)(39)(C). Pub. L. 99-571, Sec. 102(c)(2), substituted "municipal securities dealer, government securities broker, or government securities dealer" for "or municipal securities dealer" and inserted ", an appropriate regulatory agency," after "the Commission". Subsec. (a)(42) to (46), (48). Pub. L. 99-571, Sec. 102(d), added pars. (42) to (46) and (48). 1984 - Subsec. (a)(39)(A). Pub. L. 98-376, Sec. 6(a)(1), inserted ", contract market designated pursuant to section 5 of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 7), or futures association registered under section 17 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 21), or has been and is denied trading privileges on any such contract market". Subsec. (a)(39)(B). Pub. L. 98-376, Sec. 6(a)(2), inserted ", or is subject to an order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission denying, suspending, or revoking his registration under the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1 et seq.)". Subsec. (a)(39)(C). Pub. L. 98-376, Sec. 6(a)(3), inserted "or while associated with an entity or person required to be registered under the Commodity Exchange Act,". Subsec. (a)(41). Pub. L. 98-440 added par. (41). 1982 - Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 97-303 inserted "any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security, certificate of deposit, or group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency," after "for a security,". 1980 - Subsec. (a)(12). Pub. L. 96-477 included within definition of "exempted security" interests or participation in single trust funds, provided that qualifying interests, participation, or securities could be issued in connection with certain governmental plans as defined in section 414(d) of title 26, substituted provisions relating to securities arising out of contracts issued by insurance companies for provisions relating to separate accounts maintained by insurance companies, and excluded from definition of "exempted security" any plans described in cls. (A), (B), or (C) of par. (12) which were funded by annuity contracts described in section 403(b) of title 26. 1978 - Subsec. (a)(40). Pub. L. 95-283 added par. (40). 1975 - Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 3(1), redefined term "member" to recognize the elimination of fixed commission rates in the case of exchanges, inserted definition of term when used in the case of registered securities associations, expanded definition of term when used with respect to an exchange to include any natural person permitted to effect transactions on the floor of an exchange without the services of another person acting as broker, any registered broker or dealer with which such natural person is associated, any registered broker or dealer permitted to designate a natural person as its representative on the floor of an exchange, and any other registered broker or dealer which agrees to be regulated by an exchange and with respect to whom the exchange has undertaken to enforce compliance with its rules, this chapter, and the rules and regulations thereunder, introduced the concept of including among members any person required to comply with the rules of an exchange to the extent specified by the Commission in accordance with section 78f(f) of this title, and expanded definition of term when used with respect to a registered securities association to include any broker or dealer who has agreed to be regulated and with respect to whom the association undertakes to enforce compliance with its own rules, this chapter, and the rules and regulations thereunder. Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 3(2), substituted "a natural person, company, government, or political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of a government" for "an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a joint-stock company, a business trust, or an unincorporated organization". Subsec. (a)(12). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 3(3), brought brokers and dealers engaged exclusively in municipal securities business within the registration provisions of this chapter by transferring the existing description of municipal securities to subsec. (a)(29) and by inserting in its place provisions revoking the exempt status of municipal securities for purposes of sections 78o, 78o-3 (except subsections (b)(6), (b)(11), and (g)(2) thereof) and 78q-1 of this title. Subsec. (a)(17). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 3(4), expanded definition of "interstate commerce" to establish that the intrastate use of any facility of an exchange, any telephones or other interstate means of communication, or any other interstate instrumentality constitutes a use of the jurisdictional means for purposes of this chapter. Subsec. (a)(18). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 3(4), expanded definition to include persons under common control with the broker or dealer and struck out references to the classification of the persons, including employees, controlled by a broker or a dealer. Subsec. (a)(19). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 3(4), substituted " 'separate account', and 'company' " for "and 'separate account'." Subsec. (a)(21). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 3(5), broadened definition of term "person associated with a member" to encompass a person associated with a broker or dealer which is a member of an exchange by restating directly the definition of a "person associated with a broker or dealer" in subsec. (a)(18). Subsec. (a)(22) to (39). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 3(6), added pars. (22) to (39). Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 3(7), substituted "accounting, and other terms used in this chapter, consistently with the provisions and purposes of this chapter" for "and accounting terms used in this chapter insofar as such definitions are not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter". Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 3(8), added subsec. (d). 1970 - Subsec. (a)(12). Pub. L. 91-567 inserted provisions which brought within definition of "exempted security" any security which is an industrial development bond the interest on which is excludable from gross income under section 103(a)(1) of title 26 if, by reason of the application of section 103(c)(4) or (6) of title 26, section 103(c)(1) does not apply to such security. Such amendment was also made by Pub. L. 91-373. Pub. L. 91-547, Sec. 28(a), struck out reference to industrial development bonds the interest on which is excludable from gross income under section 103(a)(1) of title 26; and included as exempted securities interests or participations in common trust funds maintained by a bank for collective investment of assets held by it in a fiduciary capacity; interests or participations in bank collective trust funds maintained for funding of employees' stock- bonus, pension, or profit-sharing plans; interests or participations in separate accounts maintained by insurance companies for funding certain stock-bonus, pension, or profit- sharing plans which meet the requirements for qualification under section 401 of title 26; and such other securities as the Commission by rules and regulations deems necessary in the public interest. Pub. L. 91-373 inserted provisions which brought within definition of "exempted security" any security which is an industrial development bond the interest on which is excludable from gross income under section 103(a)(1) of title 26 if, by reason of the application of section 103(c)(4) or (6) of title 26, section 103(c)(1) does not apply to such security. Such amendment was also made by Pub. L. 91-567. Subsec. (a)(19). Pub. L. 91-547, Sec. 28(b), provided for term "separate account" the same meaning as in the Investment Company Act of 1940. 1964 - Subsec. (a)(18) to (21). Pub. L. 88-467 added pars. (18) to (21). 1960 - Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 86-624 struck out reference to Hawaii. 1959 - Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 86-70 struck out reference to Alaska. -CHANGE- CHANGE OF NAME Act Aug. 23, 1935, substituted "Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System" for "Federal Reserve Board". -MISC2- EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2004 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 108-386 effective Oct. 30, 2004, and, except as otherwise provided, applicable with respect to fiscal year 2005 and each succeeding fiscal year, see sections 8(i) and 9 of Pub. L. 108-386, set out as notes under section 321 of Title 12, Banks and Banking. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT Amendment by sections 201, 202, 207, and 208 of Pub. L. 106-102 effective at the end of the 18-month period beginning on Nov. 12, 1999, see section 209 of Pub. L. 106-102, set out as a note under section 1828 of Title 12, Banks and Banking. Amendment by section 221(b) of Pub. L. 106-102 effective 18 months after Nov. 12, 1999, see section 225 of Pub. L. 106-102, set out as a note under section 77c of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1995 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 104-62 applicable as defense to any claim in administrative and judicial actions pending on or commenced after Dec. 8, 1995, that any person, security, interest, or participation of type described in Pub. L. 104-62 is subject to the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or any State statute or regulation preempted as provided in section 80a-3a of this title, except as specifically provided in such statutes, see section 7 of Pub. L. 104-62, set out as a note under section 77c of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 347(a) of Pub. L. 103-325 effective upon date of promulgation of final regulations under section 347(c) of Pub. L. 103-325, see section 347(d) of Pub. L. 103-325, set out as an Effective Date of 1994 Amendment note under section 24 of Title 12, Banks and Banking. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1990 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 101-429 effective 12 months after Oct. 15, 1990, or upon issuance of final regulations initially implementing such amendment, whichever is earlier, with provision to commence rulemaking proceedings to implement such amendment note later than 180 days after Oct. 15, 1990, and with provisions relating to civil penalties and accounting and disgorgement, see section 1(c)(2), (3)(A), (C) of Pub. L. 101-429, set out in a note under section 77g of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1988 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 100-704, except for amendment by section 6, not applicable to actions occurring before Nov. 19, 1988, see section 9 of Pub. L. 100-704, set out as a note under section 78o of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1986 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 99-571 effective 270 days after Oct. 28, 1986, see section 401 of Pub. L. 99-571, set out as an Effective Date note under section 78o-5 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Section 7 of Pub. L. 98-376 provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 78o, 78t, 78u, and 78ff of this title] shall become effective immediately upon enactment of this Act [Aug. 10, 1984]." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 94-29 effective June 4, 1975, except for amendment of subsec. (a)(12) by Pub. L. 94-29 to be effective 180 days after June 4, 1975, with provisions of subsec. (a)(3), as amended by Pub. L. 94-29, or rules or regulations thereunder, not to apply in a way so as to deprive any person of membership in any national securities exchange (or its successor) of which such person was, on June 4, 1975, a member or a member firm as defined in the constitution of such exchange, or so as to deny membership in any such exchange (or its successor) to any natural person who is or becomes associated with such member or member firm, see section 31(a) of Pub. L. 94-29, set out as a note under section 78b of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1970 AMENDMENTS For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 91-567, see section 6(d) of Pub. L. 91-567, set out as a note under section 77c of this title. Amendment by Pub. L. 91-547 effective Dec. 14, 1970, see section 30 of Pub L. 91-547, set out as a note under section 80a-52 of this title. For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 91-373, see section 401(c) of Pub. L. 91-373, set out as a note under section 77c of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1964 AMENDMENT Section 13 of Pub. L. 88-467 provided that: "The amendments made by this Act shall take effect as follows: "(1) The effective date of section 12(g)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as added by section 3(c) of this Act [section 78l(g)(1) of this title], shall be July 1, 1964. "(2) The effective date of the amendments to sections 12(b) and 15(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [sections 78l(b) and 78o(a) of this title], contained in sections 3(a) and 6(a), respectively, of this Act shall be July 1, 1964. "(3) All other amendments contained in this Act [amending this section and sections 77d, 78l, 78m, 78n, 78o, 78o-3, 78p, 78t, 78w, and 78ff of this title] shall take effect on the date of its enactment [Aug. 20, 1964]." REGULATIONS Pub. L. 109-351, title I, Sec. 101(a)(2)-(c), Oct. 13, 2006, 120 Stat. 1968, provided that: "(2) Timing. - Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 13, 2006], the Securities and Exchange Commission (in this section [enacting this note and amending 15 U.S.C. 78c] referred to as the 'Commission') and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (hereafter in this section referred to as the 'Board') shall jointly issue a proposed single set of rules or regulations to define the term 'broker' in accordance with section 3(a)(4) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(4)], as amended by this subsection. "(3) Rulemaking supersedes previous rulemaking. - A final single set of rules or regulations jointly adopted in accordance with this section shall supersede any other proposed or final rule issued by the Commission on or after the date of enactment of section 201 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act [Nov. 12, 1999] with regard to the exceptions to the definition of a broker under section 3(a)(4)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. No such other rule, whether or not issued in final form, shall have any force or effect on or after that date of enactment. "(b) Consultation. - Prior to jointly adopting the single set of final rules or regulations required by this section, the Commission and the Board shall consult with and seek the concurrence of the Federal banking agencies concerning the content of such rulemaking in implementing section 3(a)(4)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(4)(B)], as amended by this section and section 201 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act [Pub. L. 106-102]. "(c) Definition. - For purposes of this section, the term 'Federal banking agencies' means the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Office of Thrift Supervision, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation." CONSTRUCTION OF 1993 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 103-202 not to be construed to govern initial issuance of any public debt obligation or to grant any authority to (or extend any authority of) the Securities and Exchange Commission, any appropriate regulatory agency, or a self- regulatory organization to prescribe any procedure, term, or condition of such initial issuance, to promulgate any rule or regulation governing such initial issuance, or to otherwise regulate in any manner such initial issuance, see section 111 of Pub. L. 103-202, set out as a note under section 78o-5 of this title. -TRANS- TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS For transfer of functions of Securities and Exchange Commission, with certain exceptions, to Chairman of such Commission, see Reorg. Plan No. 10 of 1950, Secs. 1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3175, 64 Stat. 1265, set out under section 78d of this title. -MISC3- STATE OPT OUT Section 347(e) of Pub. L. 103-325 provided that: "Notwithstanding the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 24 of Title 12, Banks and Banking], a note that is directly secured by a first lien on one or more parcels of real estate upon which is located one or more commercial structures shall not be considered to be a mortgage related security under section 3(a)(41) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(41)] in any State that, prior to the expiration of 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 23, 1994], enacts a statute that specifically refers to this section and either prohibits or provides for a more limited authority to purchase, hold, or invest in such securities by any person, trust, corporation, partnership, association, business trust, or business entity or class thereof than is provided by the amendments made by this subsection. The enactment by any State of any statute of the type described in the preceding sentence shall not affect the validity of any contractual commitment to purchase, hold, or invest that was made prior thereto, and shall not require the sale or other disposition of any securities acquired prior thereto." -CROSS- DEFINITIONS Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title III, Sec. 301(b)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-451, provided that: "As used in the amendment made by subsection (a) [enacting sections 206A to 206C of Pub. L. 106 - 102, set out below], the term 'security' has the same meaning as in section 2(a)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77b(a)(1)] or section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(10)]." Pub. L. 106-102, title II, Sec. 206, Nov. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1393, provided that: "(a) Definition of Identified Banking Product. - For purposes of paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(4), (5)), the term 'identified banking product' means - "(1) a deposit account, savings account, certificate of deposit, or other deposit instrument issued by a bank; "(2) a banker's acceptance; "(3) a letter of credit issued or loan made by a bank; "(4) a debit account at a bank arising from a credit card or similar arrangement; "(5) a participation in a loan which the bank or an affiliate of the bank (other than a broker or dealer) funds, participates in, or owns that is sold - "(A) to qualified investors; or "(B) to other persons that - "(i) have the opportunity to review and assess any material information, including information regarding the borrower's creditworthiness; and "(ii) based on such factors as financial sophistication, net worth, and knowledge and experience in financial matters, have the capability to evaluate the information available, as determined under generally applicable banking standards or guidelines; or "(6) any swap agreement, including credit and equity swaps, except that an equity swap that is sold directly to any person other than a qualified investor (as defined in section 3(a)(54) of the Securities Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(54)]) shall not be treated as an identified banking product. "(b) Definition of Swap Agreement. - For purposes of subsection (a)(6), the term 'swap agreement' means any individually negotiated contract, agreement, warrant, note, or option that is based, in whole or in part, on the value of, any interest in, or any quantitative measure or the occurrence of any event relating to, one or more commodities, securities, currencies, interest or other rates, indices, or other assets, but does not include any other identified banking product, as defined in paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (a). "(c) Classification Limited. - Classification of a particular product as an identified banking product pursuant to this section shall not be construed as finding or implying that such product is or is not a security for any purpose under the securities laws, or is or is not an account, agreement, contract, or transaction for any purpose under the Commodity Exchange Act [7 U.S.C. 1 et seq.]. "(d) Incorporated Definitions. - For purposes of this section, the terms 'bank' and 'qualified investor' have the same meanings as given in section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78c(a)], as amended by this Act." Pub. L. 106-102, title II, Secs. 206A - 206C, as added by Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title III, Sec. 301(a)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-449, provided that: "SEC. 206A. SWAP AGREEMENT. "(a) In General. - Except as provided in subsection (b), as used in this section, the term 'swap agreement' means any agreement, contract, or transaction between eligible contract participants (as defined in section 1a(12) of the Commodity Exchange Act [7 U.S.C. 1a(12)] as in effect on the date of the enactment of this section [Dec. 21, 2000]), other than a person that is an eligible contract participant under section 1a(12)(C) of the Commodity Exchange Act, the material terms of which (other than price and quantity) are subject to individual negotiation, and that - "(1) is a put, call, cap, floor, collar, or similar option of any kind for the purchase or sale of, or based on the value of, one or more interest or other rates, currencies, commodities, indices, quantitative measures, or other financial or economic interests or property of any kind; "(2) provides for any purchase, sale, payment or delivery (other than a dividend on an equity security) that is dependent on the occurrence, non-occurrence, or the extent of the occurrence of an event or contingency associated with a potential financial, economic, or commercial consequence; "(3) provides on an executory basis for the exchange, on a fixed or contingent basis, of one or more payments based on the value or level of one or more interest or other rates, currencies, commodities, securities, instruments of indebtedness, indices, quantitative measures, or other financial or economic interests or property of any kind, or any interest therein or based on the value thereof, and that transfers, as between the parties to the transaction, in whole or in part, the financial risk associated with a future change in any such value or level without also conveying a current or future direct or indirect ownership interest in an asset (including any enterprise or investment pool) or liability that incorporates the financial risk so transferred, including any such agreement, contract, or transaction commonly known as an interest rate swap, including a rate floor, rate cap, rate collar, cross-currency rate swap, basis swap, currency swap, equity index swap, equity swap, debt index swap, debt swap, credit spread, credit default swap, credit swap, weather swap, or commodity swap; "(4) provides for the purchase or sale, on a fixed or contingent basis, of any commodity, currency, instrument, interest, right, service, good, article, or property of any kind; or "(5) is any combination or permutation of, or option on, any agreement, contract, or transaction described in any of paragraphs (1) through (4). "(b) Exclusions. - The term 'swap agreement' does not include - "(1) any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security, certificate of deposit, or group or index of securities, including any interest therein or based on the value thereof; "(2) any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange registered pursuant to section 6(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78f(a)] relating to foreign currency; "(3) any agreement, contract, or transaction providing for the purchase or sale of one or more securities on a fixed basis; "(4) any agreement, contract, or transaction providing for the purchase or sale of one or more securities on a contingent basis, unless such agreement, contract, or transaction predicates such purchase or sale on the occurrence of a bona fide contingency that might reasonably be expected to affect or be affected by the creditworthiness of a party other than a party to the agreement, contract, or transaction; "(5) any note, bond, or evidence of indebtedness that is a security as defined in section 2(a)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77b(a)(1)] or section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(10)]; or "(6) any agreement, contract, or transaction that is - "(A) based on a security; and "(B) entered into directly or through an underwriter (as defined in section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77b(a)]) by the issuer of such security for the purposes of raising capital, unless such agreement, contract, or transaction is entered into to manage a risk associated with capital raising. "(c) Rule of Construction Regarding Master Agreements. - As used in this section, the term 'swap agreement' shall be construed to include a master agreement that provides for an agreement, contract, or transaction that is a swap agreement pursuant to subsections (a) and (b), together with all supplements to any such master agreement, without regard to whether the master agreement contains an agreement, contract, or transaction that is not a swap agreement pursuant to subsections (a) and (b), except that the master agreement shall be considered to be a swap agreement only with respect to each agreement, contract, or transaction under the master agreement that is a swap agreement pursuant to subsections (a) and (b). "SEC. 206B. SECURITY-BASED SWAP AGREEMENT. "As used in this section, the term 'security-based swap agreement' means a swap agreement (as defined in section 206A) of which a material term is based on the price, yield, value, or volatility of any security or any group or index of securities, or any interest therein. "SEC. 206C. NON-SECURITY-BASED SWAP AGREEMENT. "As used in this section, the term 'non-security-based swap agreement' means any swap agreement (as defined in section 206A) that is not a security-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B)." -FOOTNOTE- (!1) See References in Text note below. (!2) So in original. Probably should be followed by "and". (!3) So in original. Probably should be "evidenced". (!4) See References in Text note below. (!5) See References in Text note below. -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78c-1 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78c-1. Swap agreements -STATUTE- (a) Non-security-based swap agreements The definition of "security" in section 78c(a)(10) of this title does not include any non-security-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206C of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act). (b) Security-based swap agreements (1) The definition of "security" in section 78c(a)(10) of this title does not include any security-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act). (2) The Commission is prohibited from registering, or requiring, recommending, or suggesting, the registration under this chapter of any security-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act). If the Commission becomes aware that a registrant has filed a registration application with respect to such a swap agreement, the Commission shall promptly so notify the registrant. Any such registration with respect to such a swap agreement shall be void and of no force or effect. (3) Except as provided in section 78p(a) of this title with respect to reporting requirements, the Commission is prohibited from - (A) promulgating, interpreting, or enforcing rules; or (B) issuing orders of general applicability; under this chapter in a manner that imposes or specifies reporting or recordkeeping requirements, procedures, or standards as prophylactic measures against fraud, manipulation, or insider trading with respect to any security-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act). (4) References in this chapter to the "purchase" or "sale" of a security-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) shall be deemed to mean the execution, termination (prior to its scheduled maturity date), assignment, exchange, or similar transfer or conveyance of, or extinguishing of rights or obligations under, a security-based swap agreement, as the context may require. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 3A, as added Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title III, Sec. 303(a)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-452.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT Sections 206B and 206C of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, referred to in text, are sections 206B and 206C of Pub. L. 106-102, which are set out in a note under section 78c of this title. This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b)(2) to (4), was in the original "this title". See References in Text note set out under section 78a of this title. -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78d 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78d. Securities and Exchange Commission -STATUTE- (a) Establishment; composition; limitations on commissioners; terms of office There is hereby established a Securities and Exchange Commission (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission") to be composed of five commissioners to be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Not more than three of such commissioners shall be members of the same political party, and in making appointments members of different political parties shall be appointed alternately as nearly as may be practicable. No commissioner shall engage in any other business, vocation, or employment than that of serving as commissioner, nor shall any commissioner participate, directly or indirectly, in any stock- market operations or transactions of a character subject to regulation by the Commission pursuant to this chapter. Each commissioner shall hold office for a term of five years and until his successor is appointed and has qualified, except that he shall not so continue to serve beyond the expiration of the next session of Congress subsequent to the expiration of said fixed term of office, and except (1) any commissioner appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of such term, and (2) the terms of office of the commissioners first taking office after June 6, 1934, shall expire as designated by the President at the time of nomination, one at the end of one year, one at the end of two years, one at the end of three years, one at the end of four years, and one at the end of five years, after June 6, 1934. (b) Appointment and compensation of staff and leasing authority (1) Appointment and compensation The Commission shall appoint and compensate officers, attorneys, economists, examiners, and other employees in accordance with section 4802 of title 5. (2) Reporting of information In establishing and adjusting schedules of compensation and benefits for officers, attorneys, economists, examiners, and other employees of the Commission under applicable provisions of law, the Commission shall inform the heads of the agencies referred to under section 1833b of title 12 and Congress of such compensation and benefits and shall seek to maintain comparability with such agencies regarding compensation and benefits. (3) Leasing authority Nothwithstanding (!1) any other provision of law, the Commission is authorized to enter directly into leases for real property for office, meeting, storage, and such other space as is necessary to carry out its functions, and shall be exempt from any General Services Administration space management regulations or directives. (c) Acceptance of travel support for Commission activities from non- Federal sources; regulations Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in accordance with regulations which the Commission shall prescribe to prevent conflicts of interest, the Commission may accept payment and reimbursement, in cash or in kind, from non-Federal agencies, organizations, and individuals for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by Commission members and employees in attending meetings and conferences concerning the functions or activities of the Commission. Any payment or reimbursement accepted shall be credited to the appropriated funds of the Commission. The amount of travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses for members and employees paid or reimbursed under this subsection may exceed per diem amounts established in official travel regulations, but the Commission may include in its regulations under this subsection a limitation on such amounts. (d) Acceptance of relocation expenses from former employers by professional fellows program participants Notwithstanding any other provision of law, former employers of participants in the Commission's professional fellows programs may pay such participants their actual expenses for relocation to Washington, District of Columbia, to facilitate their participation in such programs, and program participants may accept such payments. (e) Fee payments Notwithstanding any other provision of law, whenever any fee is required to be paid to the Commission pursuant to any provision of the securities laws or any other law, the Commission may provide by rule that such fee shall be paid in a manner other than in cash and the Commission may also specify the time that such fee shall be determined and paid relative to the filing of any statement or document with the Commission. (f) Reimbursement of expenses for assisting foreign securities authorities Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commission may accept payment and reimbursement, in cash or in kind, from a foreign securities authority, or made on behalf of such authority, for necessary expenses incurred by the Commission, its members, and employees in carrying out any investigation pursuant to section 78u(a)(2) of this title or in providing any other assistance to a foreign securities authority. Any payment or reimbursement accepted shall be considered a reimbursement to the appropriated funds of the Commission. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 4, 48 Stat. 885; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, title XI, Sec. 1106(a), 63 Stat. 972; Pub. L. 86- 619, Sec. 3, July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 408; Pub. L. 86-771, Sept. 13, 1960, 74 Stat. 913; Pub. L. 88-426, title III, Sec. 305(20), Aug. 14, 1964, 78 Stat. 425; Pub. L. 98-38, Sec. 1, June 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 205; Pub. L. 100-181, title III, Sec. 307, Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1254; Pub. L. 101-550, title I, Sec. 103, title II, Sec. 207, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2713, 2721; Pub. L. 104-290, title IV, Sec. 406, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3444; Pub. L. 105-353, title II, Sec. 203, Nov. 3, 1998, 112 Stat. 3234; Pub. L. 107-123, Sec. 8(d)(2), Jan. 16, 2002, 115 Stat. 2399.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original "this title" and "this Act", respectively. See References in Text note set out under section 78a of this title. -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (b)(1), (2). Pub. L. 107-123 added pars. (1) and (2) and struck out former pars. (1) and (2), which authorized the Commission to appoint and compensate officers, attorneys, examiners, and other experts as needed, and to select, appoint, and compensate professional economists. 1998 - Subsec. (b)(2), (3). Pub. L. 105-353 added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3). 1996 - Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104-290 inserted before period at end "and the Commission may also specify the time that such fee shall be determined and paid relative to the filing of any statement or document with the Commission". 1990 - Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101-550, Sec. 103, inserted heading, designated existing provision as par. (1) and inserted heading, and added par. (2). Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101-550, Sec. 207, added subsec. (f). 1987 - Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100-181 added subsec. (e). 1983 - Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 98-38 added subsecs. (c) and (d). 1964 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 88-426 repealed provisions which prescribed the compensation of the Chairman and the Commissioners. 1960 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 86-771 authorized the chairman to receive an additional $500 a year. Pub. L. 86-619 increased the salary of each commissioner from $15,000 to $20,000 a year, and provided for continuation in office of a commissioner upon termination of his term until a successor is appointed and has qualified, not beyond expiration of next session of Congress subsequent to the expiration of said fixed term of office. 1949 - Subsec. (b). Act Oct. 28, 1949, substituted "Classification Act of 1949" for "Classification Act of 1923". EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2002 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 107-123 effective Oct. 1, 2001, see section 11 of Pub. L. 107-123, set out as a note under section 78ee of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1964 AMENDMENT For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 88-426, see section 501 of Pub. L. 88-426. REPEALS Act Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, set out in the credit of this section, was repealed (subject to a savings clause) by Pub. L. 89- 554, Sept. 6, 1966, Sec. 8, 80 Stat. 632, 655. -TRANS- TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS For transfer of functions of Securities and Exchange Commission, with certain exceptions, to Chairman of such Commission, see Reorg. Plan No. 10 of 1950, Secs. 1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3175, 64 Stat. 1265, set out below. -MISC2- COMPENSATION OF CHAIRMAN AND COMMISSIONERS Compensation of Chairman and Commissioners, see sections 5314 and 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. 1950 REORGANIZATION PLAN NO. 10 15 F.R. 3175, 64 STAT. 1265 Prepared by the President and transmitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled, March 13, 1950, pursuant to the provisions of the Reorganization Act of 1949, approved June 20, 1949 [see 5 U.S.C. 901 et seq.]. