As anticipated and in response to the “turmoil in the markets during the past 18 months”, on July 10, 2009 the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) proposed substantial amendments to the executive compensation and corporate governance disclosure requirements for publicly held companies.
"Disclosure of Compensation"
New TARP Executive Compensation Guidance and a Call for Further Reform in Executive Compensation Practices
June 10,2009 marked an extraordinary day of announcements affecting executive compensation for both recipients of financial assistance from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) and other publicly held companies, including:
- The U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) issued a statement outlining the Administration’s expectations and planned legislative proposals for executive compensation reform for publicly held companies.
- The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) announced it will soon be proposing new expanded compensation disclosure rules that could take effect in time for the 2010 proxy season.
- The Treasury issued regulations providing its much anticipated guidance on standards for executive compensation and corporate governance for TARP recipients.
- The Treasury established an Office of the Special Master for TARP Executive Compensation (the “Special Master”).