950 CMR 14.400
General provisions
950 CMR 14.400:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section
14.401: Definitions
14.402: Exemptions
14.403: Filing of Sales and Advertising Literature
14.404: Misleading Filings
14.405: Unlawful Representations Concerning Registration or Exemption
14.406: Administration of Chapter
14.407: Investigations and Subpoenas
14.407A: Cease and Desist Orders
14.408: Injunctions
14.409: Criminal Penalties
14.410: Civil Liabilities
14.411: Judicial Review of Orders
14.412: Rules, Forms, Orders and Hearings
14.413: Nonpublic Records and Information
14.401: Definitions
When used in M.G.L. c. 110A and 950 CMR 10.00 through 14.413, unless the context
otherwise requires:
Act means M.G.L. c. 110A.
Agent includes every individual who represents or acts for a broker-dealer in effecting or
attempting to effect transactions in securities, including any person who solicits transactions or
new accounts, renders advice concerning the purchase or sale of securities to particular
customers, executes trades for particular customers, or supervises any of the foregoing
individuals. Representation may be in the form of employment or independent contract and
compensation maybe in anyform includinghourly, salaried, transaction-based or based on assets
under management.
Agent excludes:
(1)
an investment company employee who performs merely administrative duties in
connection with the sale of that company's securities.
(2) a lawyer, accountant, engineer or other professional adviser who engages in any activity
set forth in M.G.L. c. 110A, § 401(b) incidental to the performance of professional services
for his client and who receives no referral fee, finder's fee, commission or any part thereof,
or similar transaction-based compensation either directly or indirectly.
(3) An officer, director, partner, or limited liability company manager of an issuer who
represents the issuer in effecting or attempting to effect purchases or sales of the issuer’s
securities, provided such person complies with the following conditions:
(a) such person receives no commission or other compensation for or contingent upon
the offering or sale of a security by such person;
(b)
such person is not subject to any disqualification set forth in 950 CMR
14.402(B)(9)(f) or Section 3(a)(39) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and,
(c) such person is in compliance with any applicable provisions of M.G.L. c. 110A and
950 CMR 10.00 through 14.413.
(4) An individual who represents an issuer in effecting transactions in covered securities
exempted by Section 18(b)(4)(D) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, provided the
filing mandated by 950 CMR 14.402 with respect to the covered security has been timely
made.
(5) A person who represents a registered broker-dealer in effecting or attempting to effect
transactions solely with or for a customer who is temporarily present in the Commonwealth,
with whom the person had a bona fide business-customer relationship for at least 30 days
before the customer entered the Commonwealth.
(6) A person who represents an issuer in effecting transactions in any security, including a
revenue obligation, issued or guaranteed by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision
thereof or any agency or corporate or other instrumentality of one or more of the foregoing
or any certificate of deposit for any of the foregoing.
(Mass. Register #1524, 6/21/2024)
Broker-dealer excludes:
(1) private and institutional investors (including investment companies) effecting
transactions as investors in their portfolio securities;
(2) a lawyer, accountant, engineer, or other professional adviser who engages in anyactivity
set forth in M.G.L. c. 110A, § 401(c) incidental to the performance of professional services
for his client and who receives no referral fee, finder's fee, commission or any part thereof,
or similar transaction-based compensation either directly or indirectly; and
(3) an officer or employee of an issuer unless he receives remuneration directly or indirectly
on account of purchases and sales of securities.
(4) A person who has no office or other physical presence in the Commonwealth, and
complies with the following conditions:
(a) Only effects or attempts to effect transactions in securities:
1. With or through the issuers of the securities involved in the transactions, broker-
dealers, banks, savinginstitutions, trust companies, insurance companies, investment
companies (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940), pension or profit-
sharing trusts, or other financial institutions or institutional buyers, whether acting
for themselves or as trustees;
2. During any period of 12 consecutive months, with or for fewer than five
customers resident in the Commonwealth other than those listed in 950 CMR
14.401(C)(4)(a)1. and 4., each of whom had a bona fide business-customer
relationship with the person for at least 30 days before the customer moved to the
Commonwealth;
3. With or for a customer who is temporarily present in the Commonwealth, with
whom the person had a bona fide business-customer relationship for at least 30 days
before the customer entered the Commonwealth; or
4. With or for a person previously or currently resident in Canada who is present in
the Commonwealth, whose transactions are solely in a self-directed tax advantaged
retirement plan in Canada of which the person is the holder or contributor; and
(b) If the person is effecting transactions with customers described in 950 CMR
14.401(C)(4)(a)4., files a notice in the form of his current application required by the
state, province or territory in which his head office is located and a consent to service of
process;
(c) If the person is resident in Canada, is a member of a self-regulatory organization or
stock exchange in his home jurisdiction;
(d) Maintains his registration in his home state, province or territory and his
membership in a self-regulatory organization or stock exchange in good standing; and,
(e) Is not in violation of M.G.L. c. 110A, § 101 and all the rules promulgated
thereunder.
