On March 26, the SEC announced temporary measures to assist market participants in response to COVID-19. The actions include i) temporary relief from Form ID notarization requirements through July 1, ii) extended filing deadlines for certain reports and forms required under Regulation A and Regulation Crowdfunding issuers, and iii) a temporary exemption, subject to certain conditions, for required filings for municipal advisors through June 30. Release.
On March 18, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made a joint announcement to suspend all foreclosures and evictions for homeowners with mortgages backed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae for 60 days. The moratorium on evictions and foreclosures aim to provide relief for borrowers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. FHFA Release. HUD Release. CFPB Release.
On March 23, the Federal Reserve announced several new measures it will take in an effort to support and stimulate the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal Open Market Committee will purchase Treasury securities and agency mortgage-backed securities (including commercial mortgage-backed securities). Several new credit facilities will be established to support the flow of credit – the Primary Market Corporate Credit Facility (PMCCF), the Secondary Corporate Credit Facility (SMCCF) and the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF). Certain existing credit facilities will be expanded to include additional securities – the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility (MMLF) and the Commercial Paper Funding Facility (CPFF). The Federal Reserve also announced plans to create a Main Street Business Lending Program to facilitate lending to small businesses. Release.
On March 25, the SEC announced a 45-day filing extension for certain public company disclosure reports due between March 1 and July 1. The SEC also announced certain filing and delivery requirement exemptions under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 as well as additional time to hold in-person board meetings. Release.