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION SECTION 1. TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS TO THE CHAIRMAN (a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section there are hereby transferred from the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, to the Chairman of the Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Chairman, the executive and administrative functions of the Commission, including functions of the Commission with respect to (1) the appointment and supervision of personnel employed under the Commission, (2) the distribution of business among such personnel and among administrative units of the Commission, and (3) the use and expenditure of funds. (b)(1) In carrying out any of his functions under the provisions of this section the Chairman shall be governed by general policies of the Commission and by such regulatory decisions, findings, and determinations as the Commission may by law be authorized to make. (2) The appointment by the Chairman of the heads of major administrative units under the Commission shall be subject to the approval of the Commission. (3) Personnel employed regularly and full time in the immediate offices of Commissioners other than the Chairman shall not be affected by the provisions of this reorganization plan. (4) There are hereby reserved to the Commission its functions with respect to revising budget estimates and with respect to determining upon the distribution of appropriated funds according to major programs and purposes. SEC. 2. PERFORMANCE OF TRANSFERRED FUNCTIONS The Chairman may from time to time make such provisions as he shall deem appropriate authorizing the performance by any officer, employee, or administrative unit under his jurisdiction of any function transferred to the Chairman by the provisions of section 1 of this reorganization plan. SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF CHAIRMAN The functions of the Commission with respect to choosing a Chairman from among the Commissioners composing the Commission are hereby transferred to the President. MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT To the Congress of the United States: I transmit herewith Reorganization Plan No. 10 of 1950, prepared in accordance with the Reorganization Act of 1949 and providing for reorganizations in the Securities and Exchange Commission. My reasons for transmitting this plan are stated in an accompanying general message. After investigation I have found and hereby declare that each reorganization included in Reorganization Plan No. 10 of 1950 is necessary to accomplish one or more of the purposes set forth in section 2(a) of the Reorganization Act of 1949. The taking effect of the reorganizations included in this plan may not in itself result in substantial immediate savings. However, many benefits in improved operations are probable during the next years which will result in a reduction in expenditures as compared with those that would be otherwise necessary. An itemization of these reductions in advance of actual experience under this plan is not practicable. Harry S. Truman. -FOOTNOTE- (!1) So in original. Probably should be "Notwithstanding". -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78d-1 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78d-1. Delegation of functions by Commission -STATUTE- (a) Authorization; functions delegable; eligible persons; application of other laws In addition to its existing authority, the Securities and Exchange Commission shall have the authority to delegate, by published order or rule, any of its functions to a division of the Commission, an individual Commissioner, an administrative law judge, or an employee or employee board, including functions with respect to hearing, determining, ordering, certifying, reporting, or otherwise acting as to any work, business, or matter. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to supersede the provisions of section 556(b) of title 5, or to authorize the delegation of the function of rulemaking as defined in subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, with reference to general rules as distinguished from rules of particular applicability, or of the making of any rule pursuant to section 78s(c) of this title. (b) Right of review; procedure With respect to the delegation of any of its functions, as provided in subsection (a) of this section, the Commission shall retain a discretionary right to review the action of any such division of the Commission, individual Commissioner, administrative law judge, employee, or employee board, upon its own initiative or upon petition of a party to or intervenor in such action, within such time and in such manner as the Commission by rule shall prescribe. The vote of one member of the Commission shall be sufficient to bring any such action before the Commission for review. A person or party shall be entitled to review by the Commission if he or it is adversely affected by action at a delegated level which (1) denies any request for action pursuant to section 77h(a) or section 77h(c) of this title or the first sentence of section 78l(d) of this title; (2) suspends trading in a security pursuant to section 78l(k) of this title; or (3) is pursuant to any provision of this chapter in a case of adjudication, as defined in section 551 of title 5, not required by this chapter to be determined on the record after notice and opportunity for hearing (except to the extent there is involved a matter described in section 554(a)(1) through (6) of such title 5). (c) Finality of delegated action If the right to exercise such review is declined, or if no such review is sought within the time stated in the rules promulgated by the Commission, then the action of any such division of the Commission, individual Commissioner, administrative law judge, employee, or employee board, shall, for all purposes, including appeal or review thereof, be deemed the action of the Commission. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 4A, as added Pub. L. 100-181, title III, Sec. 308(a), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1254.) -MISC1- PRIOR PROVISIONS A prior section 78d-1, Pub. L. 87-592, Sec. 1, Aug. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 394; Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 25, June 4, 1975, 89 Stat. 163; Pub. L. 95-251, Sec. 2(a)(4), Mar. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 183, provided for subject matter similar to the provisions comprising this section, prior to repeal by section 308(b) of Pub. L. 100-181. -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78d-2 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78d-2. Transfer of functions with respect to assignment of personnel to chairman -STATUTE- In addition to the functions transferred by the provisions of Reorganization Plan Numbered 10 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1265), there are hereby transferred from the Commission to the Chairman of the Commission the functions of the Commission with respect to the assignment of Commission personnel, including Commissioners, to perform such functions as may have been delegated by the Commission to the Commission personnel, including Commissioners, pursuant to section 78d-1 of this title. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 4B, as added Pub. L. 100-181, title III, Sec. 308(a), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1255.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT Reorganization Plan Numbered 10 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1265), referred to in text, is set out as a note under section 78d of this title. -MISC1- PRIOR PROVISIONS A prior section 78d-2, Pub. L. 87-592, Sec. 2, Aug. 20, 1962, 76 Stat. 395, provided for subject matter similar to the provisions comprising this section, prior to repeal by section 308(b) of Pub. L. 100-181. -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78d-3 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78d-3. Appearance and practice before the Commission -STATUTE- (a) Authority to censure The Commission may censure any person, or deny, temporarily or permanently, to any person the privilege of appearing or practicing before the Commission in any way, if that person is found by the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing in the matter - (1) not to possess the requisite qualifications to represent others; (2) to be lacking in character or integrity, or to have engaged in unethical or improper professional conduct; or (3) to have willfully violated, or willfully aided and abetted the violation of, any provision of the securities laws or the rules and regulations issued thereunder. (b) Definition With respect to any registered public accounting firm or associated person, for purposes of this section, the term "improper professional conduct" means - (1) intentional or knowing conduct, including reckless conduct, that results in a violation of applicable professional standards; and (2) negligent conduct in the form of - (A) a single instance of highly unreasonable conduct that results in a violation of applicable professional standards in circumstances in which the registered public accounting firm or associated person knows, or should know, that heightened scrutiny is warranted; or (B) repeated instances of unreasonable conduct, each resulting in a violation of applicable professional standards, that indicate a lack of competence to practice before the Commission. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 4C, as added Pub. L. 107-204, title VI, Sec. 602, July 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 794.) -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78e 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78e. Transactions on unregistered exchanges -STATUTE- It shall be unlawful for any broker, dealer, or exchange, directly or indirectly, to make use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce for the purpose of using any facility of an exchange within or subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to effect any transaction in a security, or to report any such transaction, unless such exchange (1) is registered as national securities exchange under section 78f of this title, or (2) is exempted from such registration upon application by the exchange because, in the opinion of the Commission, by reason of the limited volume of transactions effected on such exchange, it is not practicable and not necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors to require such registration. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 5, 48 Stat. 885.) -TRANS- TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS For transfer of functions of Securities and Exchange Commission, with certain exceptions, to Chairman of such Commission, see Reorg. Plan No. 10 of 1950, Secs. 1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3175, 64 Stat. 1265, set out under section 78d of this title. -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78f 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78f. National securities exchanges -STATUTE- (a) Registration; application An exchange may be registered as a national securities exchange under the terms and conditions hereinafter provided in this section and in accordance with the provisions of section 78s(a) of this title, by filing with the Commission an application for registration in such form as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe containing the rules of the exchange and such other information and documents as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. (b) Determination by Commission requisite to registration of applicant as a national securities exchange An exchange shall not be registered as a national securities exchange unless the Commission determines that - (1) Such exchange is so organized and has the capacity to be able to carry out the purposes of this chapter and to comply, and (subject to any rule or order of the Commission pursuant to section 78q(d) or 78s(g)(2) of this title) to enforce compliance by its members and persons associated with its members, with the provisions of this chapter, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the rules of the exchange. (2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of this section, the rules of the exchange provide that any registered broker or dealer or natural person associated with a registered broker or dealer may become a member of such exchange and any person may become associated with a member thereof. (3) The rules of the exchange assure a fair representation of its members in the selection of its directors and administration of its affairs and provide that one or more directors shall be representative of issuers and investors and not be associated with a member of the exchange, broker, or dealer. (4) The rules of the exchange provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among its members and issuers and other persons using its facilities. (5) The rules of the exchange are designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest; and are not designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers, or to regulate by virtue of any authority conferred by this chapter matters not related to the purposes of this chapter or the administration of the exchange. (6) The rules of the exchange provide that (subject to any rule or order of the Commission pursuant to section 78q(d) or 78s(g)(2) of this title) its members and persons associated with its members shall be appropriately disciplined for violation of the provisions of this chapter, the rules or regulations thereunder, or the rules of the exchange, by expulsion, suspension, limitation of activities, functions, and operations, fine, censure, being suspended or barred from being associated with a member, or any other fitting sanction. (7) The rules of the exchange are in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this section, and in general, provide a fair procedure for the disciplining of members and persons associated with members, the denial of membership to any person seeking membership therein, the barring of any person from becoming associated with a member thereof, and the prohibition or limitation by the exchange of any person with respect to access to services offered by the exchange or a member thereof. (8) The rules of the exchange do not impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. (9) The rules of the exchange prohibit the listing of any security issued in a limited partnership rollup transaction (as such term is defined in paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 78n(h) of this title), unless such transaction was conducted in accordance with procedures designed to protect the rights of limited partners, including - (A) the right of dissenting limited partners to one of the following: (i) an appraisal and compensation; (ii) retention of a security under substantially the same terms and conditions as the original issue; (iii) approval of the limited partnership rollup transaction by not less than 75 percent of the outstanding securities of each of the participating limited partnerships; (iv) the use of a committee of limited partners that is independent, as determined in accordance with rules prescribed by the exchange, of the general partner or sponsor, that has been approved by a majority of the outstanding units of each of the participating limited partnerships, and that has such authority as is necessary to protect the interest of limited partners, including the authority to hire independent advisors, to negotiate with the general partner or sponsor on behalf of the limited partners, and to make a recommendation to the limited partners with respect to the proposed transaction; or (v) other comparable rights that are prescribed by rule by the exchange and that are designed to protect dissenting limited partners; (B) the right not to have their voting power unfairly reduced or abridged; (C) the right not to bear an unfair portion of the costs of a proposed limited partnership rollup transaction that is rejected; and (D) restrictions on the conversion of contingent interests or fees into non-contingent interests or fees and restrictions on the receipt of a non-contingent equity interest in exchange for fees for services which have not yet been provided. As used in this paragraph, the term "dissenting limited partner" means a person who, on the date on which soliciting material is mailed to investors, is a holder of a beneficial interest in a limited partnership that is the subject of a limited partnership rollup transaction, and who casts a vote against the transaction and complies with procedures established by the exchange, except that for purposes of an exchange or tender offer, such person shall file an objection in writing under the rules of the exchange during the period during which the offer is outstanding. (c) Denial of membership in national exchanges; denial of association with member; conditions; limitation of membership (1) A national securities exchange shall deny membership to (A) any person, other than a natural person, which is not a registered broker or dealer or (B) any natural person who is not, or is not associated with, a registered broker or dealer. (2) A national securities exchange may, and in cases in which the Commission, by order, directs as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors shall, deny membership to any registered broker or dealer or natural person associated with a registered broker or dealer, and bar from becoming associated with a member any person, who is subject to a statutory disqualification. A national securities exchange shall file notice with the Commission not less than thirty days prior to admitting any person to membership or permitting any person to become associated with a member, if the exchange knew, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known, that such person was subject to a statutory disqualification. The notice shall be in such form and contain such information as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. (3)(A) A national securities exchange may deny membership to, or condition the membership of, a registered broker or dealer if (i) such broker or dealer does not meet such standards of financial responsibility or operational capability or such broker or dealer or any natural person associated with such broker or dealer does not meet such standards of training, experience, and competence as are prescribed by the rules of the exchange or (ii) such broker or dealer or person associated with such broker or dealer has engaged and there is a reasonable likelihood he may again engage in acts or practices inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade. A national securities exchange may examine and verify the qualifications of an applicant to become a member and the natural persons associated with such an applicant in accordance with procedures established by the rules of the exchange. (B) A national securities exchange may bar a natural person from becoming a member or associated with a member, or condition the membership of a natural person or association of a natural person with a member, if such natural person (i) does not meet such standards of training, experience, and competence as are prescribed by the rules of the exchange or (ii) has engaged and there is a reasonable likelihood he may again engage in acts or practices inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade. A national securities exchange may examine and verify the qualifications of an applicant to become a person associated with a member in accordance with procedures established by the rules of the exchange and require any person associated with a member, or any class of such persons, to be registered with the exchange in accordance with procedures so established. (C) A national securities exchange may bar any person from becoming associated with a member if such person does not agree (i) to supply the exchange with such information with respect to its relationship and dealings with the member as may be specified in the rules of the exchange and (ii) to permit the examination of its books and records to verify the accuracy of any information so supplied. (4) A national securities exchange may limit (A) the number of members of the exchange and (B) the number of members and designated representatives of members permitted to effect transactions on the floor of the exchange without the services of another person acting as broker: Provided, however, That no national securities exchange shall have the authority to decrease the number of memberships in such exchange, or the number of members and designated representatives of members permitted to effect transactions on the floor of such exchange without the services of another person acting as broker, below such number in effect on May 1, 1975, or the date such exchange was registered with the Commission, whichever is later: And provided further, That the Commission, in accordance with the provisions of section 78s(c) of this title, may amend the rules of any national securities exchange to increase (but not to decrease) or to remove any limitation on the number of memberships in such exchange or the number of members or designated representatives of members permitted to effect transactions on the floor of the exchange without the services of another person acting as broker, if the Commission finds that such limitation imposes a burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. (d) Discipline of national securities exchange members and persons associated with members; summary proceedings (1) In any proceeding by a national securities exchange to determine whether a member or person associated with a member should be disciplined (other than a summary proceeding pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection), the exchange shall bring specific charges, notify such member or person of, and give him an opportunity to defend against, such charges, and keep a record. A determination by the exchange to impose a disciplinary sanction shall be supported by a statement setting forth - (A) any act or practice in which such member or person associated with a member has been found to have engaged, or which such member or person has been found to have omitted; (B) the specific provision of this chapter, the rules or regulations thereunder, or the rules of the exchange which any such act or practice, or omission to act, is deemed to violate; and (C) the sanction imposed and the reasons therefor. (2) In any proceeding by a national securities exchange to determine whether a person shall be denied membership, barred from becoming associated with a member, or prohibited or limited with respect to access to services offered by the exchange or a member thereof (other than a summary proceeding pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection), the exchange shall notify such person of, and give him an opportunity to be heard upon, the specific grounds for denial, bar, or prohibition or limitation under consideration and keep a record. A determination by the exchange to deny membership, bar a person from becoming associated with a member, or prohibit or limit a person with respect to access to services offered by the exchange or a member thereof shall be supported by a statement setting forth the specific grounds on which the denial, bar, or prohibition or limitation is based. (3) A national securities exchange may summarily (A) suspend a member or person associated with a member who has been and is expelled or suspended from any self-regulatory organization or barred or suspended from being associated with a member of any self- regulatory organization, (B) suspend a member who is in such financial or operating difficulty that the exchange determines and so notifies the Commission that the member cannot be permitted to continue to do business as a member with safety to investors, creditors, other members, or the exchange, or (C) limit or prohibit any person with respect to access to services offered by the exchange if subparagraph (A) or (B) of this paragraph is applicable to such person or, in the case of a person who is not a member, if the exchange determines that such person does not meet the qualification requirements or other prerequisites for such access and such person cannot be permitted to continue to have such access with safety to investors, creditors, members, or the exchange. Any person aggrieved by any such summary action shall be promptly afforded an opportunity for a hearing by the exchange in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection. The Commission, by order, may stay any such summary action on its own motion or upon application by any person aggrieved thereby, if the Commission determines summarily or after notice and opportunity for hearing (which hearing may consist solely of the submission of affidavits or presentation of oral arguments) that such stay is consistent with the public interest and the protection of investors. (e) Commissions, allowances, discounts, and other fees (1) On and after June 4, 1975, no national securities exchange may impose any schedule or fix rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other fees to be charged by its members: Provided, however, That until May 1, 1976, the preceding provisions of this paragraph shall not prohibit any such exchange from imposing or fixing any schedule of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other fees to be charged by its members for acting as broker on the floor of the exchange or as odd-lot dealer: And provided further, That the Commission, in accordance with the provisions of section 78s(b) of this title as modified by the provisions of paragraph (3) of this subsection, may - (A) permit a national securities exchange, by rule, to impose a reasonable schedule or fix reasonable rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other fees to be charged by its members for effecting transactions on such exchange prior to November 1, 1976, if the Commission finds that such schedule or fixed rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other fees are in the public interest; and (B) permit a national securities exchange, by rule, to impose a schedule or fix rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other fees to be charged by its members for effecting transactions on such exchange after November 1, 1976, if the Commission finds that such schedule or fixed rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other fees (i) are reasonable in relation to the costs of providing the service for which such fees are charged (and the Commission publishes the standards employed in adjudging reasonableness) and (ii) do not impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, taking into consideration the competitive effects of permitting such schedule or fixed rates weighed against the competitive effects of other lawful actions which the Commission is authorized to take under this chapter. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 78s(c) of this title, the Commission, by rule, may abrogate any exchange rule which imposes a schedule or fixes rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other fees, if the Commission determines that such schedule or fixed rates are no longer reasonable, in the public interest, or necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter. (3)(A) Before approving or disapproving any proposed rule change submitted by a national securities exchange which would impose a schedule or fix rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other fees to be charged by its members for effecting transactions on such exchange, the Commission shall afford interested persons (i) an opportunity for oral presentation of data, views, and arguments and (ii) with respect to any such rule concerning transactions effected after November 1, 1976, if the Commission determines there are disputed issues of material fact, to present such rebuttal submissions and to conduct (or have conducted under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph) such cross-examination as the Commission determines to be appropriate and required for full disclosure and proper resolution of such disputed issues of material fact. (B) The Commission shall prescribe rules and make rulings concerning any proceeding in accordance with subparagraph (A) of this paragraph designed to avoid unnecessary costs or delay. Such rules or rulings may (i) impose reasonable time limits on each interested person's oral presentations, and (ii) require any cross- examination to which a person may be entitled under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph to be conducted by the Commission on behalf of that person in such manner as the Commission determines to be appropriate and required for full disclosure and proper resolution of disputed issues of material fact. (C)(i) If any class of persons, the members of which are entitled to conduct (or have conducted) cross-examination under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph and which have, in the view of the Commission, the same or similar interests in the proceeding, cannot agree upon a single representative of such interests for purposes of cross-examination, the Commission may make rules and rulings specifying the manner in which such interests shall be represented and such cross-examination conducted. (ii) No member of any class of persons with respect to which the Commission has specified the manner in which its interests shall be represented pursuant to clause (i) of this subparagraph shall be denied, pursuant to such clause (i), the opportunity to conduct (or have conducted) cross-examination as to issues affecting his particular interests if he satisfies the Commission that he has made a reasonable and good faith effort to reach agreement upon group representation and there are substantial and relevant issues which would not be presented adequately by group representation. (D) A transcript shall be kept of any oral presentation and cross- examination. (E) In addition to the bases specified in section 78y(a) of this title, a reviewing Court may set aside an order of the Commission under section 78s(b) of this title approving an exchange rule imposing a schedule or fixing rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other fees, if the Court finds - (1) a Commission determination under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph that an interested person is not entitled to conduct cross-examination or make rebuttal submissions, or (2) a Commission rule or ruling under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph limiting the petitioner's cross-examination or rebuttal submissions, has precluded full disclosure and proper resolution of disputed issues of material fact which were necessary for fair determination by the Commission. (f) Compliance of non-members with exchange rules The Commission, by rule or order, as it deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors, to maintain fair and orderly markets, or to assure equal regulation, may require - (1) any person not a member or a designated representative of a member of a national securities exchange effecting transactions on such exchange without the services of another person acting as a broker, or (2) any broker or dealer not a member of a national securities exchange effecting transactions on such exchange on a regular basis, to comply with such rules of such exchange as the Commission may specify. (g) Notice registration of security futures product exchanges (1) Registration required An exchange that lists or trades security futures products may register as a national securities exchange solely for the purposes of trading security futures products if - (A) the exchange is a board of trade, as that term is defined by the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1a(2)) [7 U.S.C. 1 et seq.], that - (i) has been designated a contract market by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and such designation is not suspended by order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; or (ii) is registered as a derivative transaction execution facility under section 5a of the Commodity Exchange Act [7 U.S.C. 7a] and such registration is not suspended by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and (B) such exchange does not serve as a market place for transactions in securities other than - (i) security futures products; or (ii) futures on exempted securities or groups or indexes of securities or options thereon that have been authorized under section 2(a)(1)(C) of the Commodity Exchange Act [7 U.S.C. 2(a)(1)(C)]. (2) Registration by notice filing (A) Form and content An exchange required to register only because such exchange lists or trades security futures products may register for purposes of this section by filing with the Commission a written notice in such form as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe containing the rules of the exchange and such other information and documents concerning such exchange, comparable to the information and documents required for national securities exchanges under subsection (a) of this section, as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. If such exchange has filed documents with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, to the extent that such documents contain information satisfying the Commission's informational requirements, copies of such documents may be filed with the Commission in lieu of the required written notice. (B) Immediate effectiveness Such registration shall be effective contemporaneously with the submission of notice, in written or electronic form, to the Commission, except that such registration shall not be effective if such registration would be subject to suspension or revocation. (C) Termination Such registration shall be terminated immediately if any of the conditions for registration set forth in this subsection are no longer satisfied. (3) Public availability The Commission shall promptly publish in the Federal Register an acknowledgment of receipt of all notices the Commission receives under this subsection and shall make all such notices available to the public. (4) Exemption of exchanges from specified provisions (A) Transaction exemptions An exchange that is registered under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be exempt from, and shall not be required to enforce compliance by its members with, and its members shall not, solely with respect to those transactions effected on such exchange in security futures products, be required to comply with, the following provisions of this chapter and the rules thereunder: (i) Subsections (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(7), (b)(9), (c), (d), and (e) of this section. (ii) Section 78h of this title. (iii) Section 78k of this title. (iv) Subsections (d), (f), and (k) of section 78q of this title. (v) Subsections (a), (f), and (h) of section 78s of this title. (B) Rule change exemptions An exchange that registered under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall also be exempt from submitting proposed rule changes pursuant to section 78s(b) of this title, except that - (i) such exchange shall file proposed rule changes related to higher margin levels, fraud or manipulation, recordkeeping, reporting, listing standards, or decimal pricing for security futures products, sales practices for security futures products for persons who effect transactions in security futures products, or rules effectuating such exchange's obligation to enforce the securities laws pursuant to section 78s(b)(7) of this title; (ii) such exchange shall file pursuant to sections 78s(b)(1) and 78s(b)(2) of this title proposed rule changes related to margin, except for changes resulting in higher margin levels; and (iii) such exchange shall file pursuant to section 78s(b)(1) of this title proposed rule changes that have been abrogated by the Commission pursuant to section 78s(b)(7)(C) of this title. (5) Trading in security futures products (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), it shall be unlawful for any person to execute or trade a security futures product until the later of - (i) 1 year after December 21, 2000; or (ii) such date that a futures association registered under section 17 of the Commodity Exchange Act [7 U.S.C. 21] has met the requirements set forth in section 78o-3(k)(2) of this title. (B) Principal-to-principal transactions Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a person may execute or trade a security futures product transaction if - (i) the transaction is entered into - (I) on a principal-to-principal basis between parties trading for their own accounts or as described in section 1a(12)(B)(ii) of the Commodity Exchange Act [7 U.S.C. 1a(12)(B)(ii)]; and (II) only between eligible contract participants (as defined in subparagraphs (A), (B)(ii), and (C) of such section 1a(12) [7 U.S.C. 1a(12)(A), (B)(ii), (C)]) at the time at which the persons enter into the agreement, contract, or transaction; and (ii) the transaction is entered into on or after the later of - (I) 8 months after December 21, 2000; or (II) such date that a futures association registered under section 17 of the Commodity Exchange Act [7 U.S.C. 21] has met the requirements set forth in section 78o- 3(k)(2) of this title. (h) Trading in security futures products (1) Trading on exchange or association required It shall be unlawful for any person to effect transactions in security futures products that are not listed on a national securities exchange or a national securities association registered pursuant to section 78o-3(a) of this title. (2) Listing standards required Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (7), a national securities exchange or a national securities association registered pursuant to section 78o-3(a) of this title may trade only security futures products that (A) conform with listing standards that such exchange or association files with the Commission under section 78s(b) of this title and (B) meet the criteria specified in section 2(a)(1)(D)(i) of the Commodity Exchange Act [7 U.S.C. 2(a)(1)(D)(i)]. (3) Requirements for listing standards and conditions for trading Such listing standards shall - (A) except as otherwise provided in a rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant to paragraph (4), require that any security underlying the security future, including each component security of a narrow-based security index, be registered pursuant to section 78l of this title; (B) require that if the security futures product is not cash settled, the market on which the security futures product is traded have arrangements in place with a registered clearing agency for the payment and delivery of the securities underlying the security futures product; (C) be no less restrictive than comparable listing standards for options traded on a national securities exchange or national securities association registered pursuant to section 78o-3(a) of this title; (D) except as otherwise provided in a rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant to paragraph (4), require that the security future be based upon common stock and such other equity securities as the Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission jointly determine appropriate; (E) require that the security futures product is cleared by a clearing agency that has in place provisions for linked and coordinated clearing with other clearing agencies that clear security futures products, which permits the security futures product to be purchased on one market and offset on another market that trades such product; (F) require that only a broker or dealer subject to suitability rules comparable to those of a national securities association registered pursuant to section 78o-3(a) of this title effect transactions in the security futures product; (G) require that the security futures product be subject to the prohibition against dual trading in section 4j of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 6j) and the rules and regulations thereunder or the provisions of section 78k(a) of this title and the rules and regulations thereunder, except to the extent otherwise permitted under this chapter and the rules and regulations thereunder; (H) require that trading in the security futures product not be readily susceptible to manipulation of the price of such security futures product, nor to causing or being used in the manipulation of the price of any underlying security, option on such security, or option on a group or index including such securities; (I) require that procedures be in place for coordinated surveillance among the market on which the security futures product is traded, any market on which any security underlying the security futures product is traded, and other markets on which any related security is traded to detect manipulation and insider trading; (J) require that the market on which the security futures product is traded has in place audit trails necessary or appropriate to facilitate the coordinated surveillance required in subparagraph (I); (K) require that the market on which the security futures product is traded has in place procedures to coordinate trading halts between such market and any market on which any security underlying the security futures product is traded and other markets on which any related security is traded; and (L) require that the margin requirements for a security futures product comply with the regulations prescribed pursuant to section 78g(c)(2)(B) of this title, except that nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to prevent a national securities exchange or national securities association from requiring higher margin levels for a security futures product when it deems such action to be necessary or appropriate. (4) Authority to modify certain listing standard requirements (A) Authority to modify The Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, by rule, regulation, or order, may jointly modify the listing standard requirements specified in subparagraph (A) or (D) of paragraph (3) to the extent such modification fosters the development of fair and orderly markets in security futures products, is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, and is consistent with the protection of investors. (B) Authority to grant exemptions The Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, by order, may jointly exempt any person from compliance with the listing standard requirement specified in subparagraph (E) of paragraph (3) to the extent such exemption fosters the development of fair and orderly markets in security futures products, is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, and is consistent with the protection of investors. (5) Requirements for other persons trading security future products It shall be unlawful for any person (other than a national securities exchange or a national securities association registered pursuant to section 78o-3(a) of this title) to constitute, maintain, or provide a marketplace or facilities for bringing together purchasers and sellers of security future products or to otherwise perform with respect to security future products the functions commonly performed by a stock exchange as that term is generally understood, unless a national securities association registered pursuant to section 78o-3(a) of this title or a national securities exchange of which such person is a member - (A) has in place procedures for coordinated surveillance among such person, the market trading the securities underlying the security future products, and other markets trading related securities to detect manipulation and insider trading; (B) has rules to require audit trails necessary or appropriate to facilitate the coordinated surveillance required in subparagraph (A); and (C) has rules to require such person to coordinate trading halts with markets trading the securities underlying the security future products and other markets trading related securities. (6) Deferral of options on security futures trading No person shall offer to enter into, enter into, or confirm the execution of any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on a security future, except that, after 3 years after December 21, 2000, the Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission may by order jointly determine to permit trading of puts, calls, straddles, options, or privileges on any security future authorized to be traded under the provisions of this chapter and the Commodity Exchange Act [7 U.S.C. 1 et seq.]