Beginning March 16, 2009, Form D filings are required to be made electronically on EDGAR. See SEC Release No. 33-8891 (February 6, 2008). Form D is commonly used for offerings made under the Rule 506 safe harbor to accredited investors. While the filing of a Form D is not a condition to the exemption, it is a requirement pursuant to SEC Rule 503.
To prepare for the transition, issuers need to obtain access codes for the SEC’s EDGAR system.
The electronic format is intended to make it easier for the SEC and state regulators to spot compliance problems in private offerings. As Katten points out in its client advisory:
Form D filers should also be aware of the federal and state regulatory enforcement implications of the Form D data being readily available to the regulators. For example, whenever placement commissions are contemplated, an issuer should obtain the proposed recipient’s CRD number in advance to confirm that the placement agent is properly registered with the SEC and with any state in which it intends to make solicitations. There is little doubt that the states (and possibly also the SEC) will be screening this aspect of the filing for persons acting in a placement capacity without appropriate licensure.
In a client alert from Goodwin Procter, they summarize three choices for filing in the near future, depending on your business plan:
Electronic Form D Amendments. Electronic amendments may – and starting March 16, 2009 must – be made using the new Form D adopted by the SEC. Electronically filed Form Ds will be publicly searchable through the EDGAR system, and involve new disclosure requirements, including: (i) the date of first sale of Fund securities; (ii) a CRD registration number for every person who receives compensation for sales of Fund securities, including brokers, dealers and finders; and (iii) the specific exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940 upon which the Fund may be relying (e.g., Section 3(c)(7)). Electronic amendments will be most appropriate for Funds that expect to continue an ongoing offering after March 16, 2009, particularly open-end Funds.
Paper Amendments Using New Form D. The SEC has provided a transition period during which issuers can make filings using a paper version of the new electronic Form D. After the transition period ends on March 15, 2009, all Form D filings must be made electronically. This method may be appropriate for Funds that wish to manage the time schedule of their transition to the new electronic Form D and defer obtaining EDGAR access codes until a later date.
Paper Amendments Using Temporary Form D. Issuers also have the option to file a paper amendment using a Temporary Form D that is essentially the same as the previous paper Form D. This method may be appropriate for Funds that wish to defer disclosures on the new Form D because they expect their securities offering to cease in the near future.
See:
- EDGAR Filer Management
- Technical Information for EDGAR Filers
- Electronic Filing of Form D and Amendments Becomes Mandatory on March 16 – Client Advisory from Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
- March 16, 2009 Due Date for Form D Amendments for Certain Ongoing Offerings – Client Alert from Goodwin Procter LLP