Credit Raters Face More Routine Paperwork

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!

2026-11389 — Pear Tree Funds and Pear Tree Advisors, Inc.

Pear Tree Funds and Pear Tree Advisors want to offer a new kind of investment fund that mixes regular mutual fund shares with exchange-traded fund (ETF) shares all in one. This change lets investors enjoy the best of both worlds—easy trading like ETFs and the flexibility of mutual funds. If approved, this could start soon, and folks interested have until June 29, 2026, to ask for a hearing.

2026-11379 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC; Noticing of Filing of Amendment No. 1 and Order Granting Accelerated Approval of a Proposed Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1, To Adopt Listing Rule IM-5101-4

Nasdaq just got the green light to remove stocks from its listings if the SEC has already paused their trading and Nasdaq thinks it’s the right move for everyone. This new rule helps keep the market clean and fair, affecting companies with suspended trading and investors watching those stocks. The change kicks in fast, so expect quicker action on troubled stocks, helping protect your money and the market’s health.

2026-11391 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension: Form 6-K-Exchange Act Rules 13a-16 and 15d-16

The SEC wants to keep using Form 6-K, which foreign companies file to share important news with U.S. investors quickly. About 1,261 companies file this form around 21 times a year, spending lots of time and money—over $35 million yearly on outside help! The SEC is asking for public feedback before extending this paperwork requirement to make sure it’s still useful and not too burdensome.

Previous: 2026-11462 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension: Rule 17g-2

The SEC is asking for feedback on extending Rule 17g-2, which makes credit rating agencies keep certain business records for set times. This affects 11 big credit rating agencies and involves about 3,883 hours of work each year. Comments are open until August 7, 2026, so agencies can share ideas on making the process easier or clearer without extra costs.

Next: 2026-11464 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Extension: Investor Form

The SEC is extending the use of its easy online Investor Form that helps people send questions or complaints about investments. This form makes it simpler for about 13,000 investors a year to reach the SEC and helps the agency respond faster. Using the form is optional, and there’s no cost or deadline change—just smoother service for everyone involved!