. (7) Deferral of linked and coordinated clearing (A) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), until the compliance date, a national securities exchange or national securities association registered pursuant to section 78o-3(a) of this title may trade a security futures product that does not - (i) conform with any listing standard promulgated to meet the requirement specified in subparagraph (E) of paragraph (3); or (ii) meet the criterion specified in section 2(a)(1)(D)(i)(IV) of the Commodity Exchange Act [7 U.S.C. 2(a)(1)(D)(i)(IV)]. (B) The Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission shall jointly publish in the Federal Register a notice of the compliance date no later than 165 days before the compliance date. (C) For purposes of this paragraph, the term "compliance date" means the later of - (i) 180 days after the end of the first full calendar month period in which the average aggregate comparable share volume for all security futures products based on single equity securities traded on all national securities exchanges, any national securities associations registered pursuant to section 78o-3(a) of this title, and all other persons equals or exceeds 10 percent of the average aggregate comparable share volume of options on single equity securities traded on all national securities exchanges and any national securities associations registered pursuant to section 78o-3(a) of this title; or (ii) 2 years after the date on which trading in any security futures product commences under this chapter. (i) Rules to avoid duplicative regulation of dual registrants Consistent with this chapter, each national securities exchange registered pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall issue such rules as are necessary to avoid duplicative or conflicting rules applicable to any broker or dealer registered with the Commission pursuant to section 78o(b) of this title (except paragraph (11) thereof), that is also registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission pursuant to section 4f(a) of the Commodity Exchange Act [7 U.S.C. 6f(a)] (except paragraph (2) thereof), with respect to the application of - (1) rules of such national securities exchange of the type specified in section 78o(c)(3)(B) of this title involving security futures products; and (2) similar rules of national securities exchanges registered pursuant to subsection (g) of this section and national securities associations registered pursuant to section 78o-3(k) of this title involving security futures products. (j) Procedures and rules for security future products A national securities exchange registered pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall implement the procedures specified in subsection (h)(5)(A) of this section and adopt the rules specified in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subsection (h)(5) of this section not later than 8 months after the date of receipt of a request from an alternative trading system for such implementation and rules. (k) Rules relating to security futures products traded on foreign boards of trade (1) To the extent necessary or appropriate in the public interest, to promote fair competition, and consistent with the promotion of market efficiency, innovation, and expansion of investment opportunities, the protection of investors, and the maintenance of fair and orderly markets, the Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission shall jointly issue such rules, regulations, or orders as are necessary and appropriate to permit the offer and sale of a security futures product traded on or subject to the rules of a foreign board of trade to United States persons. (2) The rules, regulations, or orders adopted under paragraph (1) shall take into account, as appropriate, the nature and size of the markets that the securities underlying the security futures product reflect. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 6, 48 Stat. 885; Pub. L. 94- 29, Sec. 4, June 4, 1975, 89 Stat. 104; Pub. L. 100-181, title III, Secs. 309-312, Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1255; Pub. L. 103-202, title III, Sec. 303(b), Dec. 17, 1993, 107 Stat. 2365; Pub. L. 106- 554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Secs. 202(a), 206(a), (i), (k)(2), (l)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-416, 2763A-426, 2763A- 433, 2763A-434.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (b) to (e), (g)(4)(A), (h)(3)(G), (7)(C)(ii), and (i), was in the original "this title". This chapter, referred to in subsec. (h)(6), was in the original "this Act". See References in Text note set out under section 78a of this title. The Commodity Exchange Act, referred to in subsecs. (g)(1)(A) and (h)(6), is act Sept. 21, 1922, ch. 369, 42 Stat. 998, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 1 (Sec. 1 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1 of Title 7 and Tables. -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2000 - Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 202(a)], added subsec. (g). Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 206(a)], added subsec. (h). Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 206(i)], added subsec. (i). Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 206(k)(2)], added subsec. (j). Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 206(l)], added subsec. (k). 1993 - Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 103-202 added par. (9). 1987 - Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 309, substituted "protection of investors shall" for "protection shall". Subsec. (c)(3)(A). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 310, substituted "associated" for "association". Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 311, substituted "may limit (A)" for "may (A) limit". Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 312(1), substituted "paragraph (3) of this subsection" for "paragraph (4) of this section". Subsec. (e)(3), (4). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 312(2), (3), redesignated par. (4) as (3) and, in subpar. (E), substituted "fixing" for "fixes" in introductory provisions, "subparagraph (A) of this paragraph" for "paragraph (4)(A) of this subsection" in cl. (1), and "subparagraph (B) of this paragraph" for "paragraph (4)(B) of this subsection" in cl. (2), and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "Until December 31, 1976, the Commission, on a regular basis, shall file with the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate information concerning the effect on the public interest, protection of investors, and maintenance of fair and orderly markets of the absence of any schedule or fixed rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other fees to be charged by members of any national securities exchange for effecting transactions on such exchange." 1975 - Pub. L. 94-29 restructured the entire section and, in addition, authorized the Commission to require an exchange to file such documents and information as it deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors and to prescribe the form and substance of an exchange's application for registration, expanded to eight the number of explicit statutory requirements that must be satisfied before an exchange may be registered as a national securities exchange, set forth the authority of a national securities exchange to admit or deny persons membership or association with members, prescribed exchange procedures for instituting disciplinary actions, denying membership, and summarily suspending members or persons associated with members, specified the authority of national securities exchanges to impose schedules or fix rates of commissions, allowances, discounts, or other fees to be charged by its members for transacting business on the exchange, and empowered the Commission to regulate any broker or dealer who effects transactions on an exchange on a regular basis but who is not a member of that exchange and any person who effects transactions on an exchange without the services of another person acting as broker. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1993 AMENDMENT Section 304 of title III of Pub. L. 103-202 provided that: "(a) Effective Date. - "(1) In general. - The amendments made by section 303 [amending this section and section 78o-3 of this title] shall become effective 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 17, 1993]. "(2) Rulemaking authority. - Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a registered securities association, and a national securities exchange to commence rulemaking proceedings for the purpose of issuing rules pursuant to the amendments made by section 303 is effective on the date of enactment of this Act. "(3) Review of filings prior to effective date. - Prior to the effective date of regulations promulgated pursuant to this title [amending this section and sections 78n and 78o-3 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 78a and 78n of this title], the Securities and Exchange Commission shall continue to review and declare effective registration statements and amendments thereto relating to limited partnership rollup transactions in accordance with applicable regulations then in effect. "(b) Effect on Existing Authority. - The amendments made by this title [amending this section and sections 78n and 78o-3 of this title] shall not limit the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a registered securities association, or a national securities exchange under any provision of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.], or preclude the Commission or such association or exchange from imposing, under any other such provision, a remedy or procedure required to be imposed under such amendments." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 94-29 effective June 4, 1975, except for amendment of subsecs. (a) through (d) by Pub. L. 94-29 to be effective 180 days after June 4, 1975, with provisions of subsecs. (b)(2) and (c)(6), as amended by Pub. L. 94-29, or rules or regulations thereunder, not to apply in a way so as to deprive any person of membership in any national securities exchange (or its successor) of which such person was, on June 4, 1975, a member or a member firm as defined in the constitution of such exchange, or so as to deny membership in any such exchange (or its successor) to a natural person who is or becomes associated with such member or member firm, see section 31(a) of Pub. L. 94-29, set out as a note under section 78b of this title. -TRANS- TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS For transfer of functions of Securities and Exchange Commission, with certain exceptions, to Chairman of such Commission, see Reorg. Plan No. 10 of 1950, Secs. 1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3175, 64 Stat. 1265, set out under section 78d of this title. -MISC2- CHANGES IN ORGANIZATION AND RULES OF NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGES AND REGISTERED SECURITIES ASSOCIATIONS Section 31(b) of Pub. L. 94-29 provided that: "If it appears to the Commission at any time within one year of the effective date of any amendment made by this Act [see Short Title of 1975 Amendment note under section 78a of this title] to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that the organization or rules of any national securities exchange or registered securities association registered with the Commission on the date of enactment of this Act [June 4, 1975] do not comply with such Act as amended, the Commission shall so notify such exchange or association in writing, specifying the respects in which the exchange or association is not in compliance with such Act. On and after the one hundred eightieth day following the date of receipt of such notice by a national securities exchange or registered securities association, the Commission, without regard to the provisions of section 19(h) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [section 78s(h) of this title], as amended by this Act, is authorized by order, to suspend the registration of any such exchange or association or impose limitations on the activities, functions, and operations of any such exchange or association, if the Commission finds, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the organization or rules of such exchange or association do not comply with such Act. Any such suspension or limitation shall continue in effect until the Commission, by order, declares that such exchange or association is in compliance with such requirements." -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78g 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78g. Margin requirements -STATUTE- (a) Rules and regulations for extension of credit; standard for initial extension; undermargined accounts For the purpose of preventing the excessive use of credit for the purchase or carrying of securities, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall, prior to October 1, 1934, and from time to time thereafter, prescribe rules and regulations with respect to the amount of credit that may be initially extended and subsequently maintained on any security (other than an exempted security or a security futures product). For the initial extension of credit, such rules and regulations shall be based upon the following standard: An amount not greater than whichever is the higher of - (1) 55 per centum of the current market price of the security, or (2) 100 per centum of the lowest market price of the security during the preceding thirty-six calendar months, but not more than 75 per centum of the current market price. Such rules and regulations may make appropriate provision with respect to the carrying of undermargined accounts for limited periods and under specified conditions; the withdrawal of funds or securities; the substitution or additional purchases of securities; the transfer of accounts from one lender to another; special or different margin requirements for delayed deliveries, short sales, arbitrage transactions, and securities to which paragraph (2) of this subsection does not apply; the bases and the methods to be used in calculating loans, and margins and market prices; and similar administrative adjustments and details. For the purposes of paragraph (2) of this subsection, until July 1, 1936, the lowest price at which a security has sold on or after July 1, 1933, shall be considered as the lowest price at which such security has sold during the preceding thirty-six calendar months. (b) Lower and higher margin requirements Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, may, from time to time, with respect to all or specified securities or transactions, or classes of securities, or classes of transactions, by such rules and regulations (1) prescribe such lower margin requirements for the initial extension or maintenance of credit as it deems necessary or appropriate for the accommodation of commerce and industry, having due regard to the general credit situation of the country, and (2) prescribe such higher margin requirements for the initial extension or maintenance of credit as it may deem necessary or appropriate to prevent the excessive use of credit to finance transactions in securities. (c) Unlawful credit extension to customers (1) Prohibition It shall be unlawful for any member of a national securities exchange or any broker or dealer, directly or indirectly, to extend or maintain credit or arrange for the extension or maintenance of credit to or for any customer - (A) on any security (other than an exempted security), except as provided in paragraph (2), in contravention of the rules and regulations which the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (hereafter in this section referred to as the "Board") shall prescribe under subsections (a) and (b) of this section; and (B) without collateral or on any collateral other than securities, except in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Board may prescribe - (i) to permit under specified conditions and for a limited period any such member, broker, or dealer to maintain a credit initially extended in conformity with the rules and regulations of the Board; and (ii) to permit the extension or maintenance of credit in cases where the extension or maintenance of credit is not for the purpose of purchasing or carrying securities or of evading or circumventing the provisions of subparagraph (A). (2) Margin regulations (A) Compliance with margin rules required It shall be unlawful for any broker, dealer, or member of a national securities exchange to, directly or indirectly, extend or maintain credit to or for, or collect margin from any customer on, any security futures product unless such activities comply with the regulations - (i) which the Board shall prescribe pursuant to subparagraph (B); or (ii) if the Board determines to delegate the authority to prescribe such regulations, which the Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission shall jointly prescribe pursuant to subparagraph (B). If the Board delegates the authority to prescribe such regulations under clause (ii) and the Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have not jointly prescribed such regulations within a reasonable period of time after the date of such delegation, the Board shall prescribe such regulations pursuant to subparagraph (B). (B) Criteria for issuance of rules The Board shall prescribe, or, if the authority is delegated pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii), the Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission shall jointly prescribe, such regulations to establish margin requirements, including the establishment of levels of margin (initial and maintenance) for security futures products under such terms, and at such levels, as the Board deems appropriate, or as the Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission jointly deem appropriate - (i) to preserve the financial integrity of markets trading security futures products; (ii) to prevent systemic risk; (iii) to require that - (I) the margin requirements for a security future product be consistent with the margin requirements for comparable option contracts traded on any exchange registered pursuant to section 78f(a) of this title; and (II) initial and maintenance margin levels for a security future product not be lower than the lowest level of margin, exclusive of premium, required for any comparable option contract traded on any exchange registered pursuant to section 78f(a) of this title, other than an option on a security future; except that nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to prevent a national securities exchange or national securities association from requiring higher margin levels for a security future product when it deems such action to be necessary or appropriate; and (iv) to ensure that the margin requirements (other than levels of margin), including the type, form, and use of collateral for security futures products, are and remain consistent with the requirements established by the Board, pursuant to subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1). (3) Exception This subsection and the rules and regulations issued under this subsection shall not apply to any credit extended, maintained, or arranged by a member of a national securities exchange or a broker or dealer to or for a member of a national securities exchange or a registered broker or dealer - (A) a substantial portion of whose business consists of transactions with persons other than brokers or dealers; or (B) to finance its activities as a market maker or an underwriter; except that the Board may impose such rules and regulations, in whole or in part, on any credit otherwise exempted by this paragraph if the Board determines that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. (d) Unlawful credit extension in violation of rules and regulations; exceptions to application of rules, etc. (1) Prohibition It shall be unlawful for any person not subject to subsection (c) of this section to extend or maintain credit or to arrange for the extension or maintenance of credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any security, in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Board shall prescribe to prevent the excessive use of credit for the purchasing or carrying of or trading in securities in circumvention of the other provisions of this section. Such rules and regulations may impose upon all loans made for the purpose of purchasing or carrying securities limitations similar to those imposed upon members, brokers, or dealers by subsection (c) of this section and the rules and regulations thereunder. (2) Exceptions This subsection and the rules and regulations issued under this subsection shall not apply to any credit extended, maintained, or arranged - (A) by a person not in the ordinary course of business; (B) on an exempted security; (C) to or for a member of a national securities exchange or a registered broker or dealer - (i) a substantial portion of whose business consists of transactions with persons other than brokers or dealers; or (ii) to finance its activities as a market maker or an underwriter; (D) by a bank on a security other than an equity security; or (E) as the Board shall, by such rules, regulations, or orders as it may deem necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors, exempt, either unconditionally or upon specified terms and conditions or for stated periods, from the operation of this subsection and the rules and regulations thereunder. (3) Board authority The Board may impose such rules and regulations, in whole or in part, on any credit otherwise exempted by subparagraph (C) if it determines that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. (e) Effective date of this section and rules and regulations The provisions of this section or the rules and regulations thereunder shall not apply on or before July 1, 1937, to any loan or extension of credit made prior to June 6, 1934, or to the maintenance, renewal, or extension of any such loan or credit, except to the extent that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may by rules and regulations prescribe as necessary to prevent the circumvention of the provisions of this section or the rules and regulations thereunder by means of withdrawals of funds or securities, substitutions of securities, or additional purchases or by any other device. (f) Unlawful receipt of credit; exemptions (1) It is unlawful for any United States person, or any foreign person controlled by a United States person or acting on behalf of or in conjunction with such person, to obtain, receive, or enjoy the beneficial use of a loan or other extension of credit from any lender (without regard to whether the lender's office or place of business is in a State or the transaction occurred in whole or in part within a State) for the purpose of (A) purchasing or carrying United States securities, or (B) purchasing or carrying within the United States of any other securities, if, under this section or rules and regulations prescribed thereunder, the loan or other credit transaction is prohibited or would be prohibited if it had been made or the transaction had otherwise occurred in a lender's office or other place of business in a State. (2) For the purposes of this subsection - (A) The term "United States person" includes a person which is organized or exists under the laws of any State or, in the case of a natural person, a citizen or resident of the United States; a domestic estate; or a trust in which one or more of the foregoing persons has a cumulative direct or indirect beneficial interest in excess of 50 per centum of the value of the trust. (B) The term "United States security" means a security (other than an exempted security) issued by a person incorporated under the laws of any State, or whose principal place of business is within a State. (C) The term "foreign person controlled by a United States person" includes any noncorporate entity in which United States persons directly or indirectly have more than a 50 per centum beneficial interest, and any corporation in which one or more United States persons, directly or indirectly, own stock possessing more than 50 per centum of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote, or more than 50 per centum of the total value of shares of all classes of stock. (3) The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may, in its discretion and with due regard for the purposes of this section, by rule or regulation exempt any class of United States persons or foreign persons controlled by a United States person from the application of this subsection. (g) Effect of bona fide agreement for delayed delivery of mortgage related security Subject to such rules and regulations as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may adopt in the public interest and for the protection of investors, no member of a national securities exchange or broker or dealer shall be deemed to have extended or maintained credit or arranged for the extension or maintenance of credit for the purpose of purchasing a security, within the meaning of this section, by reason of a bona fide agreement for delayed delivery of a mortgage related security or a small business related security against full payment of the purchase price thereof upon such delivery within one hundred and eighty days after the purchase, or within such shorter period as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may prescribe by rule or regulation. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 7, 48 Stat. 886; Aug. 23, 1935, ch. 614, Sec. 203(a), 49 Stat. 704; Pub. L. 90-437, July 29, 1968, 82 Stat. 452; Pub. L. 91-508, title III, Sec. 301(a), Oct. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 1124; Pub. L. 98-440, title I, Sec. 102, Oct. 3, 1984, 98 Stat. 1690; Pub. L. 103-325, title II, Sec. 203, Sept. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 2199; Pub. L. 104-290, title I, Sec. 104(a), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3422; Pub. L. 105-353, title III, Sec. 301(b)(5), (6), Nov. 3, 1998, 112 Stat. 3236; Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 206(b)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-429.) -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2000 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 206(b)(1)], inserted "or a security futures product" after "exempted security" in introductory provisions. Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 206(b)(2)], inserted "except as provided in paragraph (2)," after "security),". Subsec. (c)(2), (3). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 206(b)(3), (4)], added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3). 1998 - Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 105-353, Sec. 301(b)(5), substituted "Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System" for "Federal Reserve Board". Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105-353, Sec. 301(b)(6), substituted "exceptions" for "exception" in heading. 1996 - Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104-290, Sec. 104(a)(1), amended heading and text of subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "It shall be unlawful for any member of a national securities exchange or any broker or dealer, directly or indirectly, to extend or maintain credit or arrange for the extension or maintenance of credit to or for any customer - "(1) on any security (other than an exempted security), in contravention of the rules and regulations which the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall prescribe under subsections (a) and (b) of this section; "(2) without collateral or on any collateral other than securities, except in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may prescribe (A) to permit under specified conditions and for a limited period any such member, broker, or dealer to maintain a credit initially extended in conformity with the rules and regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and (B) to permit the extension or maintenance of credit in cases where the extension or maintenance of credit is not for the purpose of purchasing or carrying securities or of evading or circumventing the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection." Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104-290, Sec. 104(a)(2), amended heading and text of subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "It shall be unlawful for any person not subject to subsection (c) of this section to extend or maintain credit or to arrange for the extension or maintenance of credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any security, in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall prescribe to prevent the excessive use of credit for the purchasing or carrying of or trading in securities in circumvention of the other provisions of this section. Such rules and regulations may impose upon all loans made for the purpose of purchasing or carrying securities limitations similar to those imposed upon members, brokers, or dealers by subsection (c) of this section and the rules and regulations thereunder. This subsection and the rules and regulations thereunder shall not apply (A) to a loan made by a person not in the ordinary course of his business, (B) to a loan on an exempted security, (C) to a loan to a dealer to aid in the financing of the distribution of securities to customers not through the medium of a national securities exchange, (D) to a loan by a bank on a security other than an equity security, or (E) to such other loans as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall, by such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors, exempt, either unconditionally or upon specified terms and conditions or for stated periods, from the operation of this subsection and the rules and regulations thereunder." 1994 - Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 103-325 inserted "or a small business related security" after "mortgage related security". 1984 - Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 98-440 added subsec. (g). 1970 - Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 91-508 added subsec. (f). 1968 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90-437, Sec. 1(1), struck out "registered on a national securities exchange" after "(other than an exempted security)". Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90-437, Sec. 1(2), struck out "who transacts a business in securities through the medium of any such member" after "any broker or dealer", in par. (1) struck out "registered on a national securities exchange" after "(other than an exempted security)", and in par. (2) substituted "other than securities" for "other than exempted securities and/or securities registered upon a national securities exchange". Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 90-437, Sec. 1(3), struck out "registered on a national securities exchange" after "the purpose of purchasing or carrying any security", and "registered on national securities exchanges" after "the purpose of purchasing or carrying securities". -CHANGE- CHANGE OF NAME Act Aug. 23, 1935, in subsec. (e), substituted "Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System" for "Federal Reserve Board". -MISC2- EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1970 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 91-508 effective on first day of seventh calendar month which begins after Oct. 26, 1970, except as otherwise provided in section 401(c) of Pub. L. 91-508, see section 401(a) of Pub. L. 91-508, set out as a note under section 1951 of Title 12, Banks and Banking. Section 401(c) of Pub. L. 91-508 provided that: "The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may by regulation provide that the amendment made by title III [amending this section] shall be effective on any date not earlier than the publication of the regulation in the Federal Register and not later than the first day of the thirteenth calendar month which begins after the date of enactment [Oct. 26, 1970]." VALIDITY OF RULES AND REGULATIONS Section 301(b) of Pub. L. 91-508 provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] does not affect the continuing validity of any rule or regulation under section 7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [this section] in effect prior to the effective date of the amendment." -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78h 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78h. Restrictions on borrowing and lending by members, brokers, and dealers -STATUTE- It shall be unlawful for any registered broker or dealer, member of a national securities exchange, or broker or dealer who transacts a business in securities through the medium of any member of a national securities exchange, directly or indirectly - (a) In contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission shall prescribe for the protection of investors to hypothecate or arrange for the hypothecation of any securities carried for the account of any customer under circumstances (1) that will permit the commingling of his securities without his written consent with the securities of any other customer, (2) that will permit such securities to be commingled with the securities of any person other than a bona fide customer, or (3) that will permit such securities to be hypothecated, or subjected to any lien or claim of the pledgee, for a sum in excess of the aggregate indebtedness of such customers in respect of such securities. (b) To lend or arrange for the lending of any securities carried for the account of any customer without the written consent of such customer or in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission shall prescribe for the protection of investors. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 8, 48 Stat. 888; Aug. 23, 1935, ch. 614, Sec. 203(a), 49 Stat. 704; Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 5, June 4, 1975, 89 Stat. 109; Pub. L. 98-440, title I, Sec. 103, Oct. 3, 1984, 98 Stat. 1690; Pub. L. 103-325, title II, Sec. 204, Sept. