Federal Court Overturns SEC Rule: What's Next for Private Fund Advisers?

On June 5, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated the SEC’s Private Fund Adviser Rule, a regulation that had stirred considerable debate and concern within the private funds industry. This ruling marks a significant shift in the regulatory environment and leaves many private fund advisers wondering what comes next.

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About the authors:
Louis Froelich
Britt Whitesell Biles
Jennifer Erickson Ammirati
Kimberly B. Richmond

Transcript

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On June 5, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated the SEC’s Private Fund Adviser Rule, a regulation that had stirred considerable debate and concern within the private funds industry. This ruling marks a significant shift in the regulatory environment and leaves many private fund advisers wondering what comes next. 

The Private Fund Adviser Rule was designed to impose additional regulatory requirements on private fund advisers. It aimed to enhance transparency and investor protection by introducing several key provisions. These included restrictions on using fund assets to cover defense costs for government investigations, prohibiting preferential treatment of certain investors, and mandating fairness opinions for adviser-led secondary transactions.

The SEC’s primary intent behind this rule was to protect investors and prevent fraudulent activities within the private funds sector. By enforcing stricter regulations, the SEC hoped to promote fair practices and reduce the risk of misconduct among private fund advisers.

A coalition of groups representing the private funds industry petitioned the court to review the rule, arguing that the SEC had exceeded its authority and failed to follow proper procedural steps. They contended that the rule imposed undue burdens on private fund advisers and overstepped the SEC’s regulatory boundaries.

The Fifth Circuit’s ruling centered on the SEC’s lack of statutory authority to adopt the rule. The court found that the SEC had misinterpreted sections of the Dodd-Frank Act and the Investment Advisers Act. According to the court, the antifraud provisions cited by the SEC did not justify the rule’s broad scope, and the protections for retail investors outlined in Dodd-Frank were not applicable to private funds.

Near term, in light of the court’s decision, private fund advisers may adopt a wait-and-see approach regarding compliance with the now-vacated rule. While the ruling has nullified the immediate regulatory requirements, firms should remain cautious. The SEC might pursue other avenues to achieve its regulatory goals, which could lead to future changes.

The industry’s response to the ruling has been mixed. Some advisers welcome the decision, viewing it as a reprieve from stringent regulatory measures. Others express concerns about the uncertainty it brings and the potential for future regulatory changes. 

The SEC has several options moving forward. It could seek a rehearing by the full panel of judges on the Fifth Circuit, appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, or abandon the rule altogether. Alternatively, the SEC might attempt to introduce a modified version of the rule, relying on different statutory authority.

While the immediate regulatory requirements have been nullified, the potential for changes remains, and the future of regulation in the private funds industry remains uncertain. The SEC’s enforcement actions and examinations may continue to reflect the rule’s underlying principles. As such, private fund advisers should stay vigilant and maintain a level of readiness for potential regulatory shifts.

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