On February 5, the SEC held a roundtable (webcast available here as Part 1 and Part 2) to evaluate the impact of tick sizes on the securities markets. The roundtable consisted of three panels: The first panel addressed the impact of tick sizes on small and mid-sized companies, the economic consequences of increasing or decreasing minimum tick sizes, and whether other policy alternatives might better address concerns related to Section 106(b) of the JOBS Act. The second panel addressed the impact of tick sizes on the securities market in general, including what benefits may have been achieved

The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (the "Bureau") is publishing a final rule amending the official interpretations for Regulation Z (Truth in Lending). The Bureau is required to adjust annually the dollar amount that triggers requirements for certain home mortgage loans bearing fees above a certain amount. The Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 ("HOEPA") sets forth rules for home-secured loans in which the total points and fees payable by the consumer at or before loan consummation exceed the greater of $400 or 8 percent of the total loan amount. In keeping with the

The Mutual Fund Directors Forum ("MFDF") and an impressive honor role of former senior officials from the SEC submitted an amicus brief in Investment Company Institute v. CFTC. The brief, in support of ICI, argues that the CFTC's new registration regime under Rule 4.5 for mutual fund advisers, which will require such advisers to register as CPOs if their funds invest in futures and swaps above a certain level, will impose significant new costs on mutual funds and negatively impact such funds' ability to implement the most efficient and beneficial investment strategies for shareholders. The

The OCC announced the selection of Donna Murphy as Director for Community and Consumer Law. Ms. Murphy will oversee the OCC's Law Department Division that provides legal interpretations and advice on consumer protection, fair lending, and community reinvestment and development issues. Click here to view announcement in full (links externally to OCC website).

Comptroller of the Currency, Thomas J. Curry, named Larry Hattix as the agency's Senior Deputy Comptroller for Enterprise Governance and Ombudsman. Mr. Hattix will oversee the agency's enterprise governance function, national bank and savings association appeals program, and the agency's customer assistance group. Click here to view notice in full (links externally to OCC website).