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 2199; Pub. L. 104-290, title I, Sec. 104(b), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3423.) -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 1996 - Pub. L. 104-290 redesignated subsecs. (b) and (c) as (a) and (b), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (a) which related to borrowing in ordinary course of business as broker or dealer on any security, except exempted security, registered on national securities exchange. 1994 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103-325 inserted "or a small business related security" after "mortgage related security" in last sentence. 1984 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98-440 inserted provision that no person shall be deemed to have borrowed within the ordinary course of business, within the meaning of this subsection, by reason of a bona fide agreement for delayed delivery of a mortgage related security under certain conditions. 1975 - Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 5(1), substituted "any registered broker or dealer, member of a national securities exchange, or broker or dealer who transacts a business in securities through the medium of any member of a national securities exchange" for "any member of a national securities exchange, or any broker or dealer who transacts a business in securities through the medium of any such member" in provisions preceding subsec. (a). Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 5(2), redesignated subsecs. (c) and (d) as (b) and (c), respectively, and in subsec. (c) as so redesignated inserted "or in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commissioner shall prescribe for the protection of investors" after "written consent of such customer". Former subsec. (b), which covered the maximum allowable aggregate indebtedness of brokers, was struck out. -CHANGE- CHANGE OF NAME Act Aug. 23, 1935, substituted "Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System" for "Federal Reserve Board". -MISC2- EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 94-29 effective June 4, 1975, see section 31(a) of Pub. L. 94-29, set out as a note under section 78b of this title. -TRANS- TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS For transfer of functions of Securities and Exchange Commission, with certain exceptions, to Chairman of such Commission, see Reorg. Plan No. 10 of 1950, Secs. 1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3175, 64 Stat. 1265, set out under section 78d of this title. -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78i 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78i. Manipulation of security prices -STATUTE- (a) Transactions relating to purchase or sale of security It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, by the use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce, or of any facility of any national securities exchange, or for any member of a national securities exchange - (1) For the purpose of creating a false or misleading appearance of active trading in any security registered on a national securities exchange, or a false or misleading appearance with respect to the market for any such security, (A) to effect any transaction in such security which involves no change in the beneficial ownership thereof, or (B) to enter an order or orders for the purchase of such security with the knowledge that an order or orders of substantially the same size, at substantially the same time, and at substantially the same price, for the sale of any such security, has been or will be entered by or for the same or different parties, or (C) to enter any order or orders for the sale of any such security with the knowledge that an order or orders of substantially the same size, at substantially the same time, and at substantially the same price, for the purchase of such security, has been or will be entered by or for the same or different parties. (2) To effect, alone or with one or more other persons, a series of transactions in any security registered on a national securities exchange or in connection with any security-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) with respect to such security creating actual or apparent active trading in such security, or raising or depressing the price of such security, for the purpose of inducing the purchase or sale of such security by others. (3) If a dealer or broker, or other person selling or offering for sale or purchasing or offering to purchase the security or a security-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) with respect to such security, to induce the purchase or sale of any security registered on a national securities exchange or any security-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) with respect to such security by the circulation or dissemination in the ordinary course of business of information to the effect that the price of any such security will or is likely to rise or fall because of market operations of any one or more persons conducted for the purpose of raising or depressing the price of such security. (4) If a dealer or broker, or the person selling or offering for sale or purchasing or offering to purchase the security or a security-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) with respect to such security, to make, regarding any security registered on a national securities exchange or any security-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) with respect to such security, for the purpose of inducing the purchase or sale of such security or such security-based swap agreement, any statement which was at the time and in the light of the circumstances under which it was made, false or misleading with respect to any material fact, and which he knew or had reasonable ground to believe was so false or misleading. (5) For a consideration, received directly or indirectly from a dealer or broker, or other person selling or offering for sale or purchasing or offering to purchase the security or a security- based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm- Leach-Bliley Act) with respect to such security, to induce the purchase of any security registered on a national securities exchange or any security-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) with respect to such security by the circulation or dissemination of information to the effect that the price of any such security will or is likely to rise or fall because of the market operations of any one or more persons conducted for the purpose of raising or depressing the price of such security. (6) To effect either alone or with one or more other persons any series of transactions for the purchase and/or sale of any security registered on a national securities exchange for the purpose of pegging, fixing, or stabilizing the price of such security in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. (b) Transactions relating to puts, calls, straddles, or options It shall be unlawful for any person to effect, by use of any facility of a national securities exchange, in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors - (1) any transaction in connection with any security whereby any party to such transaction acquires (A) any put, call, straddle, or other option or privilege of buying the security from or selling the security to another without being bound to do so; or (B) any security futures product on the security; or (2) any transaction in connection with any security with relation to which he has, directly or indirectly, any interest in any (A) such put, call, straddle, option, or privilege; or (B) such security futures product; or (3) any transaction in any security for the account of any person who he has reason to believe has, and who actually has, directly or indirectly, any interest in any (A) such put, call, straddle, option, or privilege; or (B) such security futures product with relation to such security. (c) Endorsement or guarantee of puts, calls, straddles, or options It shall be unlawful for any member of a national securities exchange directly or indirectly to endorse or guarantee the performance of any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege in relation to any security registered on a national securities exchange, in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. (d) Registered warrant, right, or convertible security not included in "put", "call", "straddle", or "option" The terms "put", "call", "straddle", "option", or "privilege" as used in this section shall not include any registered warrant, right, or convertible security. (e) Persons liable; suits at law or in equity Any person who willfully participates in any act or transaction in violation of subsections (a), (b), or (c) of this section, shall be liable to any person who shall purchase or sell any security at a price which was affected by such act or transaction, and the person so injured may sue in law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover the damages sustained as a result of any such act or transaction. In any such suit the court may, in its discretion, require an undertaking for the payment of the costs of such suit, and assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, against either party litigant. Every person who becomes liable to make any payment under this subsection may recover contribution as in cases of contract from any person who, if joined in the original suit, would have been liable to make the same payment. No action shall be maintained to enforce any liability created under this section, unless brought within one year after the discovery of the facts constituting the violation and within three years after such violation. (f) Subsection (a) not applicable to exempted securities The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to an exempted security. (g) Foreign currencies and security futures products (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commission shall have the authority to regulate the trading of any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security, certificate of deposit, or group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency (but not, with respect to any of the foregoing, an option on a contract for future delivery other than a security futures product). (2) Notwithstanding the Commodity Exchange Act [7 U.S.C. 1 et seq.], the Commission shall have the authority to regulate the trading of any security futures product to the extent provided in the securities laws. (h) Limitations on practices that affect market volatility It shall be unlawful for any person, by the use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce or of any facility of any national securities exchange, to use or employ any act or practice in connection with the purchase or sale of any equity security in contravention of such rules or regulations as the Commission may adopt, consistent with the public interest, the protection of investors, and the maintenance of fair and orderly markets - (1) to prescribe means reasonably designed to prevent manipulation of price levels of the equity securities market or a substantial segment thereof; and (2) to prohibit or constrain, during periods of extraordinary market volatility, any trading practice in connection with the purchase or sale of equity securities that the Commission determines (A) has previously contributed significantly to extraordinary levels of volatility that have threatened the maintenance of fair and orderly markets; and (B) is reasonably certain to engender such levels of volatility if not prohibited or constrained. In adopting rules under paragraph (2), the Commission shall, consistent with the purposes of this subsection, minimize the impact on the normal operations of the market and a natural person's freedom to buy or sell any equity security. (i) Limitation on Commission authority The authority of the Commission under this section with respect to security-based swap agreements (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) shall be subject to the restrictions and limitations of section 78c-1(b) of this title. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 9, 48 Stat. 889; Pub. L. 97- 303, Sec. 3, Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1409; Pub. L. 101-432, Sec. 6(a), Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 975; Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 205(a)(1), (2), title III, Sec. 303(b), (c)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-425, 2763A-426, 2763A-453, 2763A- 454.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT Section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2) to (5) and (i), is section 206B of Pub. L. 106-102, which is set out in a note under section 78c of this title. The Commodity Exchange Act, referred to in subsec. (g)(2), is act Sept. 21, 1922, ch. 369, 42 Stat. 998, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 1 (Sec. 1 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1 of Title 7 and Tables. -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2000 - Subsec. (a)(2) to (5). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title III, Sec. 303(b)], amended pars. (2) to (5) generally. Prior to amendment, pars. (2) to (5) read as follows: "(2) To effect, alone or with one or more other persons, a series of transactions in any security registered on a national securities exchange creating actual or apparent active trading in such security or raising or depressing the price of such security, for the purpose of inducing the purchase or sale of such security by others. "(3) If a dealer or broker, or other person selling or offering for sale or purchasing or offering to purchase the security, to induce the purchase or sale of any security registered on a national securities exchange by the circulation or dissemination in the ordinary course of business of information to the effect that the price of any such security will or is likely to rise or fall because of market operations of any one or more persons conducted for the purpose of raising or depressing the prices of such security. "(4) If a dealer or broker, or other person selling or offering for sale or purchasing or offering to purchase the security, to make, regarding any security registered on a national securities exchange, for the purpose of inducing the purchase or sale of such security, any statement which was at the time and in the light of the circumstances under which it was made, false or misleading with respect to any material fact, and which he knew or had reasonable ground to believe was so false or misleading. "(5) For a consideration, received directly or indirectly from a dealer or broker, or other person selling or offering for sale or purchasing or offering to purchase the security, to induce the purchase or sale of any security registered on a national securities exchange by the circulation or dissemination of information to the effect that the price of any such security will or is likely to rise or fall because of the market operations of any one or more persons conducted for the purpose of raising or depressing the price of such security." Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 205(a)(1)(A)], inserted "(A)" after "acquires" and substituted "; or (B) any security futures product on the security; or" for "; or". Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 205(a)(1)(B)], inserted "(A)" after "interest in any" and substituted "; or (B) such security futures product; or" for "; or". Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 205(a)(1)(C)], inserted "(A)" after "interest in any" and "; or (B) such security futures product" after "privilege". Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 205(a)(2)], designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted "other than a security futures product" after "future delivery", and added par. (2). Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title III, Sec. 303(c)], added subsec. (i). 1990 - Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101-432 added subsec. (h). 1982 - Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97-303, Sec. 3(1), substituted "The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply" for "The provisions of this section shall not apply". Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 97-303, Sec. 3(2), added subsec. (g). -TRANS- TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS For transfer of functions of Securities and Exchange Commission, with certain exceptions, to Chairman of such Commission, see Reorg. Plan No. 10 of 1950, Secs. 1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3175, 64 Stat. 1265, set out under section 78d of this title. -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78j 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78j. Manipulative and deceptive devices -STATUTE- It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, by the use of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce or of the mails, or of any facility of any national securities exchange - (a)(1) To effect a short sale, or to use or employ any stop- loss order in connection with the purchase or sale, of any security registered on a national securities exchange, in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. (2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply to security futures products. (b) To use or employ, in connection with the purchase or sale of any security registered on a national securities exchange or any security not so registered, or any securities-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act), any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. Rules promulgated under subsection (b) of this section that prohibit fraud, manipulation, or insider trading (but not rules imposing or specifying reporting or recordkeeping requirements, procedures, or standards as prophylactic measures against fraud, manipulation, or insider trading), and judicial precedents decided under subsection (b) of this section and rules promulgated thereunder that prohibit fraud, manipulation, or insider trading, shall apply to security-based swap agreements (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) to the same extent as they apply to securities. Judicial precedents decided under section 77q(a) of this title and sections 78i, 78o, 78p, 78t, and 78u-1 of this title, and judicial precedents decided under applicable rules promulgated under such sections, shall apply to security-based swap agreements (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) to the same extent as they apply to securities. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 10, 48 Stat. 891; Pub. L. 106- 554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 206(g), title III, Sec. 303(d)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-432, 2763A-454.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT Section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, referred to in text, is section 206B of Pub. L. 106-102, which is set out in a note under section 78c of this title. -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2000 - Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title III, Sec. 303(d)(2)], inserted concluding provisions at end. Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 206(g)], designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2). Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title III, Sec. 303(d)(1)], inserted "or any securities-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act)," before "any manipulative or deceptive device". -TRANS- TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS For transfer of functions of Securities and Exchange Commission, with certain exceptions, to Chairman of such Commission, see Reorg. Plan No. 10 of 1950, Secs. 1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3175, 64 Stat. 1265, set out under section 78d of this title. -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78j-1 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78j-1. Audit requirements -STATUTE- (a) In general Each audit required pursuant to this chapter of the financial statements of an issuer by a registered public accounting firm shall include, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, as may be modified or supplemented from time to time by the Commission - (1) procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance of detecting illegal acts that would have a direct and material effect on the determination of financial statement amounts; (2) procedures designed to identify related party transactions that are material to the financial statements or otherwise require disclosure therein; and (3) an evaluation of whether there is substantial doubt about the ability of the issuer to continue as a going concern during the ensuing fiscal year. (b) Required response to audit discoveries (1) Investigation and report to management If, in the course of conducting an audit pursuant to this chapter to which subsection (a) of this section applies, the registered public accounting firm detects or otherwise becomes aware of information indicating that an illegal act (whether or not perceived to have a material effect on the financial statements of the issuer) has or may have occurred, the firm shall, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, as may be modified or supplemented from time to time by the Commission - (A)(i) determine whether it is likely that an illegal act has occurred; and (ii) if so, determine and consider the possible effect of the illegal act on the financial statements of the issuer, including any contingent monetary effects, such as fines, penalties, and damages; and (B) as soon as practicable, inform the appropriate level of the management of the issuer and assure that the audit committee of the issuer, or the board of directors of the issuer in the absence of such a committee, is adequately informed with respect to illegal acts that have been detected or have otherwise come to the attention of such firm in the course of the audit, unless the illegal act is clearly inconsequential. (2) Response to failure to take remedial action If, after determining that the audit committee of the board of directors of the issuer, or the board of directors of the issuer in the absence of an audit committee, is adequately informed with respect to illegal acts that have been detected or have otherwise come to the attention of the firm in the course of the audit of such firm, the registered public accounting firm concludes that - (A) the illegal act has a material effect on the financial statements of the issuer; (B) the senior management has not taken, and the board of directors has not caused senior management to take, timely and appropriate remedial actions with respect to the illegal act; and (C) the failure to take remedial action is reasonably expected to warrant departure from a standard report of the auditor, when made, or warrant resignation from the audit engagement; the registered public accounting firm shall, as soon as practicable, directly report its conclusions to the board of directors. (3) Notice to Commission; response to failure to notify An issuer whose board of directors receives a report under paragraph (2) shall inform the Commission by notice not later than 1 business day after the receipt of such report and shall furnish the registered public accounting firm making such report with a copy of the notice furnished to the Commission. If the registered public accounting firm fails to receive a copy of the notice before the expiration of the required 1-business-day period, the registered public accounting firm shall - (A) resign from the engagement; or (B) furnish to the Commission a copy of its report (or the documentation of any oral report given) not later than 1 business day following such failure to receive notice. (4) Report after resignation If a registered public accounting firm resigns from an engagement under paragraph (3)(A), the firm shall, not later than 1 business day following the failure by the issuer to notify the Commission under paragraph (3), furnish to the Commission a copy of the report of the firm (or the documentation of any oral report given). (c) Auditor liability limitation No registered public accounting firm shall be liable in a private action for any finding, conclusion, or statement expressed in a report made pursuant to paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection (b) of this section, including any rule promulgated pursuant thereto. (d) Civil penalties in cease-and-desist proceedings If the Commission finds, after notice and opportunity for hearing in a proceeding instituted pursuant to section 78u-3 of this title, that a registered public accounting firm has willfully violated paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection (b) of this section, the Commission may, in addition to entering an order under section 78u- 3 of this title, impose a civil penalty against the registered public accounting firm and any other person that the Commission finds was a cause of such violation. The determination to impose a civil penalty and the amount of the penalty shall be governed by the standards set forth in section 78u-2 of this title. (e) Preservation of existing authority Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, nothing in this section shall be held to limit or otherwise affect the authority of the Commission under this chapter. (f) Definitions As used in this section, the term "illegal act" means an act or omission that violates any law, or any rule or regulation having the force of law. As used in this section, the term "issuer" means an issuer (as defined in section 78c of this title), the securities of which are registered under section 78l of this title, or that is required to file reports pursuant to section 78o(d) of this title, or that files or has filed a registration statement that has not yet become effective under the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.), and that it has not withdrawn. (g) Prohibited activities Except as provided in subsection (h) of this section, it shall be unlawful for a registered public accounting firm (and any associated person of that firm, to the extent determined appropriate by the Commission) that performs for any issuer any audit required by this chapter or the rules of the Commission under this chapter or, beginning 180 days after the date of commencement of the operations of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board established under section 7211 of this title (in this section referred to as the "Board"), the rules of the Board, to provide to that issuer, contemporaneously with the audit, any non-audit service, including - (1) bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the audit client; (2) financial information systems design and implementation; (3) appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions, or contribution-in-kind reports; (4) actuarial services; (5) internal audit outsourcing services; (6) management functions or human resources; (7) broker or dealer, investment adviser, or investment banking services; (8) legal services and expert services unrelated to the audit; and (9) any other service that the Board determines, by regulation, is impermissible. (h) Preapproval required for non-audit services A registered public accounting firm may engage in any non-audit service, including tax services, that is not described in any of paragraphs (1) through (9) of subsection (g) of this section for an audit client, only if the activity is approved in advance by the audit committee of the issuer, in accordance with subsection (i) of this section. (i) Preapproval requirements (1) In general (A) Audit committee action All auditing services (which may entail providing comfort letters in connection with securities underwritings or statutory audits required for insurance companies for purposes of State law) and non-audit services, other than as provided in subparagraph (B), provided to an issuer by the auditor of the issuer shall be preapproved by the audit committee of the issuer. (B) De minimus (!1) exception The preapproval requirement under subparagraph (A) is waived with respect to the provision of non-audit services for an issuer, if - (i) the aggregate amount of all such non-audit services provided to the issuer constitutes not more than 5 percent of the total amount of revenues paid by the issuer to its auditor during the fiscal year in which the nonaudit services are provided; (ii) such services were not recognized by the issuer at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the audit committee of the issuer and approved prior to the completion of the audit by the audit committee or by 1 or more members of the audit committee who are members of the board of directors to whom authority to grant such approvals has been delegated by the audit committee. (2) Disclosure to investors Approval by an audit committee of an issuer under this subsection of a non-audit service to be performed by the auditor of the issuer shall be disclosed to investors in periodic reports required by section 78m(a) of this title. (3) Delegation authority The audit committee of an issuer may delegate to 1 or more designated members of the audit committee who are independent directors of the board of directors, the authority to grant preapprovals required by this subsection. The decisions of any member to whom authority is delegated under this paragraph to preapprove an activity under this subsection shall be presented to the full audit committee at each of its scheduled meetings. (4) Approval of audit services for other purposes In carrying out its duties under subsection (m)(2) of this section, if the audit committee of an issuer approves an audit service within the scope of the engagement of the auditor, such audit service shall be deemed to have been preapproved for purposes of this subsection. (j) Audit partner rotation It shall be unlawful for a registered public accounting firm to provide audit services to an issuer if the lead (or coordinating) audit partner (having primary responsibility for the audit), or the audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit, has performed audit services for that issuer in each of the 5 previous fiscal years of that issuer. (k) Reports to audit committees Each registered public accounting firm that performs for any issuer any audit required by this chapter shall timely report to the audit committee of the issuer - (1) all critical accounting policies and practices to be used; (2) all alternative treatments of financial information within generally accepted accounting principles that have been discussed with management officials of the issuer, ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the registered public accounting firm; and (3) other material written communications between the registered public accounting firm and the management of the issuer, such as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences. (l) Conflicts of interest It shall be unlawful for a registered public accounting firm to perform for an issuer any audit service required by this chapter, if a chief executive officer, controller, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, or any person serving in an equivalent position for the issuer, was employed by that registered independent public accounting firm and participated in any capacity in the audit of that issuer during the 1-year period preceding the date of the initiation of the audit. (m) Standards relating to audit committees (1) Commission rules (A) In general Effective not later than 270 days after July 30, 2002, the Commission shall, by rule, direct the national securities exchanges and national securities associations to prohibit the listing of any security of an issuer that is not in compliance with the requirements of any portion of paragraphs (2) through (6). (B) Opportunity to cure defects The rules of the Commission under subparagraph (A) shall provide for appropriate procedures for an issuer to have an opportunity to cure any defects that would be the basis for a prohibition under subparagraph (A), before the imposition of such prohibition. (2) Responsibilities relating to registered public accounting firms The audit committee of each issuer, in its capacity as a committee of the board of directors, shall be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of any registered public accounting firm employed by that issuer (including resolution of disagreements between management and the auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work, and each such registered public accounting firm shall report directly to the audit committee. (3) Independence (A) In general Each member of the audit committee of the issuer shall be a member of the board of directors of the issuer, and shall otherwise be independent. (B) Criteria In order to be considered to be independent for purposes of this paragraph, a member of an audit committee of an issuer may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit committee, the board of directors, or any other board committee - (i) accept any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the issuer; or (ii) be an affiliated person of the issuer or any subsidiary thereof. (C) Exemption authority The Commission may exempt from the requirements of subparagraph (B) a particular relationship with respect to audit committee members, as the Commission determines appropriate in light of the circumstances. (4) Complaints Each audit committee shall establish procedures for - (A) the receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints received by the issuer regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters; and (B) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the issuer of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. (5) Authority to engage advisers Each audit committee shall have the authority to engage independent counsel and other advisers, as it determines necessary to carry out its duties. (6) Funding Each issuer shall provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the audit committee, in its capacity as a committee of the board of directors, for payment of compensation - (A) to the registered public accounting firm employed by the issuer for the purpose of rendering or issuing an audit report; and (B) to any advisers employed by the audit committee under paragraph (5). -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 10A, as added Pub. L. 104-67, title III, Sec. 301(a), Dec. 22, 1995, 109 Stat. 762; amended Pub. L. 107-204, title II, Secs. 201(a), 202-204, 205(b), (d), 206, title III, Sec. 301, July 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 771-775.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b)(1), (e), (g), (k), and (l), was in the original "this title". See References in Text note set out under section 78a of this title. The Securities Act of 1933, referred to in subsec. (f), is title I of act May 27, 1933, ch. 38, 48 Stat. 74, as amended, which is classified generally to subchapter I (Sec. 77a et seq.) of chapter 2A of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 77a of this title and Tables. -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 205(b)(1), substituted "a registered public accounting firm" for "an independent public accountant" in introductory provisions. Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 205(b)(2), (4)(A), in introductory provisions, substituted "the registered public accounting firm" for "the independent public accountant" and "the firm" for "the accountant". Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 205(b)(4)(B), substituted "such firm" for "such accountant". Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 205(b)(2), (4)(A), (B), in introductory provisions, substituted "the firm" for "the accountant", "such firm" for "such accountant", and "the registered public accounting firm" for "the independent public accountant" and, in concluding provisions, substituted "the registered public accounting firm" for "the independent public accountant". Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 205(b)(2), substituted "the registered public accounting firm" for "the independent public accountant" wherever appearing in introductory provisions. Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 205(b)(1), (4)(A), (C), substituted "a registered public accounting firm" for "an independent public accountant", "the firm" for "the accountant", and "the report of the firm" for "the accountant's report". Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 205(b)(3), substituted "No registered public accounting firm" for "No independent public accountant". Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 205(b)(1), (2), substituted "a registered public accounting firm" for "an independent public accountant" and "the registered public accounting firm" for "the independent public accountant". Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 205(d), substituted "Definitions" for "Definition" in heading and inserted at end "As used in this section, the term 'issuer' means an issuer (as defined in section 78c of this title), the securities of which are registered under section 78l of this title, or that is required to file reports pursuant to section 78o(d) of this title, or that files or has filed a registration statement that has not yet become effective under the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.), and that it has not withdrawn." Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 201(a), added subsecs. (g) and (h). Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 202, added subsec. (i). Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 203, added subsec. (j). Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 204, added subsec. (k). Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 206, added subsec. (l). Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 301, added subsec. (m). EFFECTIVE DATE Section 301(b) of Pub. L. 104-67 provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [enacting this section] shall apply to each annual report - "(1) for any period beginning on or after January 1, 1996, with respect to any registrant that is required to file selected quarterly financial data pursuant to the rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and "(2) for any period beginning on or after January 1, 1997, with respect to any other registrant." CONSTRUCTION Section 203 of Pub. L. 104-67 provided that: "Nothing in this Act [see Short Title of 1995 Amendment note set out under section 78a of this title] or the amendments made by this Act shall be deemed to create or ratify any implied private right of action, or to prevent the Commission, by rule or regulation, from restricting or otherwise regulating private actions under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.]