Certified, when used in connection with financial statements, means certified by an independent
public accountant in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Commonwealth means The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Control, Controlling, Controlled By, and Under Common Control With means the possession,
direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies
of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.
Corporation includes any corporation organized under the laws of the U.S., Canada, any state or
territory of the U.S. and any Canadian province. It shall also include any business entity
registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
and any entity which has provisions in its chartering agreement which provide substantially
similar protections to security holders with respect to the transactions at issue as provided by the
state corporate laws of the jurisdiction where such entity is domiciled.
Director means the Director of the Securities Division.
Division means the Securities Division in the Office of the State Secretary.
Employee, as used in M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(a)(11), includes an officer, director, trustee,
independent contractors and consultants.
Federal Registration Statement means a registration statement filed under the Securities Act of
1933.
FINRA means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
Institutional Buyer, as used in M.G.L. c. 110A, § 401(c) and M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(8),
includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) a Small Business Investment Company licensed by the U.S. Small Business
Administration under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958;
(2) a private business development company as defined in Section 202(a)(22) of the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940;
(3) a Business Development Company as defined in Section 2(a)(48) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940;
(4) an entity with total assets in excess of $5 million and which is either:
(a) a company (whether a corporation, a Massachusetts or similar business trust,
partnership, limited liability company or limited liability partnership) not formed for the
specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered; a substantial part of whose business
activities consists of investing, purchasing, selling or trading in securities issued by
others and whose investment decisions are made bypersons who are reasonablybelieved
by the seller to have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as
to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of investment; or
(b) an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and
(5) a Qualified Institutional Buyer as defined in 17 CFR 230.144A(a).
Investment Company Shares means securities issued by a face amount certificate company, or
redeemable securities issued by an open-end management company or unit investment trust.
Investment Contract, as used in M.G.L. c. 110A, § 401(k), includes:
(1) any investment in a common enterprise with the expectation of profit to be derived
through the essential managerial efforts of someone other than the investor. As used in
950 CMR 14.401, a "common enterprise" means an enterprise in which the fortunes of the
investor are interwoven with and dependent upon the efforts and successes of those seeking
the investment or a third party; and
(2) any investment by which an offeree furnishes initial value to an offeror, and a portion
of this initial value is subject to the risks of the enterprise, and the furnishing of the initial
value is induced by the offeror's promises or representations which give rise to a reasonable
understanding that a valuable benefit of some kind over and above the initial value will
accrue to the offeree as a result of the operation of the enterprise, and the offeree does not
receive the right to exercise practical and actual control over the management of the
enterprise.
Merger includes:
(1) a transaction in which a subsidiary of the issuer is merged with another corporation; and
(2) the acquisition by a corporation of all or substantially all of the outstanding capital stock
of another corporation pursuant to a plan of acquisition or similar procedure adopted and
carried out in accordance with applicable state, federal or provincial law.
NASAA means North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc.
Officer means a president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, clerk, managing member and any
other person who performs for a broker-dealer or an issuer, whether incorporated or
unincorporated, functions corresponding to those ordinarily performed by the foregoing.
Pension or Profit-sharing Trust, as used in M.G.L. c. 110A, § 401(c) and M.G.L. c. 110A,
§ 402(b)(8), includes the following:
(1) any entity with total assets in excess of $5 million and which is:
(a) an employee benefit plan within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 (ERISA); or
(b) a self-directed employee benefit plan within the meaning of ERISA, with investment
decisions made by a person that is an accredited investor as defined in § 501(a) of SEC
Regulation D (17 CFR 230.501(a)); or
(2) any employee benefit plan within the meaning of ERISA with investment decisions
made by a plan fiduciary, as defined in Section 2(21) of ERISA, which is either a bank,
savings and loan association, insurance company or registered investment adviser; or
(3) an employee benefit plan established and maintained by a state, its political
subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or its political subdivisions.
Person includes a limited liability company and a limited liability partnership.
Principal means general or managing partner in the case of a partnership, officer in the case of
a corporation, or trustee in the case of a business trust.
Registration Under Prior Law as used in St. 1972, c. 694, § 7, means filings of the Notice of
Intention to Sell required by M.G.L. c. 110A, § 5 which St. 1972, c. 694, § 1 repealed.
Rule or Rules refers to 950 CMR 10.00 through 14.413.
SEC means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Stockholders and Shareholders mean holders of shares, transferable certificates of participation,
or other equity interests in any corporation.
