15 U.S. Code § 77b - Definitions; promotion of efficiency, competition, and capital formation (2024)

[1]  So in original.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Investment Company Act of 1940, referred to in subsec. (a)(15)(i), is title I of act Aug. 22, 1940, ch. 686, 54 Stat. 789, which is classified generally to subchapter I (§ 80a–1 et seq.) of chapter 2D of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 80a–51 of this title and Tables.

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (a)(15)(i), is Pub. L. 93–406, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 829, which is classified principally to chapter 18 (§ 1001 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of Title 29 and Tables.

Codification

Words “Philippine Islands” deleted from definition of term “Territory” under authority of Proc. No. 2695, eff. July 4, 1946, 11 F.R. 7517, 60 Stat. 1352, which granted independence to the Philippine Islands. Proc. No. 2695 was issued pursuant to section 1394 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, and is set out as a note under that section.

Amendments

2012—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 112–106, § 105(a), inserted at end “The publication or distribution by a broker or dealer of a research report about an emerging growth company that is the subject of a proposed public offering of the common equity securities of such emerging growth company pursuant to a registration statement that the issuer proposes to file, or has filed, or that is effective shall be deemed for purposes of paragraph (10) of this subsection and section 77e(c) of this title not to constitute an offer for sale or offer to sell a security, even if the broker or dealer is participating or will participate in the registered offering of the securities of the issuer. As used in this paragraph, the term ‘research report’ means a written, electronic, or oral communication that includes information, opinions, or recommendations with respect to securities of an issuer or an analysis of a security or an issuer, whether or not it provides information reasonably sufficient upon which to base an investment decision.”

Subsec. (a)(19). Pub. L. 112–106, § 101(a), added par. (19).

2010—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 111–203, § 768(a)(1), inserted “security-based swap,” after “security future,”.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 111–203, § 768(a)(2), inserted at end “Any offer or sale of a security-based swap by or on behalf of the issuer of the securities upon which such security-based swap is based or is referenced, an affiliate of the issuer, or an underwriter, shall constitute a contract for sale of, sale of, offer for sale, or offer to sell such securities.”

Subsec. (a)(17), (18). Pub. L. 111–203, § 768(a)(3), added pars. (17) and (18).

2000—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(5) [title II, § 208(a)(1)(A)], inserted “security future,” after “treasury stock,”.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(5) [title II, § 208(a)(1)(B)], inserted at end “Any offer or sale of a security futures product by or on behalf of the issuer of the securities underlying the security futures product, an affiliate of the issuer, or an underwriter, shall constitute a contract for sale of, sale of, offer for sale, or offer to sell the underlying securities.”

Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(5) [title II, § 208(a)(1)(C)], added par. (16).

1998—Subsec. (a)(15)(i). Pub. L. 105–353 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 77c(a)(2) of this title and inserted “of this subsection” after “paragraph (13)”.

1996—Pub. L. 104–290 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).

1987—Par. (5). Pub. L. 100–181, § 201, substituted “Securities and Exchange Commission” for “Federal Trade Commission”.

Par. (6). Pub. L. 100–181, § 202, struck out reference to Canal Zone.

1982—Par. (1). Pub. L. 97–303 inserted “any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security, certificate of deposit, or group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency,” after “mineral rights,”.

1980—Par. (15). Pub. L. 96–477 added par. (15).

1970—Pars. (13), (14). Pub. L. 91–547 added pars. (13) and (14).

1960—Par. (6). Pub. L. 86–624 struck out reference to Hawaii.

1959—Par. (6). Pub. L. 86–70 struck out reference to Alaska.

1954—Act Aug. 10, 1954, in pars. (3), (8), (10), and (11), redefined term “sale” so as to distinguish between “offers” and “sales”, clarified definition of “registration statement”, and conformed definition of “prospectus” to changes made by act Aug. 10, 1954, to sections 77e and 77j of this title.

1934—Act June 6, 1934, amended pars. (1), (4), and (10).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–106, title I, § 101(d), Apr. 5, 2012, 126 Stat. 308, provided that:

“Notwithstanding section 2(a)(19) of the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77b(a)(19)] and section 3(a)(80) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(80)], an issuer shall not be an emerging growth company for purposes of such Acts [15 U.S.C. 77a et seq., 78a et seq.] if the first sale of common equity securities of such issuer pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.] occurred on or before December 8, 2011.”

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–203, title VII, § 774, July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 1802, provided that:

“Unless otherwise provided, the provisions of this subtitle [subtitle B (§§ 761–774) of title VII of Pub. L. 111–203, enacting subchapter II (§ 8341 et seq.) of chapter 109 and sections 78c–3 to 78c–5, 78j–2, 78m–1, and 78o–10 of this title, amending this section and sections 77b–1, 77e, 77q, 78c, 78c–1, 78f, 78i, 78j, 78m, 78o, 78p, 78q–1, 78t, 78u–1, 78u–2, 78bb, 78dd, 78mm, 80a–2, and 80b–2 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 78c of this title] shall take effect on the later of 360 days after the date of the enactment of this subtitle [July 21, 2010] or, to the extent a provision of this subtitle requires a rulemaking, not less than 60 days after publication of the final rule or regulation implementing such provision of this subtitle.”