." -FOOTNOTE- (!1) So in original. Probably should be "De minimis". -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78k 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78k. Trading by members of exchanges, brokers, and dealers -STATUTE- (a) Trading for own account or account of associated person; exceptions (1) It shall be unlawful for any member of a national securities exchange to effect any transaction on such exchange for its own account, the account of an associated person, or an account with respect to which it or an associated person thereof exercises investment discretion: Provided, however, That this paragraph shall not make unlawful - (A) any transaction by a dealer acting in the capacity of market maker; (B) any transaction for the account of an odd-lot dealer in a security in which he is so registered; (C) any stabilizing transaction effected in compliance with rules under section 78j(b) of this title to facilitate a distribution of a security in which the member effecting such transaction is participating; (D) any bona fide arbitrage transaction, any bona fide hedge transaction involving a long or short position in an equity security and a long or short position in a security entitling the holder to acquire or sell such equity security, or any risk arbitrage transaction in connection with a merger, acquisition, tender offer, or similar transaction involving a recapitalization; (E) any transaction for the account of a natural person, the estate of a natural person, or a trust created by a natural person for himself or another natural person; (F) any transaction to offset a transaction made in error; (G) any other transaction for a member's own account provided that (i) such member is primarily engaged in the business of underwriting and distributing securities issued by other persons, selling securities to customers, and acting as broker, or any one or more of such activities, and whose gross income normally is derived principally from such business and related activities and (ii) such transaction is effected in compliance with rules of the Commission which, as a minimum, assure that the transaction is not inconsistent with the maintenance of fair and orderly markets and yields priority, parity, and precedence in execution to orders for the account of persons who are not members or associated with members of the exchange; (H) any transaction for an account with respect to which such member or an associated person thereof exercises investment discretion if such member - (i) has obtained, from the person or persons authorized to transact business for the account, express authorization for such member or associated person to effect such transactions prior to engaging in the practice of effecting such transactions; (ii) furnishes the person or persons authorized to transact business for the account with a statement at least annually disclosing the aggregate compensation received by the exchange member in effecting such transactions; and (iii) complies with any rules the Commission has prescribed with respect to the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii); and (I) any other transaction of a kind which the Commission, by rule, determines is consistent with the purposes of this paragraph, the protection of investors, and the maintenance of fair and orderly markets. (2) The Commission, by rule, as it deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors, to maintain fair and orderly markets, or to assure equal regulation of exchange markets and markets occurring otherwise than on an exchange, may regulate or prohibit: (A) transactions on a national securities exchange not unlawful under paragraph (1) of this subsection effected by any member thereof for its own account (unless such member is acting in the capacity of market maker or odd-lot dealer), the account of an associated person, or an account with respect to which such member or an associated person thereof exercises investment discretion; (B) transactions otherwise than on a national securities exchange effected by use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce by any member of a national securities exchange, broker, or dealer for the account of such member, broker, or dealer (unless such member, broker, or dealer is acting in the capacity of a market maker) (!1) the account of an associated person, or an account with respect to which such member, broker, or dealer or associated person thereof exercises investment discretion; and (C) transactions on a national securities exchange effected by any broker or dealer not a member thereof for the account of such broker or dealer (unless such broker or dealer is acting in the capacity of market maker), the account of an associated person, or an account with respect to which such broker or dealer or associated person thereof exercises investment discretion. (3) The provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection insofar as they apply to transactions on a national securities exchange effected by a member thereof who was a member on February 1, 1978 shall not become effective until February 1, 1979. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to impair or limit the authority of the Commission to regulate or prohibit such transactions prior to February 1, 1979, pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection. (b) Registration of members as odd-lot dealers and specialists When not in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors, to maintain fair and orderly markets, or to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a national market system, the rules of a national securities exchange may permit (1) a member to be registered as an odd-lot dealer and as such to buy and sell for his own account so far as may be reasonably necessary to carry on such odd-lot transactions, and (2) a member to be registered as a specialist. Under the rules and regulations of the Commission a specialist may be permitted to act as a broker and dealer or limited to acting as a broker or dealer. It shall be unlawful for a specialist or an official of the exchange to disclose information in regard to orders placed with such specialist which is not available to all members of the exchange, to any person other than an official of the exchange, a representative of the Commission, or a specialist who may be acting for such specialist: Provided, however, That the Commission, by rule, may require disclosure to all members of the exchange of all orders placed with specialists, under such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. It shall also be unlawful for a specialist permitted to act as a broker and dealer to effect on the exchange as broker any transaction except upon a market or limited price order. (c) Exemptions from provisions of section and rules and regulations If because of the limited volume of transactions effected on an exchange, it is in the opinion of the Commission impracticable and not necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors to apply any of the foregoing provisions of this section or the rules and regulations thereunder, the Commission shall have power, upon application of the exchange and on a showing that the rules of such exchange are otherwise adequate for the protection of investors, to exempt such exchange and its members from any such provision or rules and regulations. (d) Prohibition on extension of credit by broker-dealer It shall be unlawful for a member of a national securities exchange who is both a dealer and a broker, or for any person who both as a broker and a dealer transacts a business in securities through the medium of a member or otherwise, to effect through the use of any facility of a national securities exchange or of the mails or of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce, or otherwise in the case of a member, (1) any transaction in connection with which, directly or indirectly, he extends or maintains or arranges for the extension or maintenance of credit to or for a customer on any security (other than an exempted security) which was a part of a new issue in the distribution of which he participated as a member of a selling syndicate or group within thirty days prior to such transaction: Provided, That credit shall not be deemed extended by reason of a bona fide delayed delivery of (i) any such security against full payment of the entire purchase price thereof upon such delivery within thirty-five days after such purchase or (ii) any mortgage related security or any small business related security against full payment of the entire purchase price thereof upon such delivery within one hundred and eighty days after such purchase, or within such shorter period as the Commission may prescribe by rule or regulation, or (2) any transaction with respect to any security (other than an exempted security) unless, if the transaction is with a customer, he discloses to such customer in writing at or before the completion of the transaction whether he is acting as a dealer for his own account, as a broker for such customer, or as a broker for some other person. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 11, 48 Stat. 891; Aug. 10, 1954, ch. 667, title II, Sec. 201, 68 Stat. 686; Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 6, June 4, 1975, 89 Stat. 110; Pub. L. 95-283, Sec. 18(a), May 21, 1978, 92 Stat. 275; Pub. L. 98-440, title I, Sec. 104, Oct. 3, 1984, 98 Stat. 1690; Pub. L. 103-68, Sec. 1, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 691; Pub. L. 103-325, title II, Sec. 205, Sept. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 2199.) -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 1994 - Subsec. (d)(1)(ii). Pub. L. 103-325 inserted "or any small business related security" after "mortgage related security". 1993 - Subsec. (a)(1)(E). Pub. L. 103-68, Sec. 1(1), struck out "(other than an investment company)" after "trust". Subsec. (a)(1)(H), (I). Pub. L. 103-68, Sec. 1(2)-(4), added subpar. (H) and redesignated former subpar. (H) as (I). 1984 - Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 98-440 designated existing provisions of par. (1) as cl. (i) and added cl. (ii). 1978 - Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 95-283 substituted "February 1, 1978" for "May 1, 1975", and "February 1, 1979" for "May 1, 1978" in two places. 1975 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 6(2), prohibited stock exchange members from effecting any transaction on the exchange for its own account, the account of an associated person, or an account with respect to which the member or an associated person exercises investment discretion, exempted from that prohibition 8 types of transactions, and authorized the Commission, as it deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors, to regulate or prohibit the specifically exempted transactions, certain transactions otherwise that on a national securities exchange, and transactions on a national securities exchange effected by a broker or dealer not a member thereof for the account of such broker or dealer, the account of an associated person, or an account with respect to which such broker, dealer, or associated person exercises investment discretion. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 6(2), struck out requirement that specialist's dealings be limited to those transactions reasonably necessary to permit him to maintain a fair and orderly market, expanded the Commission's rulemaking authority in the area of specialist's dealings so that the Commission may define responsibilities and restrict activities of specialists in response to changing conditions in the market, expanded the standards to be followed by the Commission in exercising its rulemaking power to include the maintenance of fair and orderly markets and the removal of impediments to and the perfection of the mechanism of a national market system, and inserted specific reference to the Commission's power to limit the activity of a specialist to that of a broker or dealer. Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 6(3), struck out subsec. (e) which directed the Commission to make a study, to be submitted on or before Jan. 3, 1936, of the feasibility of segregating the functions of dealer and broker. 1954 - Subsec. (d). Act Aug. 10, 1954, reduced from 6 months to 30 days the prohibition period against extending credit to purchasers of a new issue by dealers. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1978 AMENDMENT Section 18(b) of Pub. L. 95-283 provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] shall be effective as of May 1, 1978." EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 94-29 effective June 4, 1975, see section 31(a) of Pub. L. 94-29, set out as a note under section 78b of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1954 AMENDMENT Amendment by act Aug. 10, 1954, effective 60 days after Aug. 10, 1954, see note under section 77b of this title. -TRANS- TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS For transfer of functions of Securities and Exchange Commission, with certain exceptions, to Chairman of such Commission, see Reorg. Plan No. 10 of 1950, Secs. 1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3175, 64 Stat. 1265, set out under section 78d of this title. -FOOTNOTE- (!1) So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma. -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78k-1 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78k-1. National market system for securities; securities information processors -STATUTE- (a) Congressional findings; facilitating establishment of national market system for securities; designation of qualified securities (1) The Congress finds that - (A) The securities markets are an important national asset which must be preserved and strengthened. (B) New data processing and communications techniques create the opportunity for more efficient and effective market operations. (C) It is in the public interest and appropriate for the protection of investors and the maintenance of fair and orderly markets to assure - (i) economically efficient execution of securities transactions; (ii) fair competition among brokers and dealers, among exchange markets, and between exchange markets and markets other than exchange markets; (iii) the availability to brokers, dealers, and investors of information with respect to quotations for and transactions in securities; (iv) the practicability of brokers executing investors' orders in the best market; and (v) an opportunity, consistent with the provisions of clauses (i) and (iv) of this subparagraph, for investors' orders to be executed without the participation of a dealer. (D) The linking of all markets for qualified securities through communication and data processing facilities will foster efficiency, enhance competition, increase the information available to brokers, dealers, and investors, facilitate the offsetting of investors' orders, and contribute to best execution of such orders. (2) The Commission is directed, therefore, having due regard for the public interest, the protection of investors, and the maintenance of fair and orderly markets, to use its authority under this chapter to facilitate the establishment of a national market system for securities (which may include subsystems for particular types of securities with unique trading characteristics) in accordance with the findings and to carry out the objectives set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection. The Commission, by rule, shall designate the securities or classes of securities qualified for trading in the national market system from among securities other than exempted securities. (Securities or classes of securities so designated hereinafter (!1) in this section referred to as "qualified securities".) (3) The Commission is authorized in furtherance of the directive in paragraph (2) of this subsection - (A) to create one or more advisory committees pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (which shall be in addition to the National Market Advisory Board established pursuant to subsection (d) of this section) and to employ one or more outside experts; (B) by rule or order, to authorize or require self-regulatory organizations to act jointly with respect to matters as to which they share authority under this chapter in planning, developing, operating, or regulating a national market system (or a subsystem thereof) or one or more facilities thereof; and (C) to conduct studies and make recommendations to the Congress from time to time as to the possible need for modifications of the scheme of self-regulation provided for in this chapter so as to adapt it to a national market system. (b) Securities information processors; registration; withdrawal of registration; access to services; censure; suspension or revocation of registration (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it shall be unlawful for any securities information processor unless registered in accordance with this subsection, directly or indirectly, to make use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce to perform the functions of a securities information processor. The Commission, by rule or order, upon its own motion or upon application, may conditionally or unconditionally exempt any securities information processor or class of securities information processors or security or class of securities from any provision of this section or the rules or regulations thereunder, if the Commission finds that such exemption is consistent with the public interest, the protection of investors, and the purposes of this section, including the maintenance of fair and orderly markets in securities and the removal of impediments to and perfection of the mechanism of a national market system: Provided, however, That a securities information processor not acting as the exclusive processor of any information with respect to quotations for or transactions in securities is exempt from the requirement to register in accordance with this subsection unless the Commission, by rule or order, finds that the registration of such securities information processor is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or for the achievement of the purposes of this section. (2) A securities information processor may be registered by filing with the Commission an application for registration in such form as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe containing the address of its principal office, or offices, the names of the securities and markets for which it is then acting and for which it proposes to act as a securities information processor, and such other information and documents as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe with regard to performance capability, standards and procedures for the collection, processing, distribution, and publication of information with respect to quotations for and transactions in securities, personnel qualifications, financial condition, and such other matters as the Commission determines to be germane to the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations thereunder, or necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of this section. (3) The Commission shall, upon the filing of an application for registration pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection, publish notice of the filing and afford interested persons an opportunity to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning such application. Within ninety days of the date of the publication of such notice (or within such longer period as to which the applicant consents) the Commission shall - (A) by order grant such registration, or (B) institute proceedings to determine whether registration should be denied. Such proceedings shall include notice of the grounds for denial under consideration and opportunity for hearing and shall be concluded within one hundred eighty days of the date of publication of notice of the filing of the application for registration. At the conclusion of such proceedings the Commission, by order, shall grant or deny such registration. The Commission may extend the time for the conclusion of such proceedings for up to sixty days if it finds good cause for such extension and publishes its reasons for so finding or for such longer periods as to which the applicant consents. The Commission shall grant the registration of a securities information processor if the Commission finds that such securities information processor is so organized, and has the capacity, to be able to assure the prompt, accurate, and reliable performance of its functions as a securities information processor, comply with the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations thereunder, carry out its functions in a manner consistent with the purposes of this section, and, insofar as it is acting as an exclusive processor, operate fairly and efficiently. The Commission shall deny the registration of a securities information processor if the Commission does not make any such finding. (4) A registered securities information processor may, upon such terms and conditions as the Commission deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors, withdraw from registration by filing a written notice of withdrawal with the Commission. If the Commission finds that any registered securities information processor is no longer in existence or has ceased to do business in the capacity specified in its application for registration, the Commission, by order, shall cancel the registration. (5)(A) If any registered securities information processor prohibits or limits any person in respect of access to services offered, directly or indirectly, by such securities information processor, the registered securities information processor shall promptly file notice thereof with the Commission. The notice shall be in such form and contain such information as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. Any prohibition or limitation on access to services with respect to which a registered securities information processor is required by this paragraph to file notice shall be subject to review by the Commission on its own motion, or upon application by any person aggrieved thereby filed within thirty days after such notice has been filed with the Commission and received by such aggrieved person, or within such longer period as the Commission may determine. Application to the Commission for review, or the institution of review by the Commission on its own motion, shall not operate as a stay of such prohibition or limitation, unless the Commission otherwise orders, summarily or after notice and opportunity for hearing on the question of a stay (which hearing may consist solely of the submission of affidavits or presentation of oral arguments). The Commission shall establish for appropriate cases an expedited procedure for consideration and determination of the question of a stay. (B) In any proceeding to review the prohibition or limitation of any person in respect of access to services offered by a registered securities information processor, if the Commission finds, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that such prohibition or limitation is consistent with the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations thereunder and that such person has not been discriminated against unfairly, the Commission, by order, shall dismiss the proceeding. If the Commission does not make any such finding or if it finds that such prohibition or limitation imposes any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, the Commission, by order, shall set aside the prohibition or limitation and require the registered securities information processor to permit such person access to services offered by the registered securities information processor. (6) The Commission, by order, may censure or place limitations upon the activities, functions, or operations of any registered securities information processor or suspend for a period not exceeding twelve months or revoke the registration of any such processor, if the Commission finds, on the record after notice and opportunity for hearing, that such censure, placing of limitations, suspension, or revocation is in the public interest, necessary or appropriate for the protection of investors or to assure the prompt, accurate, or reliable performance of the functions of such securities information processor, and that such securities information processor has violated or is unable to comply with any provision of this chapter or the rules or regulations thereunder. (c) Rules and regulations covering use of mails or other means or instrumentalities of interstate commerce; reports of purchase or sale of qualified securities; limiting registered securities transactions to national securities exchanges (1) No self-regulatory organization, member thereof, securities information processor, broker, or dealer shall make use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce to collect, process, distribute, publish, or prepare for distribution or publication any information with respect to quotations for or transactions in any security other than an exempted security, to assist, participate in, or coordinate the distribution or publication of such information, or to effect any transaction in, or to induce or attempt to induce the purchase or sale of, any such security in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission shall prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter to - (A) prevent the use, distribution, or publication of fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative information with respect to quotations for and transactions in such securities; (B) assure the prompt, accurate, reliable, and fair collection, processing, distribution, and publication of information with respect to quotations for and transactions in such securities and the fairness and usefulness of the form and content of such information; (C) assure that all securities information processors may, for purposes of distribution and publication, obtain on fair and reasonable terms such information with respect to quotations for and transactions in such securities as is collected, processed, or prepared for distribution or publication by any exclusive processor of such information acting in such capacity; (D) assure that all exchange members, brokers, dealers, securities information processors, and, subject to such limitations as the Commission, by rule, may impose as necessary or appropriate for the protection of investors or maintenance of fair and orderly markets, all other persons may obtain on terms which are not unreasonably discriminatory such information with respect to quotations for and transactions in such securities as is published or distributed by any self-regulatory organization or securities information processor; (E) assure that all exchange members, brokers, and dealers transmit and direct orders for the purchase or sale of qualified securities in a manner consistent with the establishment and operation of a national market system; and (F) assure equal regulation of all markets for qualified securities and all exchange members, brokers, and dealers effecting transactions in such securities. (2) The Commission, by rule, as it deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors, may require any person who has effected the purchase or sale of any qualified security by use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce to report such purchase or sale to a registered securities information processor, national securities exchange, or registered securities association and require such processor, exchange, or association to make appropriate distribution and publication of information with respect to such purchase or sale. (3)(A) The Commission, by rule, is authorized to prohibit brokers and dealers from effecting transactions in securities registered pursuant to section 78l(b) of this title otherwise than on a national securities exchange, if the Commission finds, on the record after notice and opportunity for hearing, that - (i) as a result of transactions in such securities effected otherwise than on a national securities exchange the fairness or orderliness of the markets for such securities has been affected in a manner contrary to the public interest or the protection of investors; (ii) no rule of any national securities exchange unreasonably impairs the ability of any dealer to solicit or effect transactions in such securities for his own account or unreasonably restricts competition among dealers in such securities or between dealers acting in the capacity of market makers who are specialists in such securities and such dealers who are not specialists in such securities, and (iii) the maintenance or restoration of fair and orderly markets in such securities may not be assured through other lawful means under this chapter. The Commission may conditionally or unconditionally exempt any security or transaction or any class of securities or transactions from any such prohibition if the Commission deems such exemption consistent with the public interest, the protection of investors, and the maintenance of fair and orderly markets. (B) For the purposes of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the ability of a dealer to solicit or effect transactions in securities for his own account shall not be deemed to be unreasonably impaired by any rule of an exchange fairly and reasonably prescribing the sequence in which orders brought to the exchange must be executed or which has been adopted to effect compliance with a rule of the Commission promulgated under this chapter. (4) The Commission is directed to review any and all rules of national securities exchanges which limit or condition the ability of members to effect transactions in securities otherwise than on such exchanges. (5) No national securities exchange or registered securities association may limit or condition the participation of any member in any registered clearing agency. (d) National Market Advisory Board (1) Not later than one hundred eighty days after June 4, 1975, the Commission shall establish a National Market Advisory Board (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "Advisory Board") to be composed of fifteen members, not all of whom shall be from the same geographical area of the United States, appointed by the Commission for a term specified by the Commission of not less than two years or more than five years. The Advisory Board shall consist of persons associated with brokers and dealers (who shall be a majority) and persons not so associated who are representative of the public and, to the extent feasible, have knowledge of the securities markets of the United States. (2) It shall be the responsibility of the Advisory Board to formulate and furnish to the Commission its views on significant regulatory proposals made by the Commission or any self-regulatory organization concerning the establishment, operation, and regulation of the markets for securities in the United States. (3)(A) The Advisory Board shall study and make recommendations to the Commission as to the steps it finds appropriate to facilitate the establishment of a national market system. In so doing, the Advisory Board shall assume the responsibilities of any advisory committee appointed to advise the Commission with respect to the national market system which is in existence at the time of the establishment of the Advisory Board. (B) The Advisory Board shall study the possible need for modifications of the scheme of self-regulation provided for in this chapter so as to adapt it to a national market system, including the need for the establishment of a new self-regulatory organization (hereinafter in this section referred to as a "National Market Regulatory Board" or "Regulatory Board") to administer the national market system. In the event the Advisory Board determines a National Market Regulatory Board should be established, it shall make recommendations as to: (i) the point in time at which a Regulatory Board should be established; (ii) the composition of a Regulatory Board; (iii) the scope of the authority of a Regulatory Board; (iv) the relationship of a Regulatory Board to the Commission and to existing self-regulatory organizations; and (v) the manner in which a Regulatory Board should be funded. The Advisory Board shall report to the Congress, on or before December 31, 1976, the results of such study and its recommendations, including such recommendations for legislation as it deems appropriate. (C) In carrying out its responsibilities under this paragraph, the Advisory Board shall consult with self-regulatory organizations, brokers, dealers, securities information processors, issuers, investors, representatives of Government agencies, and other persons interested or likely to participate in the establishment, operation, or regulation of the national market system. (e) National markets system for security futures products (1) Consultation and cooperation required With respect to security futures products, the Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission shall consult and cooperate so that, to the maximum extent practicable, their respective regulatory responsibilities may be fulfilled and the rules and regulations applicable to security futures products may foster a national market system for security futures products if the Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission jointly determine that such a system would be consistent with the congressional findings in subsection (a)(1) of this section. In accordance with this objective, the Commission shall, at least 15 days prior to the issuance for public comment of any proposed rule or regulation under this section concerning security futures products, consult and request the views of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. (2) Application of rules by order of CFTC No rule adopted pursuant to this section shall be applied to any person with respect to the trading of security futures products on an exchange that is registered under section 78f(g) of this title unless the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has issued an order directing that such rule is applicable to such persons. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 11A, as added Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 7, June 4, 1975, 89 Stat. 111; amended Pub. L. 98-620, title IV, Sec. 402(14), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3358; Pub. L. 100-181, title III, Secs. 313, 314, Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1256; Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 206(c)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-430.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT The Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(A), is Pub. L. 92-436, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 770, as amended, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2000 - Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106-554 added subsec. (e). 1987 - Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 313(1), substituted "transactions" for "transaction". Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 313(2), struck out "On or before the ninetieth day following June 4, 1975, the Commission shall (i) report to the Congress the results of its review, including the effects on competition of such rules, and (ii) commence a proceeding in accordance with the provisions of section 78s(c) of this title to amend any such rule imposing a burden on competition which does not appear to the Commission to be necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. The Commission shall conclude any such proceeding within ninety days of the date of publication of notice of its commencement." Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 314, struck out subsec. (e) which read as follows: "The Commission is authorized and directed to make a study of the extent to which persons excluded from the definitions of 'broker' and 'dealer' maintain accounts on behalf of public customers for buying and selling securities registered under section 78l of this title and whether such exclusions are consistent with the protection of investors and the other purposes of this chapter. The Commission shall report to the Congress, on or before December 31, 1976, the results of its study together with such recommendations for legislation as it deems advisable." 1984 - Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 98-620 struck out designation "(A)" after "(4)", and struck out subpar. (B) which provided that review pursuant to section 78y(b) of this title of any rule promulgated by the Commission in accordance with any proceeding commenced pursuant to this paragraph would, except as to causes the court considers of greater importance, take precedence on the docket over all other causes and had to be assigned for consideration at the earliest practicable date and expedited in every way. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 98-620 not applicable to cases pending on Nov. 8, 1984, see section 403 of Pub. L. 98-620, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1657 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective June 4, 1975, except for subsec. (b) which is effective 180 days after June 4, 1975, see section 31(a) of Pub. L. 94-29, set out as a note under section 78b of this title. TERMINATION OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES Advisory committees established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such committee is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a committee established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided for by law. See section 14 of Pub. L. 92-463, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 776, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. -FOOTNOTE- (!1) So in original. Probably should be "are hereinafter". -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78l 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78l. Registration requirements for securities -STATUTE- (a) General requirement of registration It shall be unlawful for any member, broker, or dealer to effect any transaction in any security (other than an exempted security) on a national securities exchange unless a registration is effective as to such security for such exchange in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations thereunder. