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Proposed Rule2020-088542020-05-13

Good Faith Determinations of Fair Value

Securities and Exchange Commission

Abstract

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") is proposing a new rule ("rule 2a-5") under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Investment Company Act" or the "Act") that would address valuation practices and the role of the board of directors with respect to the fair value of the investments of a registered investment company or business development company (a "fund"). The proposed rule would provide requirements for determining fair value in good faith with respect to a fund for purposes of section 2(a)(41) of the Act. This determination would involve assessing and managing material risks associated with fair value determinations; selecting, applying, and testing fair value methodologies; overseeing and evaluating any pricing services used; adopting and implementing policies and procedures; and maintaining certain records. The proposed rule would permit a fund's board of directors to assign the fair value determination to an investment adviser of the fund, who would then carry out these functions for some or all of the fund's investments. This assignment would be subject to board oversight and certain reporting, recordkeeping, and other requirements designed to facilitate the board's ability effectively to oversee the adviser's fair value determinations. The proposed rule would include a specific provision related to the determination of the fair value of investments held by unit investment trusts, which do not have boards of directors. The proposed rule would also define when market quotations are readily available under section 2(a)(41) of the Act. If rule 2a-5 is adopted, the Commission would rescind previously issued guidance on the role of the board of directors in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments.

Action & Dates

Action
Proposed rule.
Dates
Comments should be submitted on or before July 21, 2020.

CFR References

Topics

AccountantsAccountingBanks, bankingEmployee benefit plansHolding companiesInsurance companiesInvestment companiesOil and gas explorationReporting and recordkeeping requirementsSecuritiesUtilities

Public Comment

Comments Close
2020-07-21

Document Excerpt

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Securities and Exchange Commission 17 CFR Parts 210 and 270 [Release No. IC-33845; File No. S7-07-20] RIN 3235-AM71 AGENCY: Securities and Exchange Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: The Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) is proposing a new rule (“rule 2a-5”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act” or the “Act”) that would address valuation practices and the role of the board of directors with respect to the fair value of the investments of a registered investment company or business development company (a “fund”). The proposed rule would provide requirements for determining fair value in good faith with respect to a fund for purposes of section 2(a)(41) of the Act. This determination would involve assessing and managing material risks associated with fair value determinations; selecting, applying, and testing fair value methodologies; overseeing and evaluating any pricing services used; adopting and implementing policies and procedures; and maintaining certain records. The proposed rule would permit a fund's board of directors to assign the fair value determination to an investment adviser of the fund, who would then carry out these functions for some or all of the fund's investments. This assignment would be subject to board oversight and certain reporting, recordkeeping, and other requirements designed to facilitate the board's ability effectively to oversee t

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Full Document

Citation: 85 FR 28734