Overview

Title

To subject certain private funds to joint and several liability with respect to the liabilities of firms acquired and controlled by those funds, and for other purposes.

ELI5 AI

The bill wants to make sure that when big money groups buy companies, they can't just take all the money and leave the company in trouble. It also says these groups need to be fair and honest about how they use money, and be careful not to harm workers when things go wrong.

Summary AI

The bill S. 5333 aims to hold certain private funds responsible for the debts of companies they acquire and control. It seeks to prevent these funds from exploiting companies by imposing rules on financial practices like increasing debt and distributing dividends. It also introduces measures to protect workers when companies go bankrupt and to ensure more transparency in how private funds operate, including fee disclosures and their activities. The legislation intends to safeguard employees, investors, and communities from the negative impacts often associated with private equity fund activities.

Published

2024-11-18
Congress: 118
Session: 2
Chamber: SENATE
Status: Introduced in Senate
Date: 2024-11-18
Package ID: BILLS-118s5333is

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
39
Words:
25,271
Pages:
121
Sentences:
378

Language

Nouns: 6,876
Verbs: 1,693
Adjectives: 1,314
Adverbs: 249
Numbers: 937
Entities: 730

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.02
Average Sentence Length:
66.85
Token Entropy:
5.52
Readability (ARI):
34.32

AnalysisAI

The proposed legislation, known as the "Stop Wall Street Looting Act," aims to hold private equity and investment firms accountable for the companies they acquire. It seeks to address concerns about the potential for these entities to profit at the expense of workers, communities, and businesses while evading liability through complex financial arrangements. The bill introduces several measures to protect workers' rights, increase transparency in financial dealings, and ensure greater corporate responsibility.

General Summary of the Bill

At its core, the bill intends to regulate the practices of private funds, especially focusing on the negative impacts they can have when they acquire companies. It imposes financial liabilities on private equity firms for the debts of the companies they control, essentially making them responsible for any financial burdens these companies face. Moreover, it sets limitations on dividends and financial distributions made by these firms post-acquisition.

Another significant element of the bill is its attempt to close tax loopholes and impose additional taxes on certain transactions that benefit investment firms. The bill encourages transparency by requiring detailed reporting of fees, profits, and political expenditures. Finally, it amends labor laws to bolster worker protections during strikes, particularly against retribution by employers.

Significant Issues Identified

One of the critical issues with the bill is the complexity surrounding the legal liability introduced in the joint and several liability sections. This complexity may result in significant financial burdens for stakeholders involved with private investment funds. Moreover, the language around terms like "control" and "applicable payments" may lead to ambiguity and potentially negative repercussions for investment activity.

The bill’s anti-evasion provisions also introduce vague language that includes subjective determinations of intent. This could result in inconsistent enforcement and difficulty in applying the law uniformly.

Furthermore, the requirements on disclosure of fees and returns impose a substantial administrative demand on smaller private funds, potentially affecting their competitive stance and burdening them with revealing sensitive business information.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

For the general public, the bill promises heightened safeguards against abusive practices by large financial entities, which could lead to more stable employment and better job security in companies acquired by such funds. However, the intricate legal language and complex enforcement mechanisms might lead to misunderstandings that hinder effective implementation.

On the other hand, investment firms and private equity entities are likely to face increased scrutiny and potentially costly compliance obligations. These measures might stifle investment activities due to heightened liability risks and tax implications. Workers and employees, specifically those in companies controlled by investment funds, could benefit from improved protections and priority in financial recoveries during bankruptcies. However, the bill could also tip the scale toward favoring worker rights without finding a balanced view for employer interests, leading to potential discontent in labor relations.

Finally, the amendments affecting executive compensation and prevention of fraudulent transfers create additional hurdles for management in navigating financial difficulties and restructuring endeavors during bankruptcies, which could significantly impact strategic financial planning.

Overall, while the "Stop Wall Street Looting Act" seeks to address some urgent ethical and financial concerns associated with private equity practices, its complexity and potential for far-reaching consequences warrant careful consideration and possibly further refinement.

Financial Assessment

The bill S. 5333 introduces several financial references and allocations that aim to govern the conduct of private funds, particularly concerning their responsibilities and liabilities towards companies they control. These references are central to understanding how the legislation intends to protect different stakeholders, including employees, creditors, and the broader community. Below is a detailed commentary on how money is referenced throughout the bill.

