SEC Chairman Cox to Convene Meeting of International Regulators

Agenda Includes Short Selling, Derivatives Regulation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2008-278

Washington, D.C., Nov. 20, 2008 — Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox today announced that he will convene a meeting of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Technical Committee on Monday, November 24 by teleconference to discuss urgent regulatory issues in the ongoing credit crisis.

"In addressing turbulent market conditions, it is essential not only that regulators act against securities law violations, including abusive short selling, but also that there be close coordination among international markets to avoid regulatory gaps and unintended consequences," said Chairman Cox. "This high-level coordination among international regulators will allow us to review the steps we have taken thus far and ensure that our ongoing and future actions are effective and mutually reinforcing."

The Technical Committee meeting will consider:

• Short Selling — Consider the effectiveness of recent regulatory responses in reducing manipulative short selling without stifling legitimate short selling activity, and explore possible coordination on rules relating to naked short sales, in particular with regard to position reporting and delivery and pre-borrowing requirements
• Under-Regulated or Unregulated Products — Develop disclosure principles to promote transparency in OTC markets for derivatives and other financial instruments which will contribute to enhanced investor protection and mitigating systemic risk.

The meeting also will focus on:

• Credit Rating Agencies — Assess members' progress in adopting rules based on IOSCO's revised Code of Conduct, and accelerate work on developing a common examination module.
• International Accounting Standards — Ensure that the process of developing international accounting standards continues to take account of the interests of investors.

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