FINRA is modifying the criteria and process for candidates whose primary language is not English to receive additional time to complete a qualification examination or Regulatory Element Continuing Education session (CE session). The attached release describes the new procedures. Cross Reference(s): NASD NTM 01-81 (Provides Interpretive Guidance on the Conduct of Business Abroad). View notice in full here (links externally to FINRA website).

The SEC announced that Robert E. Plaze, the Deputy Director of the Division of Investment Management, is retiring from public service at the end of August after almost 30 years at the SEC. View press release in full here (links externally to SEC website).

The SEC charged an executive at Bristol-Myers Squibb with insider trading on confidential information about companies being targeted for potential acquisitions. The SEC alleges that the executive profited by misusing nonpublic information he obtained while helping his employer evaluate whether to acquire three other pharmaceutical companies. Cross-Reference(s): Securities Act Section 17(a); Exchange Act Sections 10(b) and 14(e), Rules 10b-5 and 14e-3. View in full here (links externally to SEC website). Additional Materials: SEC Complaint; More SEC Insider Trading Cases.

ISE - Effective Immediately - Rule Change to Reformat the Schedule of Fees BOX - Effective Immediately - Rule Change to Amend the Fee Schedule for Trading on BOX

CME Group Executive Chairman and President Terry Duffy will appear before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry today to deliver the following testimony: "Examining the Futures Markets: Responding to the Failures of MF Global and Peregrine Financial Group." The testimony contains a variety of recommendations both as to control procedures that should be implemented at individual firms and as to regulatory improvements. [SL Comment: The testimony should be reviewed by those working in financial/operational controls as both FCMs and broker-dealers to asses the potential