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To explain a guidance update issued in February 2017 by the staff of the Division of Investment Management (Staff) at the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on how robo-advisers may meet their disclosure, suitability and compliance obligations under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Advisers Act).

Examines the update’s guidance on three areas – the substance and presentation of disclosures, the provision of suitable investment advice, and the adoption and implementation of effective compliance programs – and then raises practical considerations for robo-advisers.

The update reflects the Staff’s increasing concern about the potential risks of the robo-adviser platform and provides a listing of key issues that the SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE) – which recently added “electronic investment advice” as a new focus for its 2017 examinations – may zero in on when examining robo-advisory firms.

Robo-advisers should carefully review the Staff’s update to evaluate whether their firms’ operations address the guidance.

Practical advice from experienced securities regulatory lawyers.

To explain a recently settled administrative proceeding that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) brought against a private fund manager in connection with the use of fund assets to pay for the manager’s operating expenses.

Explains the major takeaways from the settled case, and places them in the context of prior administrative proceedings and public statements from SEC staff.

This case is the latest example of the SEC taking action against a private fund manager related to the improper deduction or allocation of expenses, and related disclosure lapses, and further cases are expected in the future.

Private fund managers should examine their practices involving the reimbursement and allocation of expenses and related disclosures to fund investors.

Practical guidance and explanation from experienced securities regulatory lawyers.