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply in respect of a security futures product traded on a national securities exchange. (b) Procedure for registration; information A security may be registered on a national securities exchange by the issuer filing an application with the exchange (and filing with the Commission such duplicate originals thereof as the Commission may require), which application shall contain - (1) Such information, in such detail, as to the issuer and any person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, the issuer, and any guarantor of the security as to principal or interest or both, as the Commission may by rules and regulations require, as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors, in respect of the following: (A) the organization, financial structure, and nature of the business; (B) the terms, position, rights, and privileges of the different classes of securities outstanding; (C) the terms on which their securities are to be, and during the preceding three years have been, offered to the public or otherwise; (D) the directors, officers, and underwriters, and each security holder of record holding more than 10 per centum of any class of any equity security of the issuer (other than an exempted security), their remuneration and their interests in the securities of, and their material contracts with, the issuer and any person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, the issuer; (E) remuneration to others than directors and officers exceeding $20,000 per annum; (F) bonus and profit-sharing arrangements; (G) management and service contracts; (H) options existing or to be created in respect of their securities; (I) material contracts, not made in the ordinary course of business, which are to be executed in whole or in part at or after the filing of the application or which were made not more than two years before such filing, and every material patent or contract for a material patent right shall be deemed a material contract; (J) balance sheets for not more than the three preceding fiscal years, certified if required by the rules and regulations of the Commission by a registered public accounting firm; (K) profit and loss statements for not more than the three preceding fiscal years, certified if required by the rules and regulations of the Commission by a registered public accounting firm; and (L) any further financial statements which the Commission may deem necessary or appropriate for the protection of investors. (2) Such copies of articles of incorporation, bylaws, trust indentures, or corresponding documents by whatever name known, underwriting arrangements, and other similar documents of, and voting trust agreements with respect to, the issuer and any person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, the issuer as the Commission may require as necessary or appropriate for the proper protection of investors and to insure fair dealing in the security. (3) Such copies of material contracts, referred to in paragraph (1)(I) above, as the Commission may require as necessary or appropriate for the proper protection of investors and to insure fair dealing in the security. (c) Additional or alternative information If in the judgment of the Commission any information required under subsection (b) of this section is inapplicable to any specified class or classes of issuers, the Commission shall require in lieu thereof the submission of such other information of comparable character as it may deem applicable to such class of issuers. (d) Effective date of registration; withdrawal of registration If the exchange authorities certify to the Commission that the security has been approved by the exchange for listing and registration, the registration shall become effective thirty days after the receipt of such certification by the Commission or within such shorter period of time as the Commission may determine. A security registered with a national securities exchange may be withdrawn or stricken from listing and registration in accordance with the rules of the exchange and, upon such terms as the Commission may deem necessary to impose for the protection of investors, upon application by the issuer or the exchange to the Commission; whereupon the issuer shall be relieved from further compliance with the provisions of this section and section 78m of this title and any rules or regulations under such sections as to the securities so withdrawn or stricken. An unissued security may be registered only in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. (e) Exemption from provisions of section for period ending not later than July 1, 1935 Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the Commission may by such rules and regulations as it deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors, permit securities listed on any exchange at the time the registration of such exchange as a national securities exchange becomes effective, to be registered for a period ending not later than July 1, 1935, without complying with the provisions of this section. (f) Unlisted trading privileges for security originally listed on another national exchange (1)(A) Notwithstanding the preceding subsections of this section, any national securities exchange, in accordance with the requirements of this subsection and the rules hereunder, may extend unlisted trading privileges to - (i) any security that is listed and registered on a national securities exchange, subject to subparagraph (B); and (ii) any security that is otherwise registered pursuant to this section, or that would be required to be so registered except for the exemption from registration provided in subparagraph (B) or (G) of subsection (g)(2) of this section, subject to subparagraph (E) of this paragraph. (B) A national securities exchange may not extend unlisted trading privileges to a security described in subparagraph (A)(i) during such interval, if any, after the commencement of an initial public offering of such security, as is or may be required pursuant to subparagraph (C). (C) Not later than 180 days after October 22, 1994, the Commission shall prescribe, by rule or regulation, the duration of the interval referred to in subparagraph (B), if any, as the Commission determines to be necessary or appropriate for the maintenance of fair and orderly markets, the protection of investors and the public interest, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. Until the earlier of the effective date of such rule or regulation or 240 days after October 22, 1994, such interval shall begin at the opening of trading on the day on which such security commences trading on the national securities exchange with which such security is registered and end at the conclusion of the next day of trading. (D) The Commission may prescribe, by rule or regulation such additional procedures or requirements for extending unlisted trading privileges to any security as the Commission deems necessary or appropriate for the maintenance of fair and orderly markets, the protection of investors and the public interest, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. (E) No extension of unlisted trading privileges to securities described in subparagraph (A)(ii) may occur except pursuant to a rule, regulation, or order of the Commission approving such extension or extensions. In promulgating such rule or regulation or in issuing such order, the Commission - (i) shall find that such extension or extensions of unlisted trading privileges is consistent with the maintenance of fair and orderly markets, the protection of investors and the public interest, and otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter; (ii) shall take account of the public trading activity in such securities, the character of such trading, the impact of such extension on the existing markets for such securities, and the desirability of removing impediments to and the progress that has been made toward the development of a national market system; and (iii) shall not permit a national securities exchange to extend unlisted trading privileges to such securities if any rule of such national securities exchange would unreasonably impair the ability of a dealer to solicit or effect transactions in such securities for its own account, or would unreasonably restrict competition among dealers in such securities or between such dealers acting in the capacity of market makers who are specialists and such dealers who are not specialists. (F) An exchange may continue to extend unlisted trading privileges in accordance with this paragraph only if the exchange and the subject security continue to satisfy the requirements for eligibility under this paragraph, including any rules and regulations issued by the Commission pursuant to this paragraph, except that unlisted trading privileges may continue with regard to securities which had been admitted on such exchange prior to July 1, 1964, notwithstanding the failure to satisfy such requirements. If unlisted trading privileges in a security are discontinued pursuant to this subparagraph, the exchange shall cease trading in that security, unless the exchange and the subject security thereafter satisfy the requirements of this paragraph and the rules issued hereunder. (G) For purposes of this paragraph - (i) a security is the subject of an initial public offering if - (I) the offering of the subject security is registered under the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.]; and (II) the issuer of the security, immediately prior to filing the registration statement with respect to the offering, was not subject to the reporting requirements of section 78m or 78o(d) of this title; and (ii) an initial public offering of such security commences at the opening of trading on the day on which such security commences trading on the national securities exchange with which such security is registered. (2)(A) At any time within 60 days of commencement of trading on an exchange of a security pursuant to unlisted trading privileges, the Commission may summarily suspend such unlisted trading privileges on the exchange. Such suspension shall not be reviewable under section 78y of this title and shall not be deemed to be a final agency action for purposes of section 704 of title 5. Upon such suspension - (i) the exchange shall cease trading in the security by the close of business on the date of such suspension, or at such time as the Commission may prescribe by rule or order for the maintenance of fair and orderly markets, the protection of investors and the public interest, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter; and (ii) if the exchange seeks to extend unlisted trading privileges to the security, the exchange shall file an application to reinstate its ability to do so with the Commission pursuant to such procedures as the Commission may prescribe by rule or order for the maintenance of fair and orderly markets, the protection of investors and the public interest, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. (B) A suspension under subparagraph (A) shall remain in effect until the Commission, by order, grants approval of an application to reinstate, as described in subparagraph (A)(ii). (C) A suspension under subparagraph (A) shall not affect the validity or force of an extension of unlisted trading privileges in effect prior to such suspension. (D) The Commission shall not approve an application by a national securities exchange to reinstate its ability to extend unlisted trading privileges to a security unless the Commission finds, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the extension of unlisted trading privileges pursuant to such application is consistent with the maintenance of fair and orderly markets, the protection of investors and the public interest, and otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. If the application is made to reinstate unlisted trading privileges to a security described in paragraph (1)(A)(ii), the Commission - (i) shall take account of the public trading activity in such security, the character of such trading, the impact of such extension on the existing markets for such a security, and the desirability of removing impediments to and the progress that has been made toward the development of a national market system; and (ii) shall not grant any such application if any rule of the national securities exchange making application under this subsection would unreasonably impair the ability of a dealer to solicit or effect transactions in such security for its own account, or would unreasonably restrict competition among dealers in such security or between such dealers acting in the capacity of marketmakers who are specialists and such dealers who are not specialists. (3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the Commission shall by rules and regulations suspend unlisted trading privileges in whole or in part for any or all classes of securities for a period not exceeding twelve months, if it deems such suspension necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors or to prevent evasion of the purposes of this chapter. (4) On the application of the issuer of any security for which unlisted trading privileges on any exchange have been continued or extended pursuant to this subsection, or of any broker or dealer who makes or creates a market for such security, or of any other person having a bona fide interest in the question of termination or suspension of such unlisted trading privileges, or on its own motion, the Commission shall by order terminate, or suspend for a period not exceeding twelve months, such unlisted trading privileges for such security if the Commission finds, after appropriate notice and opportunity for hearing, that such termination or suspension is necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. (5) In any proceeding under this subsection in which appropriate notice and opportunity for hearing are required, notice of not less than ten days to the applicant in such proceeding, to the issuer of the security involved, to the exchange which is seeking to continue or extend or has continued or extended unlisted trading privileges for such security, and to the exchange, if any, on which such security is listed and registered, shall be deemed adequate notice, and any broker or dealer who makes or creates a market for such security, and any other person having a bona fide interest in such proceeding, shall upon application be entitled to be heard. (6) Any security for which unlisted trading privileges are continued or extended pursuant to this subsection shall be deemed to be registered on a national securities exchange within the meaning of this chapter. The powers and duties of the Commission under this chapter shall be applicable to the rules of an exchange in respect of any such security. The Commission may, by such rules and regulations as it deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors, either unconditionally or upon specified terms and conditions, or for stated periods, exempt such securities from the operation of any provision of section 78m, 78n, or 78p of this title. (g) Registration of securities by issuer; exemptions (1) Every issuer which is engaged in interstate commerce, or in a business affecting interstate commerce, or whose securities are traded by use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce shall - (A) within one hundred and twenty days after the last day of its first fiscal year ended after July 1, 1964, on which the issuer has total assets exceeding $1,000,000 and a class of equity security (other than an exempted security) held of record by seven hundred and fifty or more persons; and (B) within one hundred and twenty days after the last day of its first fiscal year ended after two years from July 1, 1964, on which the issuer has total assets exceeding $1,000,000 and a class of equity security (other than an exempted security) held of record by five hundred or more but less than seven hundred and fifty persons, register such security by filing with the Commission a registration statement (and such copies thereof as the Commission may require) with respect to such security containing such information and documents as the Commission may specify comparable to that which is required in an application to register a security pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. Each such registration statement shall become effective sixty days after filing with the Commission or within such shorter period as the Commission may direct. Until such registration statement becomes effective it shall not be deemed filed for the purposes of section 78r of this title. Any issuer may register any class of equity security not required to be registered by filing a registration statement pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph. The Commission is authorized to extend the date upon which any issuer or class of issuers is required to register a security pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph. (2) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply in respect of - (A) any security listed and registered on a national securities exchange. (B) any security issued by an investment company registered pursuant to section 80a-8 of this title. (C) any security, other than permanent stock, guaranty stock, permanent reserve stock, or any similar certificate evidencing nonwithdrawable capital, issued by a savings and loan association, building and loan association, cooperative bank, homestead association, or similar institution, which is supervised and examined by State or Federal authority having supervision over any such institution. (D) any security of an issuer organized and operated exclusively for religious, educational, benevolent, fraternal, charitable, or reformatory purposes and not for pecuniary profit, and no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual; or any security of a fund that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 80a-3(c)(10)(B) of this title. (E) any security of an issuer which is a "cooperative association" as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, approved June 15, 1929, as amended [12 U.S.C. 1141 et seq.], or a federation of such cooperative associations, if such federation possesses no greater powers or purposes than cooperative associations so defined. (F) any security issued by a mutual or cooperative organization which supplies a commodity or service primarily for the benefit of its members and operates not for pecuniary profit, but only if the security is part of a class issuable only to persons who purchase commodities or services from the issuer, the security is transferable only to a successor in interest or occupancy of premises serviced or to be served by the issuer, and no dividends are payable to the holder of the security. (G) any security issued by an insurance company if all of the following conditions are met: (i) Such insurance company is required to and does file an annual statement with the Commissioner of Insurance (or other officer or agency performing a similar function) of its domiciliary State, and such annual statement conforms to that prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or in the determination of such State commissioner, officer or agency substantially conforms to that so prescribed. (ii) Such insurance company is subject to regulation by its domiciliary State of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of securities issued by such company and such regulation conforms to that prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. (iii) After July 1, 1966, the purchase and sales of securities issued by such insurance company by beneficial owners, directors, or officers of such company are subject to regulation (including reporting) by its domiciliary State substantially in the manner provided in section 78p of this title. (H) any interest or participation in any collective trust funds maintained by a bank or in a separate account maintained by an insurance company which interest or participation is issued in connection with (i) a stock-bonus, pension, or profit-sharing plan which meets the requirements for qualification under section 401 of title 26, (ii) an annuity plan which meets the requirements for deduction of the employer's contribution under section 404(a)(2) of title 26, or (iii) a church plan, company, or account that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 80a-3(c)(14) of this title. (3) The Commission may by rules or regulations or, on its own motion, after notice and opportunity for hearing, by order, exempt from this subsection any security of a foreign issuer, including any certificate of deposit for such a security, if the Commission finds that such exemption is in the public interest and is consistent with the protection of investors. (4) Registration of any class of security pursuant to this subsection shall be terminated ninety days, or such shorter period as the Commission may determine, after the issuer files a certification with the Commission that the number of holders of record of such class of security is reduced to less than three hundred persons. The Commission shall after notice and opportunity for hearing deny termination of registration if it finds that the certification is untrue. Termination of registration shall be deferred pending final determination on the question of denial. (5) For the purposes of this subsection the term "class" shall include all securities of an issuer which are of substantially similar character and the holders of which enjoy substantially similar rights and privileges. The Commission may for the purpose of this subsection define by rules and regulations the terms "total assets" and "held of record" as it deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors in order to prevent circumvention of the provisions of this subsection. For purposes of this subsection, a security futures product shall not be considered a class of equity security of the issuer of the securities underlying the security futures product. (h) Exemption by rules and regulations from certain provisions of section The Commission may by rules and regulations, or upon application of an interested person, by order, after notice and opportunity for hearing, exempt in whole or in part any issuer or class of issuers from the provisions of subsection (g) of this section or from section 78m, 78n, or 78o(d) of this title or may exempt from section 78p of this title any officer, director, or beneficial owner of securities of any issuer, any security of which is required to be registered pursuant to subsection (g) hereof, upon such terms and conditions and for such period as it deems necessary or appropriate, if the Commission finds, by reason of the number of public investors, amount of trading interest in the securities, the nature and extent of the activities of the issuer, income or assets of the issuer, or otherwise, that such action is not inconsistent with the public interest or the protection of investors. The Commission may, for the purposes of any of the above-mentioned sections or subsections of this chapter, classify issuers and prescribe requirements appropriate for each such class. (i) Securities issued by banks In respect of any securities issued by banks and savings associations the deposits of which are insured in accordance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.], the powers, functions, and duties vested in the Commission to administer and enforce this section and sections 78j-1(m), 78m, 78n(a), 78n(c), 78n(d), 78n(f), and 78p of this title, and sections 7241, 7242, 7243, 7244, 7261(b), 7262, 7264, and 7265 of this title, (1) with respect to national banks are vested in the Comptroller of the Currency, (2) with respect to all other member banks of the Federal Reserve System are vested in the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, (3) with respect to all other insured banks are vested in the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and (4) with respect to savings associations the accounts of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation are vested in the Office of Thrift Supervision. The Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Office of Thrift Supervision shall have the power to make such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the execution of the functions vested in them as provided in this subsection. In carrying out their responsibilities under this subsection, the agencies named in the first sentence of this subsection shall issue substantially similar regulations to regulations and rules issued by the Commission under this section and sections 78j-1(m), 78m, 78n(a), 78n(c), 78n(d), 78n(f), and 78p of this title, and sections 7241, 7242, 7243, 7244, 7261(b), 7262, 7264, and 7265 of this title, unless they find that implementation of substantially similar regulations with respect to insured banks and insured institutions are not necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for protection of investors, and publish such findings, and the detailed reasons therefor, in the Federal Register. Such regulations of the above-named agencies, or the reasons for failure to publish such substantially similar regulations to those of the Commission, shall be published in the Federal Register within 120 days of October 28, 1974, and, thereafter, within 60 days of any changes made by the Commission in its relevant regulations and rules. (j) Denial, suspension, or revocation of registration; notice and hearing The Commission is authorized, by order, as it deems necessary or appropriate for the protection of investors to deny, to suspend the effective date of, to suspend for a period not exceeding twelve months, or to revoke the registration of a security, if the Commission finds, on the record after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the issuer, of such security has failed to comply with any provision of this chapter or the rules and regulations thereunder. No member of a national securities exchange, broker, or dealer shall make use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce to effect any transaction in, or to induce the purchase or sale of, any security the registration of which has been and is suspended or revoked pursuant to the preceding sentence. (k) Trading suspensions; emergency authority (1) Trading suspensions If in its opinion the public interest and the protection of investors so require, the Commission is authorized by order - (A) summarily to suspend trading in any security (other than an exempted security) for a period not exceeding 10 business days, and (B) summarily to suspend all trading on any national securities exchange or otherwise, in securities other than exempted securities, for a period not exceeding 90 calendar days. The action described in subparagraph (B) shall not take effect unless the Commission notifies the President of its decision and the President notifies the Commission that the President does not disapprove of such decision. If the actions described in subparagraph (A) or (B) involve a security futures product, the Commission shall consult with and consider the views of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. (2) Emergency orders (A) In general The Commission, in an emergency, may by order summarily take such action to alter, supplement, suspend, or impose requirements or restrictions with respect to any matter or action subject to regulation by the Commission or a self- regulatory organization under the securities laws, as the Commission determines is necessary in the public interest and for the protection of investors - (i) to maintain or restore fair and orderly securities markets (other than markets in exempted securities); (ii) to ensure prompt, accurate, and safe clearance and settlement of transactions in securities (other than exempted securities); or (iii) to reduce, eliminate, or prevent the substantial disruption by the emergency of - (I) securities markets (other than markets in exempted securities), investment companies, or any other significant portion or segment of such markets; or (II) the transmission or processing of securities transactions (other than transactions in exempted securities). (B) Effective period An order of the Commission under this paragraph shall continue in effect for the period specified by the Commission, and may be extended. Except as provided in subparagraph (C), an order of the Commission under this paragraph may not continue in effect for more than 10 business days, including extensions. (C) Extension An order of the Commission under this paragraph may be extended to continue in effect for more than 10 business days if, at the time of the extension, the Commission finds that the emergency still exists and determines that the continuation of the order beyond 10 business days is necessary in the public interest and for the protection of investors to attain an objective described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of subparagraph (A). In no event shall an order of the Commission under this paragraph continue in effect for more than 30 calendar days. (D) Security futures If the actions described in subparagraph (A) involve a security futures product, the Commission shall consult with and consider the views of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. (E) Exemption In exercising its authority under this paragraph, the Commission shall not be required to comply with the provisions of - (i) section 78s(c) of this title; or (ii) section 553 of title 5. (3) Termination of emergency actions by President The President may direct that action taken by the Commission under paragraph (1)(B) or paragraph (2) of this subsection shall not continue in effect. (4) Compliance with orders No member of a national securities exchange, broker, or dealer shall make use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce to effect any transaction in, or to induce the purchase or sale of, any security in contravention of an order of the Commission under this subsection unless such order has been stayed, modified, or set aside as provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection or has ceased to be effective upon direction of the President as provided in paragraph (3). (5) Limitations on review of orders An order of the Commission pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to review only as provided in section 78y(a) of this title. Review shall be based on an examination of all the information before the Commission at the time such order was issued. The reviewing court shall not enter a stay, writ of mandamus, or similar relief unless the court finds, after notice and hearing before a panel of the court, that the Commission's action is arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law. (6) Consultation Prior to taking any action described in paragraph (1)(B), the Commission shall consult with and consider the views of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, unless such consultation is impracticable in light of the emergency. (7) Definitions For purposes of this subsection - (A) the term "emergency" means - (i) a major market disturbance characterized by or constituting - (I) sudden and excessive fluctuations of securities prices generally, or a substantial threat thereof, that threaten fair and orderly markets; or (II) a substantial disruption of the safe or efficient operation of the national system for clearance and settlement of transactions in securities, or a substantial threat thereof; or (ii) a major disturbance that substantially disrupts, or threatens to substantially disrupt - (I) the functioning of securities markets, investment companies, or any other significant portion or segment of the securities markets; or (II) the transmission or processing of securities transactions; and (B) notwithstanding section 78c(a)(47) of this title, the term "securities laws" does not include the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.(!1) (l) Issuance of any security in contravention of rules and regulations; application to annuity contracts and variable life policies It shall be unlawful for an issuer, any class of whose securities is registered pursuant to this section or would be required to be so registered except for the exemption from registration provided by subsection (g)(2)(B) or (g)(2)(G) of this section, by the use of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce, or of the mails, to issue, either originally or upon transfer, any of such securities in a form or with a format which contravenes such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate for the prompt and accurate clearance and settlement of transactions in securities. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to variable annuity contracts or variable life policies issued by an insurance company or its separate accounts. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 12, 48 Stat. 892; May 27, 1936, ch. 462, Sec. 1, 49 Stat. 1375; Aug. 10, 1954, ch. 667, title II, Sec. 202, 68 Stat. 686; Pub. L. 88-467, Sec. 3, Aug. 20, 1964, 78 Stat. 565; Pub. L. 90-439, Sec. 1, July 29, 1968, 82 Stat. 454; Pub. L. 91-547, Sec. 28(c), Dec. 14, 1970, 84 Stat. 1435; Pub. L. 93-495, title I, Sec. 105(b), Oct. 28, 1974, 88 Stat. 1503; Pub. L. 94-29, Secs. 8, 9, June 4, 1975, 89 Stat. 117, 118; Pub. L. 99-514, Sec. 2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 100-181, title III, Sec. 314, Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1256; Pub. L. 101-73, title VII, Sec. 744(u)(2), Aug. 9, 1989, 103 Stat. 441; Pub. L. 101-432, Sec. 2, Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 963; Pub. L. 103-389, Sec. 2, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4081; Pub. L. 104-62, Sec. 4(d), Dec. 8, 1995, 109 Stat. 685; Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Secs. 206(e), 208(b)(1), (2)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-431, 2763A- 435; Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 3(b)(4), title II, Sec. 205(c)(1), July 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 749, 774; Pub. L. 108-359, Sec. 1(c)(2), Oct. 25, 2004, 118 Stat. 1666; Pub. L. 108-386, Sec. 8(f)(4), Oct. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2232; Pub. L. 108-458, title VII, Sec. 7803(b), (c), Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3861, 3862.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a), (f), and (j), was in the original "this title". See References in Text note set out under section 78a of this title. The Securities Act of 1933, referred to in subsec. (f)(1)(G)(i)(I), is act May 27, 1933, ch. 38, title I, 48 Stat. 74, as amended, which is classified generally to subchapter I (Sec. 77a et seq.) of chapter 2A of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 77a of this title and Tables. The Agricultural Marketing Act, approved June 15, 1929, as amended, referred to in subsec. (g)(2)(E), is act June 15, 1929, ch. 24, 46 Stat. 11, which is classified generally to chapter 7A (Sec. 1141 et seq.) of Title 12, Banks and Banking. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1141j(e) of Title 12 and Tables. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act, referred to in subsec. (i), is act Sept. 21, 1950, ch. 967, Sec. 2, 64 Stat. 873, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 16 (Sec. 1811 et seq.) of Title 12, Banks and Banking. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1811 of Title 12 and Tables. The Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, referred to in subsec. (k)(7)(B), is title I of act Aug. 26, 1935, ch. 687, 49 Stat. 803, as amended, which was classified generally to chapter 2C (Sec. 79 et seq.) of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 109-58, title XII, Sec. 1263, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 974. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables. -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2004 - Subsec. (g)(2)(H)(iii). Pub. L. 108-359 added cl. (iii). Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 108-386 struck out "and banks operating under the Code of Law for the District of Columbia" after "national banks". Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 108-458, Sec. 7803(b)(1), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) provided Commission authority to make emergency orders. Subsec. (k)(6), (7). Pub. L. 108-458, Sec. 7803(c), added pars. (6) and (7) and struck out heading and text of former par. (6). Text read as follows: "For purposes of this subsection, the term 'emergency' means a major market disturbance characterized by or constituting - "(A) sudden and excessive fluctuations of securities prices generally, or a substantial threat thereof, that threaten fair and orderly markets, or "(B) a substantial disruption of the safe or efficient operation of the national system for clearance and settlement of securities, or a substantial threat thereof." 2002 - Subsec. (b)(1)(J), (K). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 205(c)(1), substituted "a registered public accounting firm" for "independent public accountants". Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 3(b)(4)(B), substituted "and 78p of this title, and sections 7241, 7242, 7243, 7244, 7261(b), 7262, 7264, and 7265 of this title," for "and 78p of this title," in two places. Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 3(b)(4)(A), substituted "this section and sections 78j-1(m), 78m" for "this section and sections 78m" in two places. 2000 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 208(b)(1)], inserted at end "The provisions of this subsection shall not apply in respect of a security futures product traded on a national securities exchange." Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 208(b)(2)], inserted at end "For purposes of this subsection, a security futures product shall not be considered a class of equity security of the issuer of the securities underlying the security futures product." Subsec. (k)(1). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 206(e)(1)], inserted at end "If the actions described in subparagraph (A) or (B) involve a security futures product, the Commission shall consult with and consider the views of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission." Subsec. (k)(2)(B). Pub. L. 106-554, Sec. 1(a)(5) [title II, Sec. 206(e)(2)], inserted after first sentence "If the actions described in subparagraph (A) involve a security futures product, the Commission shall consult with and consider the views of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission." 1995 - Subsec. (g)(2)(D). Pub. L. 104-62 inserted before period at end "; or any security of a fund that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 80a-3(c)(10)(B) of this title". 1994 - Subsec. (f)(1), (2). Pub. L. 103-389, Sec. 2(a), added pars. (1) and (2) and struck out former pars. (1) and (2) which related to extension of unlisted trading privileges for securities originally listed on another national exchange and approval process for application for extension of such privileges, respectively. Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 103-389, Sec. 2(b), substituted "Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the Commission" for "The Commission". 1990 - Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 101-432 amended subsec. (k) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (k) read as follows: "If in its opinion the public interest and the protection of investors so require, the Commission is authorized summarily to suspend trading in any security (other than an exempted security) for a period not exceeding ten days, or with the approval of the President, summarily to suspend all trading on any national securities exchange or otherwise, in securities other than exempted securities, for a period not exceeding ninety days. No member of a national securities exchange, broker, or dealer shall make use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce to effect any transaction in, or to induce the purchase or sale of, any security in which trading is so suspended." 