Increased Priority for Wages

The bill proposes amendments to the U.S. Code regarding priority for wages and severance pay. Specifically, it increases the wage claim priority from $10,000 to $20,000 in bankruptcy proceedings. This change reflects a commitment to prioritize employee compensation over other debts when a company is insolvent, directly addressing issues related to protecting workers during financial turmoil. It highlights the bill's intent to ensure that workers do not lose out due to financial mismanagement by private equity firms.

Disclosure of Fees and Returns

The bill mandates comprehensive disclosures from controlling private funds concerning their financial practices. This includes requirements to report:

  • Total assets and net assets under management.
  • Information on debt, broken down by location and type of creditor.
  • Detailed breakdowns of aggregate fees and expenses collected from target firms and limited partners.
  • The total carried interest claimed and distributed.

These extensive disclosure requirements could place a substantial compliance burden on smaller funds, as noted in the issues section. While these measures aim to enhance transparency and protect investors, they might also expose sensitive business information, potentially affecting a fund's competitive position in the market.

Surtax on Amounts Received by Investment Firms

The legislation introduces a surtax on certain amounts received by investment firms, particularly where income recharacterization occurs. The taxing rules outlined imply a high applicable percentage diminishment by the highest tax rate, reflecting the intention to impose significant financial burdens on investment firms deemed to extract value unscrupulously. This measure aligns with the bill's broader aim to reduce excessive profiteering by private fund managers, yet could impact investment activity if the definitions of "control" and "applicable payments" are not adequately clear, as indicated in the issues section.

Guardrails Against Public Fund Access

Section 205 creates prohibitions and limitations on accessing public funds, requiring entities to disclose a variety of financial metrics and information, such as workforce demographics and beneficial ownership. These guardrails ensure that public funds are not misused and highlight the importance of transparent financial dealings. However, without precise definitions, they could introduce financial and operational uncertainties for market participants.

Consumer Protection Measures

The bill also touches on consumer protection through the introduction of regulations for gift cards and how unsecured claims can be made by individuals for up to $1,800 for certain undelivered goods or services. This provision ensures that consumer interests are considered in bankruptcy proceedings, giving financial claims related to personal purchases a defined structure.

Summary

Overall, the financial references in the bill emphasize worker protection, enhanced transparency, and the curbing of potential financial misuse by controlling private funds. The measures set forth underscore an attempt to re-balance financial outcomes, prioritizing employee and creditor rights while curbing excessive financial engineering by private funds. However, the intricacy of these financial provisions, coupled with the potential for compliance challenges, might raise concerns around clarity and practical enforceability.

Issues

  • The section on joint and several liability for controlling private funds (Section 101) presents complex legal liability issues that could lead to substantial financial burdens on holders of active interests, without full transparency at the time of investment. The complexity might also lead to misinterpretations concerning responsibilities and obligations.

  • The broad language and lack of specific guidelines on 'Anti-evasion' (Section 701) could be seen as creating potential for legal ambiguity, as the term 'any activity' is vague and includes subjective assessments of intent. This might lead to inconsistent enforcement.

  • The provisions specifying joint and several liability (Section 201) and taxing rules related to investment firms (Section 203) are complex and may lead to substantial financial burdens and possibly affect investment activity negatively, especially in cases of ambiguity regarding 'control' and 'applicable payments'.

  • Provisions in 'Protections for striking workers' (Section 209) could be seen as interfering with employer rights and may face legal challenges due to ambiguous language around terms like 'promise' and 'threaten'. This might lead to labor relation imbalances.

  • The requirements around 'Disclosure of fees and returns' (Section 501) put a substantial compliance burden on smaller private funds, with detailed reporting requirements possibly exposing sensitive business information and impacting competitive standing.

  • The bill includes amendments on 'Limitations on executive compensation' (Section 304) which emphasize clear and convincing evidence for approval of compensation. This could be seen as particularly restrictive, potentially undermining the business operations of debtors.

  • Prohibition and limitations in Sections 202 (Prevention of fraudulent transfers) and Section 205 (Guardrails around accessing public funds), if not precisely defined, can introduce financial and operational uncertainties impacting various market participants.