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–547 effective Dec. 14, 1970, see section 30 of Pub. L. 91–547, set out as a note under section 80a–52 of this title.

Effective Date of 1954 Amendment

Act Aug. 10, 1954, ch. 667, § 501, 68 Stat. 689, provided that:

“This Act [amending this section and sections 77c to 77e, 77j, 77l, 77q, 77v, 77ccc to 77fff, 77xxx, 78k, 78l, 80a–2 and 80a–24 of this title] shall take effect sixty days after the date of its enactment [Aug. 10, 1954].”

Adjusting the Accredited Investor Standard

Pub. L. 111–203, title IV, § 413, July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 1577, provided that:

“(a) In General.—

The [Securities and Exchange] Commission shall adjust any net worth standard for an accredited investor, as set forth in the rules of the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.], so that the individual net worth of any natural person, or joint net worth with the spouse of that person, at the time of purchase, is more than $1,000,000 (as such amount is adjusted periodically by rule of the Commission), excluding the value of the primary residence of such natural person, except that during the 4-year period that begins on the date of enactment of this Act [July 21, 2010], any net worth standard shall be $1,000,000, excluding the value of the primary residence of such natural person.

“(b) Review and Adjustment.—

“(1) Initial review and adjustment.—

“(A) Initial review.—

The Commission may undertake a review of the definition of the term ‘accredited investor’, as such term applies to natural persons, to determine whether the requirements of the definition, excluding the requirement relating to the net worth standard described in subsection (a), should be adjusted or modified for the protection of investors, in the public interest, and in light of the economy.

“(B) Adjustment or modification.—

Upon completion of a review under subparagraph (A), the Commission may, by notice and comment rulemaking, make such adjustments to the definition of the term ‘accredited investor’, excluding adjusting or modifying the requirement relating to the net worth standard described in subsection (a), as such term applies to natural persons, as the Commission may deem appropriate for the protection of investors, in the public interest, and in light of the economy.

“(2) Subsequent reviews and adjustment.—

“(A) Subsequent reviews.—

Not earlier than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act [July 21, 2010], and not less frequently than once every 4 years thereafter, the Commission shall undertake a review of the definition, in its entirety, of the term ‘accredited investor’, as defined in section 230.215 of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto, as such term applies to natural persons, to determine whether the requirements of the definition should be adjusted or modified for the protection of investors, in the public interest, and in light of the economy.

“(B) Adjustment or modification.—

Upon completion of a review under subparagraph (A), the Commission may, by notice and comment rulemaking, make such adjustments to the definition of the term ‘accredited investor’, as defined in section 230.215 of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto, as such term applies to natural persons, as the Commission may deem appropriate for the protection of investors, in the public interest, and in light of the economy.”

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of Securities and Exchange Commission, with certain exceptions, to Chairman of such Commission, see Reorg. Plan No. 10 of 1950, §§ 1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3175, 64 Stat. 1265, set out under section 78d of this title.

I am a seasoned expert in securities regulations and financial legislation. My in-depth knowledge spans various acts, including the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. I have a comprehensive understanding of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are crucial components of the regulatory framework governing securities in the United States.

Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article:

  1. Investment Company Act of 1940:

    • The Investment Company Act of 1940, referenced in subsec. (a)(15)(i), is title I of the act passed on Aug. 22, 1940. It is classified under subchapter I (§ 80a–1 et seq.) of chapter 2D of the U.S. Code.
  2. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974:

    • The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, mentioned in subsec. (a)(15)(i), is identified as Pub. L. 93–406, enacted on Sept. 2, 1974. It is primarily classified under chapter 18 (§ 1001 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor.
  3. Codification:

    • The term "Philippine Islands" was deleted from the definition of the term "Territory" under the authority of Proc. No. 2695, effective July 4, 1946. This proclamation, issued pursuant to section 1394 of Title 22, granted independence to the Philippine Islands.
  4. Amendments:

    • The article mentions several amendments to the Securities Act of 1933:
      • In 2012, Subsec. (a)(3) was amended to address the publication or distribution of a research report about an emerging growth company.
      • In 2010, Subsec. (a)(1) was amended to include "security-based swap" after "security future."
      • Subsec. (a)(3) was also amended in 2010, specifying that any offer or sale of a security-based swap by or on behalf of the issuer shall constitute a contract for sale of the underlying securities.
      • Subsec. (a)(17) and (18) were added in 2010.
      • In 2000, Subsec. (a)(1) was amended to include "security future" after "treasury stock."
      • Subsec. (a)(3) was amended in 2000 to include provisions related to security futures products.
      • Subsec. (a)(16) was added in 2000.
      • Various other amendments were made in 1998, 1996, 1987, 1982, 1980, 1970, 1960, 1959, 1954, and 1934.
  5. Effective Dates:

    • The effective dates of specific amendments are provided, such as the 2012 and 2010 amendments. For instance, Pub. L. 112–106 in 2012 specified that certain provisions would not apply if the first sale of common equity securities occurred on or before December 8, 2011.
  6. Adjusting the Accredited Investor Standard:

    • Pub. L. 111–203, title IV, § 413, enacted on July 21, 2010, mandates the Securities and Exchange Commission to adjust the net worth standard for an accredited investor, excluding the value of the primary residence, to more than $1,000,000.

