SIFMA expressed its "unequivocal" support of the MSRB's proposed amendments to MSRB Rules G-12 ("Uniform Practice") and G-15 ("Confirmation, Clearance, Settlement and Other Uniform Practice Requirements with Respect to Transactions with Customers"). The amendments would shorten the securities settlement cycle from T+3 to T+2. SIFMA also requested that the MSRB: amend its rules to specify that the electronic delivery of documents is satisfactory, since firms could find it difficult to deliver paper documents within a two-day settlement period; and finalize related changes to MSRB Rules G-12 and

The Investment Company Institute (ICI) updated the framework for its Financial Intermediary Controls and Compliance Assessment (FICCA). The framework provides guidance for financial intermediaries that engage independent accountants to report on control and compliance environments, as well as for mutual fund complexes that use such reports as part of their due diligence programs. The updated framework is intended to improve oversight and increase efficiency, transparency and flexibility for intermediaries. A review of the framework's 17 areas of focus by a working group of ICI member firms

Please see the Cabinet list of significant effective dates, compliance dates, comment deadlines and filing deadlines. For more information on upcoming dates and deadlines, visit the Cabinet's Reg Tracker (available to subscribers only). Effective Dates December 24, 2015: FINRA amendments to Rule 2241 governing equity research. The adopted rule change also amends NASD Rule 1050 ("Registration of Research Analysts") and NYSE Rule 344 ("Research Analysts and Supervisory Analysts") to create an exception from the research analyst qualification requirements. This effective date is "for all other

The NFA is holding an upcoming election to elect representatives in the commodity pool operator ("CPO")/commodity trading advisor ("CTA") category on the NFA's Board of Directors. Each NFA Member firm that has designated its primary voting category as either a CPO or a CTA can cast a ballot to vote for only one individual running in each election to serve on NFA's Board. No write-in votes will be accepted. The ballot must be received no later than Tuesday, January 19, 2016.

The Financial Stability Oversight Council ("FSOC") will meet on December 17th to discuss emerging market developments and financial regulatory issues. The preliminary agenda includes a discussion of the annual re-evaluation of the designation of a nonbank financial company.