  • Complex legal language used throughout the bill, such as in defining terms in Section 3, could lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations, especially among stakeholders not well-versed in legal jargon. This complexity could hinder effective compliance and enforcement.

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title; table of contents Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The “Stop Wall Street Looting Act” is designed to enhance corporate responsibility and protect workers' rights. It includes measures against looting, such as restrictions on post-acquisition payouts, improving protections for workers during company bankruptcies, closing tax loopholes, ensuring investor protection, and imposing regulations on risky corporate debt.

2. Findings Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Congress acknowledges the significant influence of private equity funds over many industries and communities, highlighting concerns about debt-laden practices harming companies and stakeholders, the obscured performance metrics of these funds, and the increased systemic risk from risky market debt. They stress the need for measures to protect workers, consumers, and investors, and to prevent private funds from exploiting viable companies for profit.

3. Definitions Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section defines key terms used in the bill, such as "affiliate," which refers to entities with significant control over another, and "capital distribution," which includes things like dividends and share buybacks. It also explains what constitutes a "change in control," identifies various roles like "control person" and "insider," and defines different types of financial entities and instruments such as "corporation," "private fund," and "security."

101. Joint and several liability for controlling private funds and holders of active interests in controlling private funds Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In this section, Congress explains that both controlling private funds and those with an active interest in them are responsible for all of the financial obligations of any company they control, as well as any related companies. This includes debts, penalties, violations of worker-related laws, and unfunded pension liabilities.

102. Indemnification void as against public policy Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In this section, it is declared that it goes against public policy for a target company or its affiliate to offer protection or reimbursement to a controlling private fund concerning the target company, its affiliates, or any person with an active interest in the fund, regarding their responsibilities under another section of the law.

201. Limitations on post-acquisition dividends, distributions, redemptions, buybacks, and outsourcing Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In this section, rules are set to limit how a company can pay out dividends, buy back shares, or outsource jobs after it's taken over by an investment fund, particularly for four years following the acquisition. If these rules are broken, the transactions are invalid, and the people responsible can be held liable and pay for legal fees if someone sues to reverse those actions.

202. Prevention of fraudulent transfers Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The text outlines amendments to laws concerning fraudulent transfers, especially those related to change in control transactions as defined in the Stop Wall Street Looting Act. It introduces new rules for defining insolvency during such transactions, extends the time frame to reverse certain financial actions to 15 years, and enhances the oversight of committees over debtor actions and relationships with insiders.

203. Surtax on certain amounts received by investment firms from controlled target firms Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section introduces a surtax on certain payments received by investment firms from firms they control. This surtax, calculated as a specific percentage of these payments, aims to prevent tax avoidance through complex financial arrangements, and the section also includes various amendments and clarifications to ensure its proper application.

59B. Surtax on certain amounts received by investment firms from controlled target firms Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

A surtax is imposed on investment firms when they receive certain payments from companies they control, where the amount of the tax depends on the highest tax rate applicable that year. The taxed payments exclude interest or property distributions and involve specific entities involved in raising or returning capital and dealing with securities or real estate.

204. Limitation on deduction for business interest of certain businesses owned by private funds Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The proposed changes to the tax code prevent certain businesses owned by private funds from deducting as much interest on their taxes if they have a high ratio of debt to equity. Additionally, these businesses cannot choose certain tax options related to real estate, and any existing choices for these options will be canceled for future tax years.

205. Guardrails around accessing public funds Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section adds new rules to the Investment Company Act of 1940, requiring certain entities that receive government funds to publicly disclose details about the funds they got, like the total amount, how it was used, and employee information. For two years after receiving the funds, they are also prohibited from acquiring other companies or distributing profits to shareholders.

66. Disclosures Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In SEC. 66, entities that receive funds from federal or state agencies must publicly disclose various financial and operational details, such as total funds received, workforce demographics, loans, and the pay ratio between the CEO and the median employee. Additionally, they are prohibited from acquiring companies or distributing funds to shareholders for two years after receiving the funds.

206. Prohibiting payments from Federal health care programs to entities that sell assets to or use assets as collateral for a loan with a real estate investment trust Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section prohibits any person or organization from receiving payments from federal health care programs if they sell assets to or use assets as collateral for loans with a real estate investment trust (REIT), unless the agreement was made before this rule was enacted.