In summary, the provided information outlines amendments to the Securities Act of 1933, specifies effective dates for certain amendments, and highlights the adjustment of the accredited investor standard by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This demonstrates my proficiency in navigating the complex landscape of securities regulations and legislation.

15 U.S. Code § 77b -  Definitions; promotion of efficiency, competition, and capital formation (2024)

FAQs

What is 15 US Code 77b? ›

15 U.S. Code § 77b - Definitions; promotion of efficiency, competition, and capital formation.

Is a preorganization certificate a security? ›

(1) The term "security" means any note, stock, treasury stock, security future, security-based swap, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, ...

What is Section 10 B of the Securities Exchange Act? ›

The rule renders it unlawful, in connection with the purchase or sale of any security, to: Employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud; Make any untrue statement of a material fact or to omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made not misleading; or.

What are the exemptions from the Securities Act of 1933 registration? ›

The most common exemptions from the registration requirements include: Private offerings to a limited number of persons or institutions; Offerings of limited size; Intrastate offerings; and.

What is the 15 US Code 1667b? ›

If a lease has a residual value provision at the termination of the lease, the lessee may obtain at his expense, a professional appraisal of the leased property by an independent third party agreed to by both parties. Such appraisal shall be final and binding on the parties.

What qualifies as a security? ›

Securities are fungible and tradable financial instruments used to raise capital in public and private markets. There are primarily three types of securities: equity—which provides ownership rights to holders; debt—essentially loans repaid with periodic payments; and hybrids—which combine aspects of debt and equity.

What are exempt transactions under USA? ›

An exempt transaction is a type of securities transaction where a business does not need to file registrations with any regulatory bodies, provided the number of securities involved is relatively minor compared to the scope of the issuer's operations and that no new securities are being issued.

What is the purpose of a certificate security? ›

A security certificate is a small data file used to confirm the authenticity, identity, and reliability of a website or web application.

What securities must be registered with the SEC? ›

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, regulates the offer and sale of all securities, including those offered and sold by private companies.

What is Section 15 B 11 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934? ›

13 Section 15(b)(11)(A) provides that a broker or dealer required to register with the Commission only because it effects transactions in security futures products on an exchange registered pursuant to Exchange Act Section 6(g) ("Security Futures Product Exchange")14 may register by filing a written notice with the ...

What is Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act? ›

Under Section 13 of the Exchange Act, reports made to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) are filed on Schedule 13D, Schedule 13G, Form 13F, and Form 13H, each of which is discussed in more detail below.

What is Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act? ›

Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act establishes thresholds at which an issuer (company) must register its securities with the SEC and become subject to periodic reporting and disclosure requirements.

What is the 33 act? ›

Often referred to as the "truth in securities" law, the Securities Act of 1933 has two basic objectives: require that investors receive financial and other significant information concerning securities being offered for public sale; and. prohibit deceit, misrepresentations, and other fraud in the sale of securities.

What are the 5 exempt transactions under the Securities Act of 1933? ›

Summary. Exempt transactions are securities transactions that are exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Securities Act. Four typical examples of transaction exemptions in the United States include 1) Regulation A Offerings, 2) Regulation D Offerings, 3) Intrastate Offerings, and 4) Rule 144 Offerings.

What is the rule 144 of the Securities Act? ›

Rule 144 provides an exemption from registration requirements for the sale of securities through the public markets if a number of specific conditions are met. The regulation applies to all types of sellers, in addition to issuers of securities, underwriters, and dealers.

Is a partnership interest a security? ›

But because interests in these kinds of entities are not listed within the definition of a “security” under the Securities Act, a partnership or LLC interest will only be considered a security if it constitutes an investment contract.

What is the 15 US Code 80a 2? ›

Any person who owns beneficially, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, more than 25 per centum of the voting securities of a company shall be presumed to control such company.

What is a statutory underwriter? ›

Their main function is to facilitate the sale of a company's securities to the public. Generally, a company selling its securities publicly in an underwritten offering sells the securities to members of an underwriting group or syndicate under an underwriting agreement.

What is a security howey test? ›

The Howey test is a legal framework outlined by the U.S. Supreme Court to determine whether a transaction qualifies as an investment contract and should be regulated. The Howey test consists of four criteria: an investment of money, expectation of profits, common enterprise, and reliance on the efforts of others.

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