In September 2103, the SEC adopted rules allowing private issuers of securities, including hedge funds, to engage in advertising and general solicitation under Regulation D. Until the recent CFTC announcement, hedge funds that include commodities or futures within their portfolios could not engage in general solicitation, since such instruments are regulated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Exemption For 506(c) Offerings
On September 9, 2014, the CFTC issued an exemptive order to address this issue. The exemptive order applies only to issuers that rely on Regulation D Rule 506(c), as well as certain Rule 144 issuers. The order permits general solicitation for Commodity Pool Operators (CPSOs) relying on the “de minimus” exemption under Regulation 4.13(a)(3) or relief from certain compliance requirements of Regulation 4.7 to conduct certain limited general solicitation.
Must file a claim to be valid
Unlike Rule 506(c), the CFTC exemption is not self-executing. To use this exemption, CFTC regulated hedge funds must file a claim for exemptive relief with the Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight of the CFTC. The claim of exemptive relief is effective upon filing as long as the claim is materially accurate and complete. The claim of relief requires certain basic information concerning the filing entities.
The exemption as enacted is intended as a temporary measure and should be followed by more comprehensive regulation.
INSTRUCTIVE RESOURCES
Capital Fund Law Group has authored numerous investment fund publications, including instructive eBooks, white papers, blog posts and sample offering document excerpts with illustrative footnotes. These complementary downloads are dedicated to helping fund managers understand the legal fundamentals of launching and operating an investment fund.
Forming and Operating a Hedge Fund | an eBook
Written by the managing partner of Capital Fund Law Group, Forming and Operating a Hedge Fund provides an in-depth guide to assist emerging hedge fund managers through the process of successfully structuring, launching, and raising capital for a domestic or offshore hedge fund. Throughout the eBook, it highlights pitfalls that fund sponsors should watch for and suggests best practices to safely and effectively navigate the process of forming and operating a hedge fund.
ABOUT CAPITAL FUND LAW GROUP
Capital Fund Law Group is a boutique investment law firm focused on advising emerging and established investment funds on all aspects of formation and operation. We provide predictable flat-fee services for most of our engagements. Our legal team has extensive experience advising hedge funds, real estate funds and private equity funds throughout the United States in various structures and strategies. We also prepare debt and equity private placement offerings for companies in all major industry sectors.
FORMING A FUND
Call 212-203-4300 or email us to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss the costs, timeline and regulatory considerations involved in forming a fund.
