SEC Chair Gensler Leads Push for Stricter Rules on SPACs

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently implemented a series of stringent regulations aimed at “special-purpose acquisition companies” (SPACs). These new rules, adopted with a 3-2 vote by the SEC Commission, significantly increase legal responsibilities for SPACs, particularly concerning the disclosure of projected earnings and other vital information.

SPACs Under Scrutiny

SPACs, often described as blank-check companies, are designed to raise capital through listings for the sole purpose of acquiring a private entity, thereby taking it public. This approach has been criticized for allowing companies to bypass the rigorous regulatory requirements typical of traditional initial public offerings (IPOs).

The SEC’s heightened interest in SPACs follows a surge in such transactions during 2020 and 2021, which raised concerns over exaggerated or misleading financial projections from target companies.

Enhanced Investor Protections

SEC Chair Gary Gensler emphasized the necessity of aligning SPAC operations with the regulatory framework of traditional IPOs. Consequently, the new regulations necessitate more stringent disclosures about SPAC sponsors’ compensation, potential conflicts of interest, and the likelihood of share value dilution.

Additionally, in certain cases, target companies must now register with the SEC, accepting responsibility for investor disclosures related to the deal.

While Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, a vocal advocate for financial reform, commended the SEC’s action, some Republican Commission members expressed concerns. They suggested that the new rules might unduly hinder the use of SPACs as a valuable investment mechanism.

SEC Adapting to Public Feedback

The SEC altered its initial proposal in response to public input. Notably, it removed the suggested 18-to-24-month timeframe for SPACs to finalize mergers or forfeit certain legal protections. It also abandoned the idea of automatically classifying some SPAC IPO participants as underwriters in subsequent mergers.

The regulations will be effective 125 days following their publication in the federal register. SPACs currently listed will remain governed by prior regulations if they complete their acquisition within this 125-day transitional period. The enactment of these rules comes at a time when investor enthusiasm for SPAC deals has significantly diminished.

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