#SECGuidance

What is SEC Guidance?

SEC guidance refers to the interpretive advice, updates, or clarifications provided by the SEC to help companies, investors, and financial professionals comply with U.S. securities laws.

Types of SEC Guidance:

1. Staff Guidance / Interpretive Releases

Clarifies how SEC rules are applied in practice.

Often issued by the Division of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, or Trading and Markets.

Example: Guidance on how to disclose ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) risks.

2. Compliance & Disclosure Interpretations (C&DIs)

Q&A-style guidance documents explaining specific SEC rules or forms (e.g., Regulation S-K, Form 10-K).

No-Action Letters

Issued when someone asks the SEC staff whether a proposed action would violate securities laws — if the staff agrees, it says it would “not recommend enforcement action.”

Rule Proposals and Final Rules

The SEC regularly proposes new rules or updates existing ones; public feedback is invited before finalization.