SEC Announces Outreach Programs to Help Firms Comply With Regulation Systems Compliance and Integrity

The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced it has opened registration for outreach programs to help firms comply with an SEC rule that aims to protect investors by strengthening the technology underpinning U.S. securities markets.

The Commission adopted Regulation Systems Compliance and Integrity, or Regulation SCI, in November 2014 and compliance with many of its requirements begins this fall.  Those subject to Regulation SCI are required to have comprehensive policies and procedures for their technological systems, conduct business continuity testing, annually review their automated systems and take appropriate corrective action when system issues occur.

The SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE) Technology Controls Program, in coordination with the SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets, is sponsoring the compliance outreach program.  The program is targeted to Chief Information Officers, Chief Information Security Officers, and other senior personnel responsible for enhancing their firms’ systems compliance and integrity programs. 

Outreach programs will be held on July 16 at the SEC’s New York Regional Office and on July 29 at the SEC’s Chicago Regional Office.  The events will include panel discussions on the regulatory framework of Regulation SCI, compliance obligations, and the monitoring and examination processes.

“The compliance outreach program provides an opportunity for the SEC and regulated entities to discuss compliance issues associated with Regulation SCI,” said OCIE Acting Director Marc Wyatt. “We look forward to exchanging information and discussing ways to strengthen the technology infrastructure of the U.S. securities markets.”

Registration is designed for professionals at entities subject to Regulation SCI.  Registration materials and other information about the outreach programs is available here.  The events will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Seating is limited and the programs will not be webcast.  If registrations exceed capacity, CEOs, Chief Compliance Officers, Chief Information Officers, Chief Information Security Officers and Chief Regulatory Officers from entities subject to Regulation SCI will be given priority on a first-registered basis.  Questions should be addressed to: cyberwatch@sec.gov.