1989 - Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 101-73, in first sentence, inserted "and savings associations" after "securities issued by banks", struck out "or institutions the accounts of which are insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation" before ", the powers, functions, and duties", inserted new cl. (4) and struck out former cl. (4) which read "with respect to institutions the accounts of which are insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation are vested in the Federal Home Loan Bank Board", and, in second sentence, substituted "Office of Thrift Supervision" for "Federal Home Loan Bank Board". 1987 - Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 100-181 struck out subsec. (m) which read as follows: "The Commission is authorized and directed to make a study and investigation of the practice of recording the ownership of securities in the records of the issuer in other than the name of the beneficial owner of such securities to determine (1) whether such practice is consistent with the purposes of this chapter, with particular reference to subsection (g) of this section and sections 78m, 78n, 78o(d), 78p, and 78q-1 of this title, and (2) whether steps can be taken to facilitate communications between issuers and the beneficial owners of their securities while at the same time retaining the benefits of such practice. The Commission shall report to the Congress its preliminary findings within six months after June 4, 1975, and its final conclusions and recommendations within one year of such date." 1986 - Subsec. (g)(2)(H). Pub. L. 99-514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text. 1975 - Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 8(1), added subpar. (C) and in provisions following subpar. (C), substituted "is based" for "was originally based" and "remains listed and registered on a national securities exchange" for "shall remain listed and registered on any other national securities exchange". Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 8(1), substituted "after notice and opportunity for hearing" for "after appropriate notice and opportunity for hearing" and "consistent with the maintenance of fair and orderly markets and the protection of investors" for "necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors" in existing provisions and added the enumeration of matters to be taken into account by the Commission in considering an application for the extension of unlisted trading privileges to a security not listed and registered on a national securities exchange. Subsec. (f)(6). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 8(2), substituted "this chapter" for "section 78s(b) of this title". Subsecs. (j) to (m). Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 9, added subsecs. (j) to (m). 1974 - Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 93-495 added coverage of institutions insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, cl. (4), and provisions authorizing the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to promulgate necessary rules and regulations, and substituted provisions relating to issuance of regulations in order to implement agency responsibility under this subsec. for provisions relating to the binding effect of rules, regulations, forms or orders issued or adopted by the Commission pursuant to this chapter. 1970 - Subsec. (g)(2)(H). Pub. L. 91-547 added subpar. (H). 1968 - Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 90-439 inserted "78n(d), 78n(f)," after "78n(c)". 1964 - Subsec. (b)(1)(I) to (L). Pub. L. 88-467, Sec. 3(a)(1), (2), added subpar. (I) and redesignated former subpars. (I) to (K) as (J) to (L), respectively. Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 88-467, Sec. 3(a)(3), added par. (3). Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 88-467, Sec. 3(b), designated first par. as (1), redesignated cl. (1) as cl. (A) and substituted therein "July 1, 1964" for "March 1, 1934", redesignated cl. (2) as cl. (B) and struck out the provision for continuation of unlisted trading privileges, which is now incorporated in concluding sentence, and struck out cl. (3) which permitted a national security exchange to extend unlisted trading privileges to any security in respect to which there was available information substantially equivalent to that available in respect to a security duly listed and registered on a national securities exchange, so long as the registration statement was effective and the reports and data continued to be filed. Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 88-467, Sec. 3(b), designated first sentence of second par. as (2) and substituted therein "finds, after appropriate notice and opportunity for hearing, that the extension" for "finds that the continuation or extension", and struck out second through sixth sentences of such second par. which related as follows: the second sentence, to notice and opportunity for hearing, now incorporated in par. (2); the third sentence, to conditions (respecting sufficiently widespread public distribution and sufficient public trading activity) for approval of application to extend unlisted trading privileges to any security pursuant to former clauses (2) and (3) of subsec. (f); the fourth sentence, to terms and conditions (subjecting issuer, officers, and directors of issuer, and beneficial owners of more than 10 per centum of the securities to duties equivalent to duties if the securities were registered on a national security exchange) for approval of application to extend unlisted trading privileges to any security pursuant to former clause (3) of subsec. (f); the fifth sentence, to requirement for differentiation by national security exchanges between quotations or transactions in listed securities and in securities with unlisted trading privileges, now covered by section 78s(b) of this title; the sixth sentence, to grouping under separate headings of quotations or transactions in listed securities and in securities with unlisted trading privileges, in the publication of quotations or transactions. Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 88-467, Sec. 3(b), designated third par. as (3). Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 88-467, Sec. 3(b), designated second sentence of fourth par. as (4), struck out "by reason of inadequate public distribution of such security in the vicinity of said exchange, or by reason of inadequate public trading activity or of the character of trading therein on said exchange," before "such termination or suspension is necessary", and struck out first sentence of fourth par. which provided for the termination under certain conditions of unlisted trading privileges continued for any security pursuant to former cl. (1) of subsec. (f), now incorporated in par. (1)(A) of subsec. (f). Subsec. (f)(5), (6). Pub. L. 88-467, Sec. 3(b), designated fifth and sixth pars. as (5) and (6). Subsecs. (g) to (i). Pub. L. 88-467, Sec. 3(c)-(e), added subsecs. (g) to (i). 1954 - Subsec. (d). Act Aug. 10, 1954, repealed last sentence requiring that rules and regulations limit the registration of unissued security to specified cases. 1936 - Subsec. (f). Act May 27, 1936, amended first par. and added subsequent pars. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2004 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 108-386 effective Oct. 30, 2004, and, except as otherwise provided, applicable with respect to fiscal year 2005 and each succeeding fiscal year, see sections 8(i) and 9 of Pub. L. 108-386, set out as notes under section 321 of Title 12, Banks and Banking. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1995 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 104-62 applicable as defense to any claim in administrative and judicial actions pending on or commenced after Dec. 8, 1995, that any person, security, interest, or participation of type described in Pub. L. 104-62 is subject to the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or any State statute or regulation preempted as provided in section 80a-3a of this title, except as specifically provided in such statutes, see section 7 of Pub. L. 104-62, set out as a note under section 77c of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 94-29 effective June 4, 1975, see section 31(a) of Pub. L. 94-29, set out as a note under section 78b of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1970 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 91-547 effective Dec. 14, 1970, see section 30 of Pub. L. 91-547, set out as a note under section 80a-52 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1964 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 3(a), (c) of Pub. L. 88-467 effective July 1, 1964, and amendment by section 3(b), (d), (e) of Pub. L. 88-467 effective Aug. 20, 1964, see section 13 of Pub. L. 88-467, set out as a note under section 78c of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1954 AMENDMENT Amendment by act Aug. 10, 1954, effective 60 days after Aug. 10, 1954, see note under section 77b of this title. -TRANS- TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS For transfer of functions of Securities and Exchange Commission, with certain exceptions, to Chairman of such Commission, see Reorg. Plan No. 10 of 1950, Secs. 1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3175, 64 Stat. 1265, set out under section 78d of this title. -FOOTNOTE- (!1) See References in Text note below. -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78l-1 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78l-1. Applications for unlisted trading privileges deemed filed under section 78l of this title -STATUTE- Any application to continue unlisted trading privileges for any security heretofore filed by any exchange and approved by the Commission pursuant to clause (1) of subsection (f) of section 78l of this title and rules and regulations thereunder shall be deemed to have been filed and approved pursuant to clause (1) of said subsection (f). -SOURCE- (May 27, 1936, ch. 462, Sec. 2, 49 Stat. 1377.) -COD- CODIFICATION Section was not enacted as a part of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter. -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78m 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78m. Periodical and other reports -STATUTE- (a) Reports by issuer of security; contents Every issuer of a security registered pursuant to section 78l of this title shall file with the Commission, in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate for the proper protection of investors and to insure fair dealing in the security - (1) such information and documents (and such copies thereof) as the Commission shall require to keep reasonably current the information and documents required to be included in or filed with an application or registration statement filed pursuant to section 78l of this title, except that the Commission may not require the filing of any material contract wholly executed before July 1, 1962. (2) such annual reports (and such copies thereof), certified if required by the rules and regulations of the Commission by independent public accountants, and such quarterly reports (and such copies thereof), as the Commission may prescribe. Every issuer of a security registered on a national securities exchange shall also file a duplicate original of such information, documents, and reports with the exchange. (b) Form of report; books, records, and internal accounting; directives (1) The Commission may prescribe, in regard to reports made pursuant to this chapter, the form or forms in which the required information shall be set forth, the items or details to be shown in the balance sheet and the earning statement, and the methods to be followed in the preparation of reports, in the appraisal or valuation of assets and liabilities, in the determination of depreciation and depletion, in the differentiation of recurring and nonrecurring income, in the differentiation of investment and operating income, and in the preparation, where the Commission deems it necessary or desirable, of separate and/or consolidated balance sheets or income accounts of any person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by the issuer, or any person under direct or indirect common control with the issuer; but in the case of the reports of any person whose methods of accounting are prescribed under the provisions of any law of the United States, or any rule or regulation thereunder, the rules and regulations of the Commission with respect to reports shall not be inconsistent with the requirements imposed by such law or rule or regulation in respect of the same subject matter (except that such rules and regulations of the Commission may be inconsistent with such requirements to the extent that the Commission determines that the public interest or the protection of investors so requires). (2) Every issuer which has a class of securities registered pursuant to section 78l of this title and every issuer which is required to file reports pursuant to section 78o(d) of this title shall - (A) make and keep books, records, and accounts, which, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the issuer; (B) devise and maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that - (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management's general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary (I) to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles or any other criteria applicable to such statements, and (II) to maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences; and (C) notwithstanding any other provision of law, pay the allocable share of such issuer of a reasonable annual accounting support fee or fees, determined in accordance with section 7219 of this title. (3)(A) With respect to matters concerning the national security of the United States, no duty or liability under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be imposed upon any person acting in cooperation with the head of any Federal department or agency responsible for such matters if such act in cooperation with such head of a department or agency was done upon the specific, written directive of the head of such department or agency pursuant to Presidential authority to issue such directives. Each directive issued under this paragraph shall set forth the specific facts and circumstances with respect to which the provisions of this paragraph are to be invoked. Each such directive shall, unless renewed in writing, expire one year after the date of issuance. (B) Each head of a Federal department or agency of the United States who issues a directive pursuant to this paragraph shall maintain a complete file of all such directives and shall, on October 1 of each year, transmit a summary of matters covered by such directives in force at any time during the previous year to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate. (4) No criminal liability shall be imposed for failing to comply with the requirements of paragraph (2) of this subsection except as provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection. (5) No person shall knowingly circumvent or knowingly fail to implement a system of internal accounting controls or knowingly falsify any book, record, or account described in paragraph (2). (6) Where an issuer which has a class of securities registered pursuant to section 78l of this title or an issuer which is required to file reports pursuant to section 78o(d) of this title holds 50 per centum or less of the voting power with respect to a domestic or foreign firm, the provisions of paragraph (2) require only that the issuer proceed in good faith to use its influence, to the extent reasonable under the issuer's circumstances, to cause such domestic or foreign firm to devise and maintain a system of internal accounting controls consistent with paragraph (2). Such circumstances include the relative degree of the issuer's ownership of the domestic or foreign firm and the laws and practices governing the business operations of the country in which such firm is located. An issuer which demonstrates good faith efforts to use such influence shall be conclusively presumed to have complied with the requirements of paragraph (2). (7) For the purpose of paragraph (2) of this subsection, the terms "reasonable assurances" and "reasonable detail" mean such level of detail and degree of assurance as would satisfy prudent officials in the conduct of their own affairs. (c) Alternative reports If in the judgment of the Commission any report required under subsection (a) of this section is inapplicable to any specified class or classes of issuers, the Commission shall require in lieu thereof the submission of such reports of comparable character as it may deem applicable to such class or classes of issuers. (d) Reports by persons acquiring more than five per centum of certain classes of securities (1) Any person who, after acquiring directly or indirectly the beneficial ownership of any equity security of a class which is registered pursuant to section 78l of this title, or any equity security of an insurance company which would have been required to be so registered except for the exemption contained in section 78l(g)(2)(G) of this title, or any equity security issued by a closed-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq.] or any equity security issued by a Native Corporation pursuant to section 1629c(d)(6) of title 43, is directly or indirectly the beneficial owner of more than 5 per centum of such class shall, within ten days after such acquisition, send to the issuer of the security at its principal executive office, by registered or certified mail, send to each exchange where the security is traded, and file with the Commission, a statement containing such of the following information, and such additional information, as the Commission may by rules and regulations, prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors - (A) the background, and identity, residence, and citizenship of, and the nature of such beneficial ownership by, such person and all other persons by whom or on whose behalf the purchases have been or are to be effected; (B) the source and amount of the funds or other consideration used or to be used in making the purchases, and if any part of the purchase price is represented or is to be represented by funds or other consideration borrowed or otherwise obtained for the purpose of acquiring, holding, or trading such security, a description of the transaction and the names of the parties thereto, except that where a source of funds is a loan made in the ordinary course of business by a bank, as defined in section 78c(a)(6) of this title, if the person filing such statement so requests, the name of the bank shall not be made available to the public; (C) if the purpose of the purchases or prospective purchases is to acquire control of the business of the issuer of the securities, any plans or proposals which such persons may have to liquidate such issuer, to sell its assets to or merge it with any other persons, or to make any other major change in its business or corporate structure; (D) the number of shares of such security which are beneficially owned, and the number of shares concerning which there is a right to acquire, directly or indirectly, by (i) such person, and (ii) by each associate of such person, giving the background, identity, residence, and citizenship of each such associate; and (E) information as to any contracts, arrangements, or understandings with any person with respect to any securities of the issuer, including but not limited to transfer of any of the securities, joint ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or calls, guaranties of loans, guaranties against loss or guaranties of profits, division of losses or profits, or the giving or withholding of proxies, naming the persons with whom such contracts, arrangements, or understandings have been entered into, and giving the details thereof. (2) If any material change occurs in the facts set forth in the statements to the issuer and the exchange, and in the statement filed with the Commission, an amendment shall be transmitted to the issuer and the exchange and shall be filed with the Commission, in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. (3) When two or more persons act as a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate, or other group for the purpose of acquiring, holding, or disposing of securities of an issuer, such syndicate or group shall be deemed a "person" for the purposes of this subsection. (4) In determining, for purposes of this subsection, any percentage of a class of any security, such class shall be deemed to consist of the amount of the outstanding securities of such class, exclusive of any securities of such class held by or for the account of the issuer or a subsidiary of the issuer. (5) The Commission, by rule or regulation or by order, may permit any person to file in lieu of the statement required by paragraph (1) of this subsection or the rules and regulations thereunder, a notice stating the name of such person, the number of shares of any equity securities subject to paragraph (1) which are owned by him, the date of their acquisition and such other information as the Commission may specify, if it appears to the Commission that such securities were acquired by such person in the ordinary course of his business and were not acquired for the purpose of and do not have the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer nor in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having such purpose or effect. (6) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to - (A) any acquisition or offer to acquire securities made or proposed to be made by means of a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.]; (B) any acquisition of the beneficial ownership of a security which, together with all other acquisitions by the same person of securities of the same class during the preceding twelve months, does not exceed 2 per centum of that class; (C) any acquisition of an equity security by the issuer of such security; (D) any acquisition or proposed acquisition of a security which the Commission, by rules or regulations or by order, shall exempt from the provisions of this subsection as not entered into for the purpose of, and not having the effect of, changing or influencing the control of the issuer or otherwise as not comprehended within the purposes of this subsection. (e) Purchase of securities by issuer (1) It shall be unlawful for an issuer which has a class of equity securities registered pursuant to section 78l of this title, or which is a closed-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq.], to purchase any equity security issued by it if such purchase is in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission, in the public interest or for the protection of investors, may adopt (A) to define acts and practices which are fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative, and (B) to prescribe means reasonably designed to prevent such acts and practices. Such rules and regulations may require such issuer to provide holders of equity securities of such class with such information relating to the reasons for such purchase, the source of funds, the number of shares to be purchased, the price to be paid for such securities, the method of purchase, and such additional information, as the Commission deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors, or which the Commission deems to be material to a determination whether such security should be sold. (2) For the purpose of this subsection, a purchase by or for the issuer or any person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the issuer, or a purchase subject to control of the issuer or any such person, shall be deemed to be a purchase by the issuer. The Commission shall have power to make rules and regulations implementing this paragraph in the public interest and for the protection of investors, including exemptive rules and regulations covering situations in which the Commission deems it unnecessary or inappropriate that a purchase of the type described in this paragraph shall be deemed to be a purchase by the issuer for purposes of some or all of the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection. (3) At the time of filing such statement as the Commission may require by rule pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection, the person making the filing shall pay to the Commission a fee at a rate that, subject to paragraphs (5) and (6), is equal to $92 per $1,000,000 of the value of securities proposed to be purchased. The fee shall be reduced with respect to securities in an amount equal to any fee paid with respect to any securities issued in connection with the proposed transaction under section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77f(b)], or the fee paid under that section shall be reduced in an amount equal to the fee paid to the Commission in connection with such transaction under this paragraph. (4) Offsetting collections. - Fees collected pursuant to this subsection for any fiscal year shall be deposited and credited as offsetting collections to the account providing appropriations to the Commission, and, except as provided in paragraph (9), shall not be collected for any fiscal year except to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts. No fees collected pursuant to this subsection for fiscal year 2002 or any succeeding fiscal year shall be deposited and credited as general revenue of the Treasury. (5) Annual adjustment. - For each of the fiscal years 2003 through 2011, the Commission shall by order adjust the rate required by paragraph (3) for such fiscal year to a rate that is equal to the rate (expressed in dollars per million) that is applicable under section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77f(b)] for such fiscal year. (6) Final rate adjustment. - For fiscal year 2012 and all of the succeeding fiscal years, the Commission shall by order adjust the rate required by paragraph (3) for all of such fiscal years to a rate that is equal to the rate (expressed in dollars per million) that is applicable under section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77f(b)] for all of such fiscal years. (7) Pro rata application. - The rates per $1,000,000 required by this subsection shall be applied pro rata to amounts and balances of less than $1,000,000. (8) Review and effective date. - In exercising its authority under this subsection, the Commission shall not be required to comply with the provisions of section 553 of title 5. An adjusted rate prescribed under paragraph (5) or (6) and published under paragraph (10) shall not be subject to judicial review. Subject to paragraphs (4) and (9) - (A) an adjusted rate prescribed under paragraph (5) shall take effect on the later of - (i) the first day of the fiscal year to which such rate applies; or (ii) five days after the date on which a regular appropriation to the Commission for such fiscal year is enacted; and (B) an adjusted rate prescribed under paragraph (6) shall take effect on the later of - (i) the first day of fiscal year 2012; or (ii) five days after the date on which a regular appropriation to the Commission for fiscal year 2012 is enacted. (9) Lapse of appropriation. - If on the first day of a fiscal year a regular appropriation to the Commission has not been enacted, the Commission shall continue to collect fees (as offsetting collections) under this subsection at the rate in effect during the preceding fiscal year, until 5 days after the date such a regular appropriation is enacted. (10) Publication. - The rate applicable under this subsection for each fiscal year is published pursuant to section 6(b)(10) of the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77f(b)(10)]. (f) Reports by institutional investment managers (1) Every institutional investment manager which uses the mails, or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce in the course of its business as an institutional investment manager and which exercises investment discretion with respect to accounts holding equity securities of a class described in subsection (d)(1) of this section having an aggregate fair market value on the last trading day in any of the preceding twelve months of at least $100,000,000 or such lesser amount (but in no case less than $10,000,000) as the Commission, by rule, may determine, shall file reports with the Commission in such form, for such periods, and at such times after the end of such periods as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe, but in no event shall such reports be filed for periods longer than one year or shorter than one quarter. Such reports shall include for each such equity security held on the last day of the reporting period by accounts (in aggregate or by type as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe) with respect to which the institutional investment manager exercises investment discretion (other than securities held in amounts which the Commission, by rule, determines to be insignificant for purposes of this subsection), the name of the issuer and the title, class, CUSIP number, number of shares or principal amount, and aggregate fair market value of each such security. Such reports may also include for accounts (in aggregate or by type) with respect to which the institutional investment manager exercises investment discretion such of the following information as the Commission, by rule, prescribes - (A) the name of the issuer and the title, class, CUSIP number, number of shares or principal amount, and aggregate fair market value or cost or amortized cost of each other security (other than an exempted security) held on the last day of the reporting period by such accounts; (B) the aggregate fair market value or cost or amortized cost of exempted securities (in aggregate or by class) held on the last day of the reporting period by such accounts; (C) the number of shares of each equity security of a class described in subsection (d)(1) of this section held on the last day of the reporting period by such accounts with respect to which the institutional investment manager possesses sole or shared authority to exercise the voting rights evidenced by such securities; (D) the aggregate purchases and aggregate sales during the reporting period of each security (other than an exempted security) effected by or for such accounts; and (E) with respect to any transaction or series of transactions having a market value of at least $500,000 or such other amount as the Commission, by rule, may determine, effected during the reporting period by or for such accounts in any equity security of a class described in subsection (d)(1) of this section - (i) the name of the issuer and the title, class, and CUSIP number of the security; (ii) the number of shares or principal amount of the security involved in the transaction; (iii) whether the transaction was a purchase or sale; (iv) the per share price or prices at which the transaction was effected; (v) the date or dates of the transaction; (vi) the date or dates of the settlement of the transaction; (vii) the broker or dealer through whom the transaction was effected; (viii) the market or markets in which the transaction was effected; and (ix) such other related information as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe. (2) The Commission, by rule, or order, may exempt, conditionally or unconditionally, any institutional investment manager or security or any class of institutional investment managers or securities from any or all of the provisions of this subsection or the rules thereunder. (3) The Commission shall make available to the public for a reasonable fee a list of all equity securities of a class described in subsection (d)(1) of this section, updated no less frequently than reports are required to be filed pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection. The Commission shall tabulate the information contained in any report filed pursuant to this subsection in a manner which will, in the view of the Commission, maximize the usefulness of the information to other Federal and State authorities and the public. Promptly after the filing of any such report, the Commission shall make the information contained therein conveniently available to the public for a reasonable fee in such form as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe, except that the Commission, as it determines to be necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors, may delay or prevent public disclosure of any such information in accordance with section 552 of title 5. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any such information identifying the securities held by the account of a natural person or an estate or trust (other than a business trust or investment company) shall not be disclosed to the public. (4) In exercising its authority under this subsection, the Commission shall determine (and so state) that its action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors or to maintain fair and orderly markets or, in granting an exemption, that its action is consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes of this subsection. In exercising such authority the Commission shall take such steps as are within its power, including consulting with the Comptroller General of the United States, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the appropriate regulatory agencies, Federal and State authorities which, directly or indirectly, require reports from institutional investment managers of information substantially similar to that called for by this subsection, national securities exchanges, and registered securities associations, (A) to achieve uniform, centralized reporting of information concerning the securities holdings of and transactions by or for accounts with respect to which institutional investment managers exercise investment discretion, and (B) consistently with the objective set forth in the preceding subparagraph, to avoid unnecessarily duplicative reporting by, and minimize the compliance burden on, institutional investment managers. Federal authorities which, directly or indirectly, require reports from institutional investment managers of information substantially similar to that called for by this subsection shall cooperate with the Commission in the performance of its responsibilities under the preceding sentence. An institutional investment manager which is a bank, the deposits of which are insured in accordance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.], shall file with the appropriate regulatory agency a copy of every report filed with the Commission pursuant to this subsection. (5)(A) For purposes of this subsection the term "institutional investment manager" includes any person, other than a natural person, investing in or buying and selling securities for its own account, and any person exercising investment discretion with respect to the account of any other person. (B) The Commission shall adopt such rules as it deems necessary or appropriate to prevent duplicative reporting pursuant to this subsection by two or more institutional investment managers exercising investment discretion with respect to the same amount.