FORVIS: In 2022, several centralized cryptocurrency exchanges filed for bankruptcy due to being overleveraged, dragging the overall cryptocurrency market down. The total cryptocurrency market capitalization (or market cap) peaked in late 2021 at approximately $3 trillion, but as of this writing is now under $1 trillion. Investors that held assets on centralized cryptocurrency exchanges likely want to know what their options are for recouping losses on their federal income tax returns. Read more…

FORVIS: The long-awaited SEC final rule on climate disclosure was unexpectedly delayed due to a technical glitch. The more aggressive European targets have encountered speed bumps, but the European Commission (EC) recently approved 12 standards that will be effective for large companies on January 1, 2024. Read more…

FORVIS: On November 2, 2022, the SEC issued a 444-page proposal that would significantly change liquidity risk management and pricing practices for open-end management investment companies, including:

• Updating the classification of investment liquidity and requiring a minimum of 10% of highly liquid assets
• Requiring the use of swing pricing and implementing a hard close
• Timelier, more frequent (monthly), and more detailed public reporting of fund information
• To learn more download the FORVIS White Paper

UMB Fund Services: Some alternative investment managers are launching new funds with an expectation of later converting them to registered funds to pursue broader distribution. Here are suggestions from Ann Maurer, UMB senior vice president and mutual funds product manager, on how to avoid negative surprises when implementing that strategy. Read more…

Institutional Investor, by Alicia McElhaney – Amid a hotly competitive market, there may be a better way for asset owners to tap into popular startups — without vying for access to the top venture capital managers.  Venture debt is a burgeoning section of the market which has long been dominated by just a few players. That is now changing, according to Zack Ellison, chief investment officer at venture debt firm Applied Real Intelligence. Read more…

CohnReznick – The SEC has proposed new rules that would require investment funds and advisors to implement written cybersecurity programs that address mounting cybersecurity risks. The rules, if passed, would also require funds and advisors to publicly report “significant” security incidents and provide documentation of cybersecurity risks. Read more…

CohnReznick – The SEC recently proposed new regulations for the private fund industry that would require annual audits and quarterly investor account statements, expand “prohibited activities,” limit preferential treatment, and other key changes. The proposals are intended to “enhance the regulation of private fund advisors and to protect private fund investors by increasing transparency, competition, and efficiency,” the SEC wrote in its release. Read more…

ESG Playbook – Supply chain shortages were the focal point of 2021 and continue into 2022, advancing the era of environmental, social, and governance on a global stage. The supply chain squeeze has spanned across multiple industries, pushing the inflation rate in the U.S. to the highest level since 1982. There is uncertainty concerning when the supply chain bottleneck will ease. However, one thing that we ascertain is that ESG will be here to stay and reshape the supply chain landscape over the long run. As ESG goes mainstream, a few breakthrough developments are underway. Read more…

Wilshire Phoenix – The metaverse has often been referred to as a type of virtual reality (VR) where users can interact with each other in a computer-generated environment. The metaverse can be an immersive experience where virtual worlds can allow users to work, play and have experiences that are nearly limitless. Read more…

Wilshire Phoenix – The U.S. economy experienced significant growth in 2021 on the shoulders of vaccine efficacy and return to normal for many. From concerts and sporting events to restaurants and travel, each of those industries, among others, saw profound benefits by rebounding from being shut down almost entirely in 2020.  Read more…