Acting SEC Chair Signals Possible Delay in Implementation of Pay Ratio Rule
Posted by Donald Kalfen on February 7, 2017 in Client Alerts
Yesterday, Acting Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Michael Piwowar issued a public statement in which he has asked for comments about delaying the implementation of the CEO pay ratio rule.
Under current rules, the CEO pay ratio rule became effective this year, with the first disclosure of the pay ratio reported in 2018 proxies. No further action was required or anticipated by the SEC on the pay ratio rule.
To the surprise of some, Acting SEC Chair Piwowar has suggested the SEC is prepared to reconsider the CEO pay ratio rule. Citing “unanticipated compliance difficulties that may hinder [companies] in meeting the reporting deadline,” Mr. Piwowar has requested public comment within the next 45 days on whether regulatory relief is needed to assist companies in complying with the rule. In that regard, Mr. Piwowar has directed the staff to reconsider the implementation of the rule based on any comments submitted and to determine as promptly as possible whether additional guidance or relief may be appropriate.
Despite the likely lack of near-term relief, Mr. Piwowar’s statement remains significant and provides hope for delay or ultimate repeal of the CEO pay ratio. For the first time since the election, an SEC official has commented directly on the CEO pay ratio. While it is unclear whether Mr. Piwowar issued his statement with input from Trump administration officials, it may suggest that the Trump administration is amenable to altering the status quo with regard to the CEO pay ratio. Whether that means outright repeal, delay or modification of the rule remains to be seen. However, given the Trump administration’s strong focus on deregulation, outright repeal remains a clear possibility.
We do suggest that public companies that are having significant issues with complying with the CEO pay ratio rule, or where the costs are burdensome, provide that feedback to the SEC within the 45-day deadline.
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The Client Update is prepared by Meridian Compensation Partners’ Technical Team led by Donald Kalfen. Questions regarding this Client Update or executive compensation technical issues may be directed to Donald Kalfen at 847-235-3605 or dkalfen@meridiancp.com.
This report is a publication of Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC, provides general information for reference purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or accounting advice or a legal or accounting opinion on any specific fact or circumstances. The information provided herein should be reviewed with appropriate advisors concerning your own situation and issues.
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