Retirees and those saving for retirement are going to be more of the SEC's focus.
The agency's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations' priorities for 2015 include anything that threatens retail investor retirees, or investors' savings for retirement.
Other areas on the OCIE priority list include assessing market-wide risks and the use of data analytics to identify signs of potential illegal activity.
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"Our examination program collects information for the commission on a range of important trends, issues, and risks," SEC Chair Mary Jo White said in a statement. "OCIE helps us to maintain a strong presence with SEC registrants and to make a positive impact for the benefit of investors and our markets."
Speaking of those investors, the agency is concerned that "retail investors are being offered products and services that were formerly characterized as alternative or institutional, including private funds, illiquid investments, and structured products."
In a statement, the agency added, "Additionally, financial services firms are offering a broad array of information, advice, products, and services to help retail investors plan for and live in retirement. OCIE will assess risks to retail investors that can arise from these trends."
While the agency said that its published priorities for 2015 "are not exhaustive and may be adjusted in light of market conditions, industry developments, and ongoing risk assessment activities," it's hoping that by spreading the word, firms will be proactive and review their own actions for compliance.
Among the firms that will come under scrutiny are investment advisors, investment companies, broker-dealers, transfer agents, clearing agencies and national securities exchanges.
In addition to looking out for the interests of retirees and would-be retirees, the agency will also be reviewing "registrants and registered representatives that appear to be potentially engaged in illegal activity" and structural risks and trends that involve multiple firms or entire industries.
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