(!1) (g) Statement of equity security ownership (1) Any person who is directly or indirectly the beneficial owner of more than 5 per centum of any security of a class described in subsection (d)(1) of this section shall send to the issuer of the security and shall file with the Commission a statement setting forth, in such form and at such time as the Commission may, by rule, prescribe - (A) such person's identity, residence, and citizenship; and (B) the number and description of the shares in which such person has an interest and the nature of such interest. (2) If any material change occurs in the facts set forth in the statement sent to the issuer and filed with the Commission, an amendment shall be transmitted to the issuer and shall be filed with the Commission, in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. (3) When two or more persons act as a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate, or other group for the purpose of acquiring, holding, or disposing of securities of an issuer, such syndicate or group shall be deemed a "person" for the purposes of this subsection. (4) In determining, for purposes of this subsection, any percentage of a class of any security, such class shall be deemed to consist of the amount of the outstanding securities of such class, exclusive of any securities of such class held by or for the account of the issuer or a subsidiary of the issuer. (5) In exercising its authority under this subsection, the Commission shall take such steps as it deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors (A) to achieve centralized reporting of information regarding ownership, (B) to avoid unnecessarily duplicative reporting by and minimize the compliance burden on persons required to report, and (C) to tabulate and promptly make available the information contained in any report filed pursuant to this subsection in a manner which will, in the view of the Commission, maximize the usefulness of the information to other Federal and State agencies and the public. (6) The Commission may, by rule or order, exempt, in whole or in part, any person or class of persons from any or all of the reporting requirements of this subsection as it deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. (h) Large trader reporting (1) Identification requirements for large traders For the purpose of monitoring the impact on the securities markets of securities transactions involving a substantial volume or a large fair market value or exercise value and for the purpose of otherwise assisting the Commission in the enforcement of this chapter, each large trader shall - (A) provide such information to the Commission as the Commission may by rule or regulation prescribe as necessary or appropriate, identifying such large trader and all accounts in or through which such large trader effects such transactions; and (B) identify, in accordance with such rules or regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate, to any registered broker or dealer by or through whom such large trader directly or indirectly effects securities transactions, such large trader and all accounts directly or indirectly maintained with such broker or dealer by such large trader in or through which such transactions are effected. (2) Recordkeeping and reporting requirements for brokers and dealers Every registered broker or dealer shall make and keep for prescribed periods such records as the Commission by rule or regulation prescribes as necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, with respect to securities transactions that equal or exceed the reporting activity level effected directly or indirectly by or through such registered broker or dealer of or for any person that such broker or dealer knows is a large trader, or any person that such broker or dealer has reason to know is a large trader on the basis of transactions in securities effected by or through such broker or dealer. Such records shall be available for reporting to the Commission, or any self-regulatory organization that the Commission shall designate to receive such reports, on the morning of the day following the day the transactions were effected, and shall be reported to the Commission or a self- regulatory organization designated by the Commission immediately upon request by the Commission or such a self-regulatory organization. Such records and reports shall be in a format and transmitted in a manner prescribed by the Commission (including, but not limited to, machine readable form). (3) Aggregation rules The Commission may prescribe rules or regulations governing the manner in which transactions and accounts shall be aggregated for the purpose of this subsection, including aggregation on the basis of common ownership or control. (4) Examination of broker and dealer records All records required to be made and kept by registered brokers and dealers pursuant to this subsection with respect to transactions effected by large traders are subject at any time, or from time to time, to such reasonable periodic, special, or other examinations by representatives of the Commission as the Commission deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. (5) Factors to be considered in Commission actions In exercising its authority under this subsection, the Commission shall take into account - (A) existing reporting systems; (B) the costs associated with maintaining information with respect to transactions effected by large traders and reporting such information to the Commission or self-regulatory organizations; and (C) the relationship between the United States and international securities markets. (6) Exemptions The Commission, by rule, regulation, or order, consistent with the purposes of this chapter, may exempt any person or class of persons or any transaction or class of transactions, either conditionally or upon specified terms and conditions or for stated periods, from the operation of this subsection, and the rules and regulations thereunder. (7) Authority of Commission to limit disclosure of information Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commission shall not be compelled to disclose any information required to be kept or reported under this subsection. Nothing in this subsection shall authorize the Commission to withhold information from Congress, or prevent the Commission from complying with a request for information from any other Federal department or agency requesting information for purposes within the scope of its jurisdiction, or complying with an order of a court of the United States in an action brought by the United States or the Commission. For purposes of section 552 of title 5, this subsection shall be considered a statute described in subsection (b)(3)(B) of such section 552. (8) Definitions For purposes of this subsection - (A) the term "large trader" means every person who, for his own account or an account for which he exercises investment discretion, effects transactions for the purchase or sale of any publicly traded security or securities by use of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce or of the mails, or of any facility of a national securities exchange, directly or indirectly by or through a registered broker or dealer in an aggregate amount equal to or in excess of the identifying activity level; (B) the term "publicly traded security" means any equity security (including an option on individual equity securities, and an option on a group or index of such securities) listed, or admitted to unlisted trading privileges, on a national securities exchange, or quoted in an automated interdealer quotation system; (C) the term "identifying activity level" means transactions in publicly traded securities at or above a level of volume, fair market value, or exercise value as shall be fixed from time to time by the Commission by rule or regulation, specifying the time interval during which such transactions shall be aggregated; (D) the term "reporting activity level" means transactions in publicly traded securities at or above a level of volume, fair market value, or exercise value as shall be fixed from time to time by the Commission by rule, regulation, or order, specifying the time interval during which such transactions shall be aggregated; and (E) the term "person" has the meaning given in section 78c(a)(9) of this title and also includes two or more persons acting as a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate, or other group, but does not include a foreign central bank. (i) Accuracy of financial reports Each financial report that contains financial statements, and that is required to be prepared in accordance with (or reconciled to) generally accepted accounting principles under this chapter and filed with the Commission shall reflect all material correcting adjustments that have been identified by a registered public accounting firm in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the rules and regulations of the Commission. (j) Off-balance sheet transactions Not later than 180 days after July 30, 2002, the Commission shall issue final rules providing that each annual and quarterly financial report required to be filed with the Commission shall disclose all material off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations), and other relationships of the issuer with unconsolidated entities or other persons, that may have a material current or future effect on financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources, or significant components of revenues or expenses. (k) Prohibition on personal loans to executives (1) In general It shall be unlawful for any issuer (as defined in section 7201 of this title), directly or indirectly, including through any subsidiary, to extend or maintain credit, to arrange for the extension of credit, or to renew an extension of credit, in the form of a personal loan to or for any director or executive officer (or equivalent thereof) of that issuer. An extension of credit maintained by the issuer on July 30, 2002, shall not be subject to the provisions of this subsection, provided that there is no material modification to any term of any such extension of credit or any renewal of any such extension of credit on or after July 30, 2002. (2) Limitation Paragraph (1) does not preclude any home improvement and manufactured home loans (as that term is defined in section 1464 of title 12), consumer credit (as defined in section 1602 of this title), or any extension of credit under an open end credit plan (as defined in section 1602 of this title), or a charge card (as defined in section 1637(c)(4)(e) of this title), or any extension of credit by a broker or dealer registered under section 78o of this title to an employee of that broker or dealer to buy, trade, or carry securities, that is permitted under rules or regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System pursuant to section 78g of this title (other than an extension of credit that would be used to purchase the stock of that issuer), that is - (A) made or provided in the ordinary course of the consumer credit business of such issuer; (B) of a type that is generally made available by such issuer to the public; and (C) made by such issuer on market terms, or terms that are no more favorable than those offered by the issuer to the general public for such extensions of credit. (3) Rule of construction for certain loans Paragraph (1) does not apply to any loan made or maintained by an insured depository institution (as defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813)), if the loan is subject to the insider lending restrictions of section 375b of title 12. (l) Real time issuer disclosures Each issuer reporting under subsec. (a) of this section or section 78o(d) of this title shall disclose to the public on a rapid and current basis such additional information concerning material changes in the financial condition or operations of the issuer, in plain English, which may include trend and qualitative information and graphic presentations, as the Commission determines, by rule, is necessary or useful for the protection of investors and in the public interest. -SOURCE- (June 6, 1934, ch. 404, title I, Sec. 13, 48 Stat. 894; Pub. L. 88- 467, Sec. 4, Aug. 20, 1964, 78 Stat. 569; Pub. L. 90-439, Sec. 2, July 29, 1968, 82 Stat. 454; Pub. L. 91-567, Secs. 1, 2, Dec. 22, 1970, 84 Stat. 1497; Pub. L. 94-29, Sec. 10, June 4, 1975, 89 Stat. 119; Pub. L. 94-210, title III, Sec. 308(b), Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 57; Pub. L. 95-213, title I, Sec. 102, title II, Secs. 202, 203, Dec. 19, 1977, 91 Stat. 1494, 1498, 1499; Pub. L. 98-38, Sec. 2(a), June 6, 1983, 97 Stat. 205; Pub. L. 100-181, title III, Secs. 315, 316, Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1256; Pub. L. 100-241, Sec. 12(d), Feb. 3, 1988, 101 Stat. 1810; Pub. L. 100-418, title V, Sec. 5002, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1415; Pub. L. 101-432, Sec. 3, Oct. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 964; Pub. L. 107-123, Sec. 5, Jan. 16, 2002, 115 Stat. 2395; Pub. L. 107-204, title I, Sec. 109(h), title IV, Secs. 401(a), 402(a), 409, July 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 771, 785, 787, 791.) -REFTEXT- REFERENCES IN TEXT This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1), (h)(1), (2), (4), (6), and (i), was in the original "this title". See References in Text note set out under section 78a of this title. The Investment Company Act of 1940, referred to in subsecs. (d)(1) and (e)(1), is title I of act Aug. 22, 1940, ch. 686, 54 Stat. 789, as amended, which is classified generally to subchapter I (Sec. 80a-1 et seq.) of chapter 2D of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 80a-51 of this title and Tables. The Securities Act of 1933, referred to in subsec. (d)(6)(A), is act May 27, 1933, ch. 38, title I, 48 Stat. 74, as amended, which is classified generally to subchapter I (Sec. 77a et seq.) of chapter 2A of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 77a of this title and Tables. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(4), is act Sept. 21, 1950, ch. 967, Sec. 2, 64 Stat. 873, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 16 (Sec. 1811 et seq.) of Title 12, Banks and Banking. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1811 of Title 12 and Tables. Section 7201 of this title, referred to in subsec. (k)(1), was in the original "section 2 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002", Pub. L. 107-204, which enacted section 7201 of this title and amended section 78c of this title. -MISC1- AMENDMENTS 2002 - Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 109(h), added subpar. (C). Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 107-123, Sec. 5(1), substituted "a fee at a rate that, subject to paragraphs (5) and (6), is equal to $92 per $1,000,000 of the value of securities proposed to be purchased" for "a fee of 1/50 of 1 per centum of the value of securities proposed to be purchased". Subsec. (e)(4) to (10). Pub. L. 107-123, Sec. 5(2), added pars. (4) to (10). Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 401(a), added subsecs. (i) and (j). Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 402(a), added subsec. (k). Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 107-204, Sec. 409, added subsec. (l). 1990 - Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101-432 added subsec. (h). 1988 - Subsec. (b)(4) to (7). Pub. L. 100-418 added pars. (4) to (7). Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 100-241 inserted "or any equity security issued by a Native Corporation pursuant to section 1629c(d)(6) of title 43". 1987 - Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 315, struck out "of" after "thereof". Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 100-181, Sec. 316, struck out subsec. (h) which required Commission to report to Congress within thirty months of Dec. 19, 1977, with respect to effectiveness of ownership reporting requirements contained in this chapter and desirability and feasibility of reducing or otherwise modifying the 5 per centum threshold used in subsecs. (d)(1) and (g)(1) of this section. 1983 - Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 98-38 added par. (3). 1977 - Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95-213, Sec. 102, designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added pars. (2) and (3). Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 95-213, Sec. 202, inserted references to residence and citizenship of persons and to nature of beneficial ownership of persons in subpar. (A), and inserted references to background, identity, residence, and citizenship of associates of persons in subpar. (D). Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 95-213, Sec. 203, added subsecs. (g) and (h). 1976 - Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94-210 substituted provisions relating to exceptions for inconsistent rules and regulations, for provisions relating to reporting requirements for carriers subject to the provisions of section 20 of title 49, or other carriers required to make reports of the same general character as those required under section 20 of title 49. 1975 - Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 94-29 added subsec. (f). 1970 - Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 91-567, Sec. 1(a), included equity securities of insurance companies which would have been required to be registered except for the exemption contained in section 78l(g)(2)(G) of this title, and substituted "5 per centum" for "10 per centum". Subsec. (d)(5), (6). Pub. L. 91-567, Sec. 1(b), added par. (5) and redesignated former par. (5) as (6). Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 91-567, Sec. 2, inserted provisions empowering the Commission to make rules and regulations implementing the paragraph in the public interest and for the protection of investors. 1968 - Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 90-439 added subsecs. (d) and (e). 1964 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 88-467 substituted provisions which require the issuer of a security registered pursuant to section 78l of this title to file reports with the Commission rather than with the exchange and to furnish the exchange with duplicate originals and prohibit the Commission from requiring the filing of any material contract wholly executed before July 1, 1962 for former provisions which required the issuer of a security registered on a national securities exchange to file certain reports with the exchange and to file duplicates with the Commission. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2002 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 107-123 effective Oct. 1, 2001, except that authorities provided by subsec. (e)(9) of this section to not apply until Oct. 1, 2002, see section 11 of Pub. L. 107-123, set out as a note under section 78ee of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1976 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 94-210 not applicable to any report by any person with respect to a fiscal year of such person which began before Feb. 5, 1976, see section 308(d)(2) of Pub. L. 94-210, set out as a note under section 80a-3 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1975 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 94-29 effective June 4, 1975, see section 31(a) of Pub. L. 94-29, set out as a note under section 78b of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1964 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 88-467 effective Aug. 20, 1964, see section 13 of Pub. L. 88-467, set out as a note under section 78c of this title. -TRANS- TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS For transfer of functions of Securities and Exchange Commission, with certain exceptions, to Chairman of such Commission, see Reorg. Plan No. 10 of 1950, Secs. 1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3175, 64 Stat. 1265, set out under section 78d of this title. -MISC2- CONSULTATION Pub. L. 106-102, title II, Sec. 241, Nov. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1407, provided that: "(a) In General. - The Securities and Exchange Commission shall consult and coordinate comments with the appropriate Federal banking agency before taking any action or rendering any opinion with respect to the manner in which any insured depository institution or depository institution holding company reports loan loss reserves in its financial statement, including the amount of any such loan loss reserve. "(b) Definitions. - For purposes of subsection (a), the terms 'insured depository institution', 'depository institution holding company', and 'appropriate Federal banking agency' have the same meaning as given in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1813]." -EXEC- ASSIGNMENT OF FUNCTION RELATING TO GRANTING OF AUTHORITY FOR ISSUANCE OF CERTAIN DIRECTIVES Memorandum of President of the United States, May 5, 2006, 71 F.R. 27943, provided: Memorandum for the Director of National Intelligence By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby assign to you the function of the President under section 13(b)(3)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (15 U.S.C. 78m(b)(3)(A)). In performing such function, you should consult the heads of departments and agencies, as appropriate. You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. George W. Bush. -FOOTNOTE- (!1) So in original. Probably should be "account." -End- -CITE- 15 USC Sec. 78n 01/05/2009 -EXPCITE- TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 2B - SECURITIES EXCHANGES -HEAD- Sec. 78n. Proxies -STATUTE- (a) Solicitation of proxies in violation of rules and regulations It shall be unlawful for any person, by the use of the mails or by any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce or of any facility of a national securities exchange or otherwise, in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors, to solicit or to permit the use of his name to solicit any proxy or consent or authorization in respect of any security (other than an exempted security) registered pursuant to section 78l of this title. (b) Giving or refraining from giving proxy in respect of any security carried for account of customer (1) It shall be unlawful for any member of a national securities exchange, or any broker or dealer registered under this chapter, or any bank, association, or other entity that exercises fiduciary powers, in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors, to give, or to refrain from giving a proxy, consent, authorization, or information statement in respect of any security registered pursuant to section 78l of this title, or any security issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a- 1 et seq.], and carried for the account of a customer. (2) With respect to banks, the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under paragraph (1) shall not require the disclosure of the names of beneficial owners of securities in an account held by the bank on December 28, 1985, unless the beneficial owner consents to the disclosure. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply in the case of a bank which the Commission finds has not made a good faith effort to obtain such consent from such beneficial owners. (c) Information to holders of record prior to annual or other meeting Unless proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security registered pursuant to section 78l of this title, or a security issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq.], are solicited by or on behalf of the management of the issuer from the holders of record of such security in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed under subsection (a) of this section, prior to any annual or other meeting of the holders of such security, such issuer shall, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission, file with the Commission and transmit to all holders of record of such security information substantially equivalent to the information which would be required to be transmitted if a solicitation were made, but no information shall be required to be filed or transmitted pursuant to this subsection before July 1, 1964. (d) Tender offer by owner of more than five per centum of class of securities; exceptions (1) It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, by use of the mails or by any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce or of any facility of a national securities exchange or otherwise, to make a tender offer for, or a request or invitation for tenders of, any class of any equity security which is registered pursuant to section 78l of this title, or any equity security of an insurance company which would have been required to be so registered except for the exemption contained in section 78l(g)(2)(G) of this title, or any equity security issued by a a closed-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq.], if, after consummation thereof, such person would, directly or indirectly, be the beneficial owner of more than 5 per centum of such class, unless at the time copies of the offer or request or invitation are first published or sent or given to security holders such person has filed with the Commission a statement containing such of the information specified in section 78m(d) of this title, and such additional information as the Commission may by rules and regulations prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. All requests or invitations for tenders or advertisements making a tender offer or requesting or inviting tenders of such a security shall be filed as a part of such statement and shall contain such of the information contained in such statement as the Commission may by rules and regulations prescribe. Copies of any additional material soliciting or requesting such tender offers subsequent to the initial solicitation or request shall contain such information as the Commission may by rules and regulations prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors, and shall be filed with the Commission not later than the time copies of such material are first published or sent or given to security holders. Copies of all statements, in the form in which such material is furnished to security holders and the Commission, shall be sent to the issuer not later than the date such material is first published or sent or given to any security holders. (2) When two or more persons act as a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate, or other group for the purpose of acquiring, holding, or disposing of securities of an issuer, such syndicate or group shall be deemed a "person" for purposes of this subsection. (3) In determining, for purposes of this subsection, any percentage of a class of any security, such class shall be deemed to consist of the amount of the outstanding securities of such class, exclusive of any securities of such class held by or for the account of the issuer or a subsidiary of the issuer. (4) Any solicitation or recommendation to the holders of such a security to accept or reject a tender offer or request or invitation for tenders shall be made in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. (5) Securities deposited pursuant to a tender offer or request or invitation for tenders may be withdrawn by or on behalf of the depositor at any time until the expiration of seven days after the time definitive copies of the offer or request or invitation are first published or sent or given to security holders, and at any time after sixty days from the date of the original tender offer or request or invitation, except as the Commission may otherwise prescribe by rules, regulations, or order as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. (6) Where any person makes a tender offer, or request or invitation for tenders, for less than all the outstanding equity securities of a class, and where a greater number of securities is deposited pursuant thereto within ten days after copies of the offer or request or invitation are first published or sent or given to security holders than such person is bound or willing to take up and pay for, the securities taken up shall be taken up as nearly as may be pro rata, disregarding fractions, according to the number of securities deposited by each depositor. The provisions of this subsection shall also apply to securities deposited within ten days after notice of an increase in the consideration offered to security holders, as described in paragraph (7), is first published or sent or given to security holders. (7) Where any person varies the terms of a tender offer or request or invitation for tenders before the expiration thereof by increasing the consideration offered to holders of such securities, such person shall pay the increased consideration to each security holder whose securities are taken up and paid for pursuant to the tender offer or request or invitation for tenders whether or not such securities have been taken up by such person before the variation of the tender offer or request or invitation. (8) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any offer for, or request or invitation for tenders of, any security - (A) if the acquisition of such security, together with all other acquisitions by the same person of securities of the same class during the preceding twelve months, would not exceed 2 per centum of that class; (B) by the issuer of such security; or (C) which the Commission, by rules or regulations or by order, shall exempt from the provisions of this subsection as not entered into for the purpose of, and not having the effect of, changing or influencing the control of the issuer or otherwise as not comprehended within the purposes of this subsection. (e) Untrue statement of material fact or omission of fact with respect to tender offer It shall be unlawful for any person to make any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading, or to engage in any fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative acts or practices, in connection with any tender offer or request or invitation for tenders, or any solicitation of security holders in opposition to or in favor of any such offer, request, or invitation. The Commission shall, for the purposes of this subsection, by rules and regulations define, and prescribe means reasonably designed to prevent, such acts and practices as are fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative. (f) Election or designation of majority of directors of issuer by owner of more than five per centum of class of securities at other than meeting of security holders If, pursuant to any arrangement or understanding with the person or persons acquiring securities in a transaction subject to subsection (d) of this section or subsection (d) of section 78m of this title, any persons are to be elected or designated as directors of the issuer, otherwise than at a meeting of security holders, and the persons so elected or designated will constitute a majority of the directors of the issuer, then, prior to the time any such person takes office as a director, and in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission, the issuer shall file with the Commission, and transmit to all holders of record of securities of the issuer who would be entitled to vote at a meeting for election of directors, information substantially equivalent to the information which would be required by subsection (a) or (c) of this section to be transmitted if such person or persons were nominees for election as directors at a meeting of such security holders. (g) Filing fees (1)(A) At the time of filing such preliminary proxy solicitation material as the Commission may require by rule pursuant to subsection (a) of this section that concerns an acquisition, merger, consolidation, or proposed sale or other disposition of substantially all the assets of a company, the person making such filing, other than a company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq.], shall pay to the Commission the following fees: (i) for preliminary proxy solicitation material involving an acquisition, merger, or consolidation, if there is a proposed payment of cash or transfer of securities or property to shareholders, a fee at a rate that, subject to paragraphs (5) and (6), is equal to $92 per $1,000,000 of such proposed payment, or of the value of such securities or other property proposed to be transferred; and (ii) for preliminary proxy solicitation material involving a proposed sale or other disposition of substantially all of the assets of a company, a fee at a rate that, subject to paragraphs (5) and (6), is equal to $92 per $1,000,000 of the cash or of the value of any securities or other property proposed to be received upon such sale or disposition. (B) The fee imposed under subparagraph (A) shall be reduced with respect to securities in an amount equal to any fee paid to the Commission with respect to such securities in connection with the proposed transaction under section 77f(b) of this title, or the fee paid under that section shall be reduced in an amount equal to the fee paid to the Commission in connection with such transaction under this subsection. Where two or more companies involved in an acquisition, merger, consolidation, sale, or other disposition of substantially all the assets of a company must file such proxy material with the Commission, each shall pay a proportionate share of such fee. (2) At the time of filing such preliminary information statement as the Commission may require by rule pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the issuer shall pay to the Commission the same fee as required for preliminary proxy solicitation material under paragraph (1) of this subsection. (3) At the time of filing such statement as the Commission may require by rule pursuant to subsection (d)(1) of this section, the person making the filing shall pay to the Commission a fee at a rate that, subject to paragraphs (5) and (6), is equal to $92 per $1,000,000 of the aggregate amount of cash or of the value of securities or other property proposed to be offered. The fee shall be reduced with respect to securities in an amount equal to any fee paid with respect to such securities in connection with the proposed transaction under section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77f(b)), or the fee paid under that section shall be reduced in an amount equal to the fee paid to the Commission in connection with such transaction under this subsection. (4) Offsetting collections. - Fees collected pursuant to this subsection for any fiscal year shall be deposited and credited as offsetting collections to the account providing appropriations to the Commission, and, except as provided in paragraph (9), shall not be collected for any fiscal year except to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts. No fees collected pursuant to this subsection for fiscal year 2002 or any succeeding fiscal year shall be deposited and credited as general revenue of the Treasury. (5) Annual adjustment. - For each of the fiscal years 2003 through 2011, the Commission shall by order adjust each of the rates required by paragraphs (1) and (3) for such fiscal year to a rate that is equal to the rate (expressed in dollars per million) that is applicable under section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77f(b)] for such fiscal year. (6) Final rate adjustment. - For fiscal year 2012 and all of the succeeding fiscal years, the Commission shall by order adjust each of the rates required by paragraphs (1) and (3) for all of such fiscal years to a rate that is equal to the rate (expressed in dollars per million) that is applicable under section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77f(b)] for all of such fiscal years. (7) Pro rata application. - The rates per $1,000,000 required by this subsection shall be applied pro rata to amounts and balances of less than $1,000,000. (8) Review and effective date. - In exercising its authority under this subsection, the Commission shall not be required to comply with the provisions of section 553 of title 5. An adjusted rate prescribed under paragraph (5) or (6) and published under paragraph (10) shall not be subject to judicial review. Subject to paragraphs (4) and (9) - (A) an adjusted rate prescribed under paragraph (5) shall take effect on the later of - (i) the first day of the fiscal year to which such rate applies; or (ii) five days after the date on which a regular appropriation to the Commission for such fiscal year is enacted; and (B) an adjusted rate prescribed under paragraph (6) shall take effect on the later of - (i) the first day of fiscal year 2012; or (ii) five days after the date on which a regular appropriation to the Commission for fiscal year 2012 is enacted. (9) Lapse of appropriation. - If on the first day of a fiscal year a regular appropriation to the Commission has not been enacted, the Commission shall continue to collect fees (as offsetting collections) under this subsection at the rate in effect during the preceding fiscal year, until 5 days after the date such a regular appropriation is enacted. (10) Publication. - The rate applicable under this subsection for each fiscal year is published pursuant to section 6(b)(10) of the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77f(b)(10)]. (11) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commission may impose fees, charges, or prices for matters not involving any acquisition, merger, consolidation, sale, or other disposition of assets described in this subsection, as authorized by section 9701 of title 31, or otherwise. (h) Proxy solicitations and tender offers in connection with limited partnership rollup transactions (1) Proxy rules to contain special provisions It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit any proxy, consent, or authorization concerning a limited partnership rollup transaction, or to make any tender offer in furtherance of a limited partnership rollup transaction, unless such transaction is conducted in accordance with rules prescribed by the Commission under subsections (a) and (d) of this section as required by this subsection. Such rules shall - (A) permit any holder of a security that is the subject of the proposed limited partnership rollup transaction to engage in preliminary communications for the purpose of determining whether to solicit proxies, consents, or authorizations in opposition to the proposed limited partnership rollup transaction, without regard to whether any such communication would otherwise be considered a solicitation of proxies, and without being required to file soliciting material with the Commission prior to making that determination, except that - (i) nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to limit the application of any provision of this chapter prohibiting, or reasonably designed to prevent, fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative acts or practices under this chapter; and (ii) any holder of not less than 5 percent of the outstanding securities that are the subject of the proposed limited partnership rollup transaction who engages in the business of buying and selling limited partnership interests in the secondary market shall be required to disclose such ownership interests and any potential conflicts of interests in such preliminary communications; (B) require the issuer to provide to holders of the securities that are the subject of the limited partnership rollup transaction such list of the holders of the issuer's securities as the Commission may determine in such form and subject to such terms and conditions as the Commission may specify; (C) prohibit compensating any person soliciting proxies, consents, or authorizations directly from security holders concerning such a limited partnership rollup transaction - (i) on the basis of whether the solicited proxy, consent, or authorization either approves or disapproves the proposed limited partnership rollup transaction; or (ii) contingent on the approval, disapproval, or completion of the limited partnership rollup transaction; (D) set forth disclosure requirements for soliciting material distributed in connection with a limited partnership rollup transaction, including requirements for clear, concise, and comprehensible disclosure with respect to - (i) any changes in the business plan, voting rights, form of ownership interest, or the compensation of the general partner in the proposed limited partnership rollup transaction from each of the original limited partnerships; (ii) the conflicts of interest, if any, of the general partner; (iii) whether it is expected that there will be a significant difference between the exchange values of the limited partnerships and the trading price of the securities to be issued in the limited partnership rollup transaction; (iv) the valuation of the limited partnerships and the method used to determine the value of the interests of the limited partners to be exchanged for the securities in the limited partnership rollup transaction; (v) the differing risks and effects of the limited partnership rollup transaction for investors in different limited partnerships proposed to be included, and the risks and effects of completing the limited partnership rollup transaction with less than all limited partnerships; (vi) the statement by the general partner required under subparagraph (E); (vii) such other matters deemed necessary or appropriate by the Commission; (E) require a statement by the general partner as to whether the proposed limited partnership rollup transaction is fair or unfair to investors in each limited partnership, a discussion of the basis for that conclusion, and an evaluation and a description by the general partner of alternatives to the limited partnership rollup transaction, such as liquidation; (F) provide that, if the general partner or sponsor has obtained any opinion (other than an opinion of counsel), appraisal, or report that is prepared by an outside party and that is materially related to the limited partnership rollup transaction, such soliciting materials shall contain or be accompanied by clear, concise, and comprehensible disclosure with respect to - (i) the analysis of the transaction, scope of review, preparation of the opinion, and basis for and methods of arriving at conclusions, and any representations and undertakings with respect there