MSRB to open window on variable-rate munis

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board has submitted a plan for approval by the SEC today to collect and disseminate critical market information about auction rate bonds and other variable-rate municipal securities.
NOV 19, 2008
By  Bloomberg
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board has submitted a plan for approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission today to collect and disseminate critical market information about auction rate bonds and other variable-rate municipal securities. The MSRB plan aims to increase transparency in the marketplace. It would require municipal securities dealers or their proxies to disclose information about interest rates set for auction rate securities. Dealers would be compelled to provide similar information concerning interest rate reset data and the type and term of liquidity facilities for variable-rate demand obligations. Under the plan, the MSRB intends to make this information available for free public access on its Electronic Municipal Market Access system. EMMA provides free municipal securities information and real-time trade data online and is geared toward non-professional investors. The plan includes a requested start date of Jan. 30 to begin gathering variable-rate-securities data. The MSRB will continue to develop components for the transparency system, including auction rate security bidding information, and documents detailing liquidity arrangements and auction procedures. “We plan to continue to provide the investing public with municipal market information to help ensure a fair and efficient market,” Ronald A. Stack, MSRB chairman, said in a statement. The MSRB also is awaiting SEC approval to make continuing disclosure documents for municipal bonds available on EMMA. The MSRB is based in of Alexandria, Va.

Latest News

FINRA sues ex-Arkadios, Osaic broker at center of millions of dollars of investor complaints
FINRA sues ex-Arkadios, Osaic broker at center of millions of dollars of investor complaints

James Walesa “should have been barred from the industry years ago,” one attorney said.

Gen Z, Millennials shape the new rules of financial advice but can advisors keep up?
Gen Z, Millennials shape the new rules of financial advice but can advisors keep up?

Kristy Smith from Broadridge says advisors who can't adapt risk being left behind.

Bureau of Labor Statistics dismissal presents opening for new leadership
Bureau of Labor Statistics dismissal presents opening for new leadership

Three contenders stand out to replace the departed Erika McEntarfer, according to Hal Ratner, who is the head of research for Morningstar Investment Management.

Americans share confusion, concerns ahead of Social Security's 90th anniversary
Americans share confusion, concerns ahead of Social Security's 90th anniversary

Surveys show continued misconceptions and pessimism about the program, as well as bipartisan support for reforms to sustain it into the future.

The advisor’s essential role as alternative investments go mainstream
The advisor’s essential role as alternative investments go mainstream

With doors being opened through new legislation and executive orders, guiding clients with their best interests in mind has never been more critical.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.