The FINRA Investor Education Foundation has published an investor alert entitled, " Five Tips to Keep Your Finances From Going Off a Cliff." See tips below: Lower your tax burden by saving to the 401(k) max. A rainy day fund can lead to greater financial security. HARP can help you refinance your mortgage. Avoid Credit Card Debt. Do a Yearly Background Check on Your Investment Professional. Click hereto view notice in full (links externally to FINRA website).

The interim Financial Policy Committee of the Bank of England has published a draft policy statement on the extent of its powers to give directions to set additional capital requirements in order to support financial stability. The FPC is slated to have two types of powers in this regard - the countercyclical capital buffer, which will supplement headline capital requirements, and sectoral capital requirements, which will apply to exposures in specific sectors. The draft emphasizes that the exercise of the prudential powers must not have a significant adverse effect on the ability of the

The European Securities and Markets Authority and the European Banking Authority have published the outcome of their joint review of Euribor, setting out recommendations for the rate-setting process which address a number of issues with the governance of the Euribor rate-setting mechanism. The recommendations include, among other items: focusing references on maturities with the highest usage and volume of underlying transactions; and diversifying the membership of the Euribor Steering Committee to promote independence. Interested parties have until February 15 to submit responses. See also

The SEC announced that David Grim has been appointed Deputy Director of its Division of Investment Management. Mr. Grim has worked in the division for 17 years, most recently as Assistant Chief Counsel in its Office of Chief Counsel. Click here to view press release in full (links externally to SEC website).

The SEC has announced that Gregg E. Berman has been named Associate Director of the Office of Analytics and Research in the SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets. "Gregg’s analytical expertise and market background make him a tremendous asset for our new Office of Analytics and Research," said John Ramsay, Acting Director of the Division of Trading and Markets. "In his time at the SEC, Gregg has worked on many complex issues, including an analysis of the causes of the May 6, 2011, 'flash crash,' on rulemaking to create a Consolidated Audit Trail, and on the many new rules for derivatives