New tool enables certification of SEC Names Rule compliance

New tool enables certification of SEC Names Rule compliance
Fintech says its solution provides greater scrutiny of ESG claims.
DEC 19, 2023

The expansion of the SEC’s Rule 35d-1, the “Names Rule,” to include ESG terms has led to the launch of a new tool to help asset managers and financial advisors assess compliance.

Technology firm Reflection Analytics’ new Reflect platform provides an investor-focused rating using 250 data points across 18 ESG sub-themes and also helps asset managers to remain compliant with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s requirements.

Although asset managers have 24 months to begin reporting their compliance, Reflection’s founder and CEO Jason Britton says the big ratings agencies are only evaluating firms from a corporate management standpoint, not for investors.

“With existing rating methodologies, a company like McDonald’s could have a higher ESG rating than a business focused on reducing greenhouse gases and cleaning up waste,” he said. “With Reflect, asset managers have, for the first time, the ability to assess investments from the investor’s perspective and at a more granular level.”

The new platform also benefits those seeking values-based investing by enabling them to review portfolios by selected ESG criteria and screen out those companies that are associated with industries they wish to avoid.

And the range of investments covered includes 6,500 companies or 98% of the global market capitalization, with almost any asset class able to be analyzed including individual equities, bonds, and investments in various structures, including ETFs, mutual funds, and SMAs.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.