April 2014

Legal Update / 24.04.2014

A recently issued SEC no-action letter provides further clarity on the applicability of broker-dealer registration requirements to merger and acquisition brokers (M&A brokers). The no-action letter is issued as Congress considers legislation to exempt certain M&A brokers from broker-dealer registration requirements. The Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage Simplification Act of 2013 amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to allow M&A brokers who perform services in connection with the transfer of ownership of smaller privately held companies to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by filing an electronic notice.
Legal Update / 04.04.2014

The legal environment for bitcoins, and all crypto-currencies, is rapidly developing. On March 25, 2014, the IRS issued Notice 2014-21 answering questions about the tax treatment of virtual currencies. The Notice clarifies that virtual currencies, like bitcoins, are treated as property for tax purposes. On April 2, the House Committee on Small Business held a hearing to discuss the implications of Bitcoin for small businesses.