207. Repeal of special rule for taxable REIT subsidiaries with interests in certain health care property Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section repeals the special rules regarding taxable REIT subsidiaries that own certain healthcare properties by removing specific references to "qualified health care properties" in the Internal Revenue Code. These changes will take effect for taxable years starting after the law is enacted.

208. Elimination of qualified REIT dividends from qualified business income Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove qualified REIT dividends from the definition of qualified business income, and these changes will be effective for tax years starting after the law is enacted.

209. Protections for striking workers Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

This section amends the National Labor Relations Act to strengthen protections for workers involved in strikes. It prohibits actions like replacing, discriminating against, or locking out employees because of their participation in a strike, and outlines unfair practices related to coercing employees into employer campaign activities unrelated to their job.

301. Increased priority for wages Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The amendment to Section 507(a) of title 11, United States Code, increases the priority amount for certain wages from $10,000 to $20,000 and changes the rules around severance pay, treating it as fully earned upon an employee's layoff or termination. Additionally, it modifies the calculation for employee benefits, allowing up to $20,000 per employee covered by a benefit plan.

Money References

  • Section 507(a) of title 11, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (4)— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively; (B) in the matter preceding clause (i), as so redesignated, by inserting “(A)” before “Fourth”; (C) in subparagraph (A), as so designated, in the matter preceding clause (i), as so redesignated— (i) by striking “$10,000” and inserting “$20,000”; (ii) by striking “within 180 days”; and (iii) by striking “or the date of the cessation of the debtor’s business, whichever occurs first”; and (D) by adding at the end the following: “(B) Severance pay described in subparagraph (A)(i) shall be deemed earned in full upon the layoff or termination of employment of the individual to whom the severance pay is owed.”; and (2) in paragraph (5)— (A) in subparagraph (A)— (i) by striking “within 180 days”; and (ii) by striking “or the date of the cessation of the debtor’s business, whichever occurs first”; and (B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: “(B) for each such plan, to the extent of the number of employees covered by each such plan multiplied by $20,000.”. ---

302. Priority for severance pay and contributions to employee welfare benefit plans Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends the United States Code to prioritize severance pay for employees who are laid off or terminated, ensuring it is considered fully earned at the time of layoff or termination, and mandates that specific contributions to employee welfare benefit plans must be honored following the filing of a bankruptcy petition.

303. Priority for violations of Federal and State laws Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends bankruptcy laws to prioritize paying any back pay, penalties, or damages owed for violations of labor laws. It also clarifies the calculation of days for notice violations related to worker adjustments and retraining notifications.

304. Limitation on executive compensation enhancements Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section modifies rules about executive pay in bankruptcy cases under Section 503(c) of the United States Code. It clarifies who is considered a senior executive or highly paid employee and sets stricter conditions that must be met, with clear evidence required, before any bonuses or incentives can be given.

305. Prohibition against special compensation payments Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The amendment to Section 363 of title 11 of the United States Code prohibits approval of special payments or benefits to high-ranking employees or consultants of a debtor company if the company has stopped or reduced severance pay for regular employees within a year prior to filing for bankruptcy. Additionally, it requires court approval for certain financial transactions involving such payments.

306. Executive compensation upon exit from bankruptcy Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends the rules on executive compensation when a company exits bankruptcy, requiring court approval for payouts to senior executives and top-paid employees to ensure they are not excessive compared to regular employees. It also mandates that such compensation be reasonable compared to similar positions at other companies and fair considering any sacrifices made by regular employees.

307. Collateral surcharge for employee obligations Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The amended section of the law requires that if employees have not received owed wages, vacation pay, severance, or other compensation due to them after bankruptcy proceedings begin, these unpaid amounts are considered necessary costs tied to the property securing a loan. The trustee must recover these funds to pay the employees or the relevant welfare benefit plan, even if there was an agreement waiving these rights.

308. Voidability of preferential compensation transfers Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In this section of the bill, it is explained that a trustee has the power to reverse certain payments made to insiders of a company, like top executives or highly paid employees, if those payments were made under a special bonus plan set up before bankruptcy and don't meet specific legal standards. If the trustee doesn't take action, others can seek court approval to recover those payments for the benefit of the company's finances.

