Americans for Financial Reform

News Category: Press Releases & Statements

Coates and Pozen: Bill to Help Businesses Raise Capital Goes Too Far

“The House voted 390 to 23 last week for a bill (PDF) to provide regulatory relief for small companies trying to raise capital. The bill is moving quickly through the Senate; no one likes unnecessary regulations that burden economic growth. But this bill does more than trim regulatory fat; parts of it cut into muscle. Small businesses will have a harder time raising capital if investors do not receive sufficient disclosures or other legal protections.”

SEC Commission Aguilar: Investor Protection is Needed for True Capital Formation

“Last week, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3606, the ‘Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act.’ It is clear to me that H.R. 3606 in its current form weakens or eliminates many regulations designed to safeguard investors. I must voice my concerns because as an SEC Commissioner, I cannot sit idly by when I see potential legislation that could harm investors. This bill seems to impose tremendous costs and potential harm on investors with little to no corresponding benefit.”

INVEST in America Act (S.A. 1833) vs. JOBS Act (H.R. 3606)

 INVEST in America Act (S.A. 1833) vs. JOBS Act (H.R. 3606) Reed-Landrieu-Levin Amendment Mar. 15, 2012 Seven Essential Fixes to the House Bill The House bill would allow companies to advertise risky, less-regulated, unregistered private offerings to the general public using billboards along the highway, cold calls to senior living centers or other mass marketing

Floyd Norris, New York Times: Paving a Path to Fraud on Wall Street

 NEW YORK TIMES March 15, 2012 Paving Path to Fraud on Wall St. By FLOYD NORRIS Nearly 20 years ago, Bankers Trust was riding high. The bank, based in New York, had become known as an expert in then-newfangled derivative securities, and the profits were flowing in. In an era where commercial banks were often