In recent comments, Commissioner Peirce shared her views on the role of the Securities and Exchange Commission in expressing a view regarding mandatory arbitration provisions. Commissioner Peirce noted that, in her opinion, the SEC does not have grounds to object to mandatory arbitration provisions. She noted that the Federal Arbitration Act "directs federal agencies to respect private contracts that favor arbitration." To the extent that a corporate charter or bylaws are viewed as private contracts, the Federal Arbitration Act would seem to limit the authority of the SEC to prohibit a mandatory arbitration provision that is otherwise permissible under applicable state law. The Commissioner noted that it has been reported in the past that the Staff of the SEC has not allowed domestic registrants with mandatory arbitration provisions in their charters to have declared effective their IPO registration statements. She notes that if the Staff were to recommend that the SEC prohibit another company from registering an offering because of a mandatory arbitration provision in the future, the Commissioner would want to understand the basis for such view. Despite various statements from Chair Clayton to the effect that the SEC is not actively considering its position on mandatory arbitration, Commissioner Peirce's comments seem to suggest that mandatory arbitration provisions remain a topic of discussion.
Visit us at mayerbrown.com
Mayer Brown is a global legal services provider comprising legal practices that are separate entities (the "Mayer Brown Practices"). The Mayer Brown Practices are: Mayer Brown LLP and Mayer Brown Europe – Brussels LLP, both limited liability partnerships established in Illinois USA; Mayer Brown International LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated in England and Wales (authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and registered in England and Wales number OC 303359); Mayer Brown, a SELAS established in France; Mayer Brown JSM, a Hong Kong partnership and its associated entities in Asia; and Tauil & Chequer Advogados, a Brazilian law partnership with which Mayer Brown is associated. "Mayer Brown" and the Mayer Brown logo are the trademarks of the Mayer Brown Practices in their respective jurisdictions.
© Copyright 2018. The Mayer Brown Practices. All rights reserved.
This Mayer Brown article provides information and comments on legal issues and developments of interest. The foregoing is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter covered and is not intended to provide legal advice. Readers should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to the matters discussed herein.