309. Protection for employees in a sale of assets Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section mandates that when a court approves the sale or lease of a debtor's property, it must prioritize offers that preserve and maintain the jobs and employment conditions of the debtor's workforce. Furthermore, any buyer or lessee must inform the court about the impact of the transaction on employment and disclose any noncompliance with the terms, which the court can then address with appropriate measures.

310. Protection of gift card purchasers Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends the United States Code to define a "gift card" as a prepaid promise, card, or code redeemable at a single merchant or affiliated merchants, and it updates bankruptcy law to allow individuals to claim up to $1,800 if money was deposited for undelivered goods, services, or unredeemed gift cards before a case begins.

Money References

  • (a) Definition of gift card.—Section 101(a) of title 11, United States Code, is amended by inserting after paragraph (26) the following: “(26A) The term ‘gift card’ means a paper or electronic promise, plastic card, or other payment code or device that is— “(A) redeemable at— “(i) a single merchant; or “(ii) an affiliated group of merchants that share the same name, mark, or logo; “(B) issued in a specified amount, regardless of whether that amount may be increased in value or reloaded at the request of the holder; “(C) purchased on a prepaid basis in exchange for payment; and “(D) honored by the single merchant or affiliated group of merchants described in subparagraph (A) upon presentation for goods or services.”. (b) Consumer deposit.—Section 507(a) of title 11, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following: “(7) Seventh, allowed unsecured claims of individuals, to the extent of $1,800 for each such individual, arising from the deposit, before the commencement of the case, of money in connection with— “(A) the purchase, lease, or rental of property; “(B) the purchase of services, for the personal, family, or household use of such individuals, that were not delivered or provided; or “(C) the purchase of a gift card with respect to which funds exist that have not been redeemed.”. ---

311. Commercial real estate Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Section 311 of the bill modifies Section 365(d) of Title 11 in the United States Code. It removes paragraph 4 and renumbers the existing paragraph 5 to become the new paragraph 4.

401. Amendment of 1986 Code Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Whenever this law changes or removes a part of a section mentioned, it's referring to a part of the 1986 Internal Revenue Code, unless stated otherwise.

402. Partnership interests transferred in connection with performance of services Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The bill changes the rules for including the value of a partnership interest in a person's taxable income when they receive it for providing services. It states that the value is based on what the partner would get if the partnership sold all its assets and suggests automatic inclusion of this value in income, unless the person elects otherwise, with these changes applying to transfers made after the bill becomes law.

403. Special rules for partners providing investment management services to partnerships Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section introduces new rules for partners providing investment management services to partnerships, treating certain partnership interests as regular income or loss instead of capital gains or losses, which affects how these partners are taxed. It outlines conditions under which these rules apply, describes related terms, and discusses exceptions and adjustments for specific capital interests, ensuring the alignment of these provisions with existing tax laws.

710. Special rules for partners providing investment management services to partnerships Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines the rules and tax treatment for partners who provide investment management services to partnerships, specifically detailing how income, gain, and loss related to these services are recharacterized as ordinary income or loss. It defines terms such as "investment services partnership interest," describes how these interests are taxed upon disposition, and specifies exceptions and additional rules concerning qualified capital interests and related persons.

501. Disclosure of fees and returns Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to require controlling private funds to disclose detailed information about their fees, assets, and activities each year, including their debt, performance, investors, political spending, workforce, and any federal support. This information will be made publicly available and periodically reviewed to ensure it stays current with market trends.

