SEC Wants to Keep Tracking Unregistered Foreign Stock Sales
Published Date: 2/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The SEC is asking to keep collecting info from companies selling securities outside the U.S. without registering, under Regulation S. About 1,100 foreign companies spend around 5 hours each year on this, costing roughly $827,000 in outside fees. They want your feedback on how to make this process clearer and less time-consuming before extending the rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Annual External Professional Fees
The SEC estimates that 25% of the 5 hours per response is done by outside professionals at $600 per hour, producing an annual external cost of $827,250 across the approximately 1,103 respondents. That equals about $750 in outside-professional fees per issuer per year (1.25 hours × $600).
Annual Internal Compliance Time Burden
About 1,103 foreign private issuers rely on Regulation S once per year and spend about 5 hours each to comply. The SEC estimates 75% of that time is done internally, totaling 4,136 internal hours across all issuers (about 3.75 hours per issuer per year).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17183, Regulation Crypto Assets
The Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") is proposing new rules to create a tailored offering regime for certain investment contracts involving crypto assets. The proposed offering regime is intended to facilitate capital formation and accommodate innovation within the crypto asset markets while, at the same time, ensuring that investors are adequately protected and provided with the information they need to make informed investment decisions. The proposed rules would be set forth in a new regulation titled "Regulation Crypto Assets" and would include two exemptions from the registration requirements of section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933. The first exemption would permit offerings of up to $5 million during a four-year period. The second exemption would permit offerings of up to $75 million during each 12-month period. Under both exemptions, issuers would be required to make certain principles-based narrative disclosures available to their investors. In addition, issuers under the second exemption would be required to provide financial statements and would be subject to ongoing reporting requirements. Issuers that rely on these exemptions would remain subject to the antifraud and antimanipulation provisions of the Federal securities laws. The proposed rules also would include a conditional safe harbor from the term "investment contract" in the definitions of "security" in the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If the conditions of that proposed safe harbor are satisfied, then a crypto asset would be deemed not to be subject to an investment contract for purposes of those definitions of "security."
2026-12163, The Trade-Through Rule and Locked and Crossed Markets Provisions of Regulation NMS
The SEC wants to scrap some old rules that stop stocks from being traded at worse prices and prevent confusing market quotes. This change affects stock traders and exchanges, aiming to simplify trading and possibly speed things up. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until August 17, 2026, so don’t miss out!
2026-10373, Registered Offering Reform
The SEC wants to make it easier and cheaper for more companies to sell their stocks and bonds to the public. They’re opening up special forms and benefits to more businesses, updating rules to be more modern, and cutting red tape by overriding some state rules. If you’re a company planning to raise money, these changes could speed things up and save you money, with feedback due by July 27, 2026.
2026-10222, Enhancement of Emerging Growth Company Accommodations and Simplification of Filer Status for Reporting Companies
The SEC is making it easier for companies that report their finances by simplifying their categories into just two groups: big and small filers. Smaller companies, including emerging growth ones, will get more time to file reports and enjoy simpler rules, while big companies keep stricter standards. These changes aim to save time and money, with feedback open until July 20, 2026.
2026-07651, Concept Release on Consolidated Audit Trail and Other Audit Trails and Data Sources
The SEC wants your thoughts on how it tracks stock market trades using the Consolidated Audit Trail and other data tools. They’re thinking about updating rules to keep up with new tech, privacy, and security needs, and to make sure the system is fair and cost-effective. If you’re involved in the stock market or data tracking, speak up by June 22, 2026!
2026-17058, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq ISE, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Exchange's Connectivity Schedule and Discontinue a Previously Proposed Offering
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03063, Meeting of the Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development
The Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development is meeting virtually on March 4, 2026, to talk about ways to help veteran-owned small businesses get more money, contracts, and support. Veterans who own small businesses and anyone interested can join, comment, and learn about new opportunities. If you want to speak or send ideas, make sure to RSVP or submit comments by February 25!
Next: 2026-03067, Hazardous Materials: Notice of Actions on Special Permits
The Department of Transportation just updated special permits for companies handling hazardous materials, letting some use new packaging or carry different amounts safely. If you work with these materials, these changes could affect how you ship or store them. Make sure to send any comments by March 19, 2026, to have your say—these updates keep things safe and smooth without extra costs.