BlogLine

Loss of SEC Commissioners Piwowar and Stein May Wreak Havoc on SEC’s Proposed Fiduciary Regulations

6/1/18

By: Ted Peters
On May 7, 2018, Republican SEC Commissioner Michael Piwowar announced that he will resign effective July 7, 2018.  Piwowar’s five-year term expires on June 5, but SEC commissioners are permitted to remain in office for up to 18 months following the end of their term.  Democratic Commissioner Kara Stein’s term expired in 2017 and she too is expected to leave the Commission this year.
Piwowar was admittedly a harsh critic of the U.S. Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule (calling it a “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad” rule), which has since been struck down by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal.  He also expressed significant misgivings with the Commission’s April 18, 2018 proposals which attempt to establish standards of conduct for financial advisors.  Despite such concerns, Piwowar wholeheartedly voted in favor of putting the proposals out for public comment lest anyone criticize the SEC for failing to take action.  Stein, however, voted against the proposals, finding them too weak and suggesting they be called “Regulation Status Quo.”
Regardless of their personal views, the loss of Commissioners Piwowar and Stein will undoubtedly put further pressure on the SEC as the agency takes comments on the proposals. On the other hand, the SEC might have an easier go in reaching a compromise with the decision being left to just three commissioners.  In theory, the White House and Senate could quickly take action to replace Piwowar and Stein, as it is customary for the Senate to consider commissioners in pairs (Republican and Democrat).  In the meantime, between the departures of Piwowar and Stein, the SEC will operate with four commissioners including two Democrats, which could lead to deadlocked votes, something for which the SEC is well known.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Ted Peters at tpeters@fmglaw.com.