Money References

  • “(5) In dollars, the total amount of regulatory assets under management by the fund.
  • “(6) In dollars, the total amount of net assets under management by the fund.
  • “(8) Information on the debt owed by the fund, including— “(A) the dollar amount of total debt; “(B) the percentage of debt for which the creditor is a financial institution in the United States; “(C) the percentage of debt for which the creditor is a financial institution outside of the United States; “(D) the percentage of debt for which the creditor is an entity that is located in the United States and is not a financial institution; and “(E) the percentage of debt for which the creditor is an entity that is located outside of the United States and is not a financial institution. “(9) The gross performance of the fund during the year covered by the report.
  • “(18) The percentage of the equity of the fund that is owned by— “(A) citizens of the United States; “(B) individuals who are not citizens of the United States; “(C) brokers or dealers; “(D) insurance companies; “(E) investment companies that are registered with the Commission under this Act; “(F) private funds and other investment companies not required to be registered with the Commission; “(G) nonprofit organizations; “(H) pension plans maintained by State or local governments (or an agency or instrumentality of either); “(I) pension plans maintained by nongovernmental employers; “(J) State or municipal government entities; “(K) banking or thrift institutions; “(L) sovereign wealth funds; and “(M) other investors. “(19) The total dollar amount of aggregate fees and expenses collected by the fund, the manager of the fund, or related parties from target firms for which the fund is a controlling private fund, which shall— “(A) be categorized by the type of fee; and “(B) include a description of the purpose of the fees. “(20) The total dollar amount of aggregate fees and expenses collected by the fund, the manager of the fund, or related parties from the limited partners of the fund, which shall— “(A) be categorized by the type of fee; and “(B) include a description of the purpose of the fees. “(21) The total carried interest claimed by the fund, the manager of the fund, or related parties and the total dollar amount of carried interest distributed to the limited partners of the fund. “
  • “(25) A description of any expenditure for political activities made during the year preceding the year in which the report is submitted, including— “(A) the date on which each such expenditure for political activities was made; “(B) the amount of each such expenditure for political activities; “(C) if such an expenditure for political activities was made in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate, the name of the candidate, the office sought by the candidate, and the political party affiliation of the candidate; “(D) a summary of— “(i) each such expenditure for political activities that is in amount that is not less than $10,000; and “(ii) each expenditure for political activities with respect to a particular election if the total amount of expenditures for political activities by the firm with respect to that election is in an amount that is not less than $10,000; “(E) a description of the specific nature of any expenditure for political activities that the firm intends to make for the year in which the report is submitted, to the extent that the specific nature is known to the firm; and “(F) the total amount of expenditures for political activities that the fund intends to make for the year in which the report is submitted. “(26) For the year preceding the year in which the report is submitted, the total amount of Federal support, if any, received by— “(A) the fund; and “(B) any entity with respect to which the fund is a beneficial owner, as that term is defined in section 5336(a)(3) of title 31, United States Code. “(27) Any other information that the Commission determines is necessary and appropriate for the protection of investors. “(c) Periodic review.—The Commission shall, with respect to the rules issued under subsection (b)— “(1) review the rules once every 5 years; and “(2) revise the rules as necessary to ensure that the disclosures required under the rules reflect contemporary (as of the date on which the rules are revised) trends and characteristics with respect to private investment markets.

67. Disclosure of fees and returns Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines rules requiring a controlling private fund to provide detailed annual reports about its financial activities, such as assets, debts, fees, and political expenditures. It mandates public disclosure of these reports and includes periodic reviews to keep regulations up-to-date with changing market conditions.

Money References

  • (b) Rules.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Commission shall issue final rules that require a controlling private fund to, using generally accepted accounting principles, annually report the following information with respect to that controlling private fund: (1) The name, address, and vintage year of the fund. (2) The name of each general partner of the fund. (3) The name of each limited partner of the fund. (4) A list of each entity with respect to which the fund owns an equity interest. (5) In dollars, the total amount of regulatory assets under management by the fund. (6) In dollars, the total amount of net assets under management by the fund. (7) The percentage of fund equity contributed by the general partners of the fund and the percentage of fund equity contributed by the limited partners of the fund. (8) Information on the debt owed by the fund, including— (A) the dollar amount of total debt; (B) the percentage of debt for which the creditor is a financial institution in the United States; (C) the percentage of debt for which the creditor is a financial institution outside of the United States; (D) the percentage of debt for which the creditor is an entity that is located in the United States and is not a financial institution; and (E) the percentage of debt for which the creditor is an entity that is located outside of the United States and is not a financial institution.
  • (18) The percentage of the equity of the fund that is owned by— (A) citizens of the United States; (B) individuals who are not citizens of the United States; (C) brokers or dealers; (D) insurance companies; (E) investment companies that are registered with the Commission under this Act; (F) private funds and other investment companies not required to be registered with the Commission; (G) nonprofit organizations; (H) pension plans maintained by State or local governments (or an agency or instrumentality of either); (I) pension plans maintained by nongovernmental employers; (J) State or municipal government entities; (K) banking or thrift institutions; (L) sovereign wealth funds; and (M) other investors. (19) The total dollar amount of aggregate fees and expenses collected by the fund, the manager of the fund, or related parties from target firms for which the fund is a controlling private fund, which shall— (A) be categorized by the type of fee; and (B) include a description of the purpose of the fees. (20) The total dollar amount of aggregate fees and expenses collected by the fund, the manager of the fund, or related parties from the limited partners of the fund, which shall— (A) be categorized by the type of fee; and (B) include a description of the purpose of the fees. (21) The total carried interest claimed by the fund, the manager of the fund, or related parties and the total dollar amount of carried interest distributed to the limited partners of the fund. (22) A description of, during the year covered by the report, any material changes in risk factors at the fund level, including— (A) concentration risk; (B) foreign exchange risk; and (C) extra-financial risk, including environmental, social, and corporate governance risk. (23) Disclosures that satisfy the Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures of the Financial Stability Board, as reported in June 2017. (24) A description of the human capital management practices of the fund, including— (A) fund workforce demographic information, including the number of full-time employees, the number of part-time employees, the number of contingent workers (including temporary and contract workers), and any policies or practices of the firm relating to subcontracting, outsourcing, and insourcing; (B) fund workforce composition, including data on the diversity of that workforce, including the racial and gender composition of that workforce, and any policies and audits relating to the diversity of that workforce; (C) any incident of alleged workplace harassment during the 5 years preceding the year in which the report is submitted; and (D) any health or safety incident during the 5 years preceding the year in which the report is submitted. (25) A description of any expenditure for political activities made during the year preceding the year in which the report is submitted, including— (A) the date on which each such expenditure for political activities was made; (B) the amount of each such expenditure for political activities; (C) if such an expenditure for political activities was made in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate, the name of the candidate, the office sought by the candidate, and the political party affiliation of the candidate; (D) a summary of— (i) each such expenditure for political activities that is in amount that is not less than $10,000; and (ii) each expenditure for political activities with respect to a particular election if the total amount of expenditures for political activities by the firm with respect to that election is in an amount that is not less than $10,000; (E) a description of the specific nature of any expenditure for political activities that the firm intends to make for the year in which the report is submitted, to the extent that the specific nature is known to the firm; and (F) the total amount of expenditures for political activities that the fund intends to make for the year in which the report is submitted. (26) For the year preceding the year in which the report is submitted, the total amount of Federal support, if any, received by— (A) the fund; and (B) any entity with respect to which the fund is a beneficial owner, as that term is defined in section 5336(a)(3) of title 31, United States Code. (27) Any other information that the Commission determines is necessary and appropriate for the protection of investors. (c) Periodic review.—The Commission shall, with respect to the rules issued under subsection (b)— (1) review the rules once every 5 years; and (2) revise the rules as necessary to ensure that the disclosures required under the rules reflect contemporary (as of the date on which the rules are revised) trends and characteristics with respect to private investment markets.

502. Fiduciary obligations Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section updates fiduciary responsibilities under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 by including managers of private funds, prohibiting waivers of fiduciary duties, and ensuring that all limited partners in a controlling private fund receive equal terms or benefits.

503. Disclosures relating to the marketing of private equity funds Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Investment advisers who manage private funds must provide potential investors with detailed information about the other funds they manage, including the funds' investment status, performance, employee numbers, regulatory actions, and how they're sold or dissolved. They must also disclose any legal issues and the specific ways they divest from their investments.

504. Greater visibility into non-bank direct lending and private credit Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section requires the Commission to change its rules so that investment advisers must report quarterly about their private fund investments and loans. This must happen within 180 days after this Act becomes law.

601. Risk retention requirements for se­cur­i­ti­za­tion of corporate debt Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The amendments to Section 15G of the Securities Exchange Act require managers of collateralized debt obligations to obtain and retain part of the credit risk for assets they do not currently hold. These managers must hold onto this risk either directly or through a fully owned affiliate, and any transfer of assets they initiate will be considered as transferred by them.

701. Anti-evasion Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section makes it illegal for anyone to intentionally avoid following any part of the Act by doing things like entering into agreements, making transactions, or creating business entities.

702. Severability Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

If any part of this Act is found to be invalid or unconstitutional, the rest of the Act will still stay in effect and continue to apply to everyone and every situation as intended.