14.402: Exemptions
(A)(1) For the purposes of M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(a)(1) only, the term "other instrumentality"
shall include any political subdivision of any state other than the Commonwealth.
(A)(2) through (7): (Reserved)
(A)(8) The Secretary specifies that a security listed or approved for listing upon notice of
issuance on the following exchanges or markets qualifies for the exemption provided under
M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(a)(8): the New York Stock Exchange; the NYSE American LLC;
National Market System of the Nasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq/NGM"); Tier I of the NYSE
Arca, Inc.; Tier I of the NASDAQ PHLX LLC; the Chicago Board Options Exchange,
Incorporated; the Nasdaq Capital Market; Tier I and Tier II of Bats BZX Exchange, Inc.;
Investors Exchange LLC.; as well as options listed on Nasdaq ISE, LLC.
(A)(9): (Reserved)
(A)(10) To coordinate the interpretation and administration of M.G.L. c. 110A with related
federal regulations, "commercial paper", a5s used in M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(a)(10), includes
prime quality negotiable commercial paper of a type not ordinarily purchased by the general
public, that is, paper used to facilitate well recognized types of current operational business
requirements and a type eligible for discounting by Federal Reserve Banks, as set forth in
SEC Release No. 33-4412.
(A)(11)(a) No notice pursuant to M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(a)(11) need be given for the following:
1. an employees' benefit plan qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or which does not permit voluntary
contributions by participating employees;
2. Blue Cross, group life, wage continuation, medical reimbursement, or any other
plan whose primarypurpose is to insure employees against a specified risk or loss; or,
3. an investment contract otherwise exempt under M.G.L. c. 110A or 950 CMR
14.400.
(b) The notice that M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(a)(11) requires is hereby waived.
(Note: The Secretary has also adopted an exemption for employee compensatory
arrangements under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(a).)
((A)(12) Reserved)
(B)
(1) (a) Isolated, as used in M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(1), means not in the course of
repeated and successive transactions of like character. Two consecutive sales of
securities made within such a period of time and in such circumstances as to indicate
that they involve the same plan of financing or disposition are not isolated.
(b) Non-Issuer Transaction or Distribution, as used in M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(1)
through (3), shall exclude:
1. a transaction or distribution by an officer, director or controlling person of the
issuer if such transaction or distribution, when aggregated with others bysuch person
during the preceding three months, exceeds the amount permitted to be sold under
17 CFR 230.144(e)(1); or
2. a transaction or distribution by a broker-dealer, acting either as principal or
market-maker, in the security:
(i) for a period of six months following the issuer's initial public distribution of
the security involved in the transaction or distribution; or
(ii) until the security becomes a federal covered security under section
18(b)(4)(A) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(2) (a) Recognized Securities Manual, as used in M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(2)(A), includes
all manuals published by Standard & Poor's and Moody's, exclusively.
The issuer must have at a minimum a profit and loss statement covering a full year of
operations thus excluding start-up companies with less than 12 months of operations.
Anyone claiming an exemption under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(2)(a) shall bear the burden of
showing that the financial statements meet the requirements of 950 CMR 14.402(B)(2)(a)
and M.G.L. c. 110A.
(b) Registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 shall exclude for purposes
of M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(2)(C) any security made exempt from registration by 17
CFR 240.12g3-2(b)-(c).
(3) If the confirmation required by 950 CMR 14.402(B)(3) is conspicuously marked
"Unsolicited Order," the customer need not acknowledge that the sale of a security exempt
under M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(3) was unsolicited. Otherwise, the customer purchasing
such a security shall acknowledge in writing that the sale was unsolicited. A broker-dealer
shall preserve such acknowledgement in accordance with the record-keeping requirements
of 950 CMR 12.200. A registered broker-dealer will not be deemed to have solicited an
order or offer to buy a security purchased by or through him, merely by reason of the
publication of bid and offer quotations for that security in an inter-dealer quotation service
or in the financial columns of newspapers.
((B)(4) through (8) Reserved)
(B)
(9) (a) In applying the exemption allowed under M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(9), only
offers which are part of the same offering will be aggregated for purposes of
calculating the limitations thereunder. Offers which are exempt pursuant to 950
CMR 14.402(B)(13)(a) are deemed to be not part of the same offering for purposes
of 950 CMR 14.402(B)(9)(a). Note 1: The following factors should be considered
in determining if an offer is part of the same offering:
1. whether the offers are part of a single plan of financing;
2. whether the offers involve issuance of the same class of securities;
3. whether the offers have been made at or about the same time;
4. whether the same type of consideration is received; and
5. whether the offers are made for the same general purpose.
Note 2: Offers, other than those exempt under M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(8), which
are part of the same offering, are aggregated to calculate the limitations contained in
950 CMR 14.402(B)(9)(a) even if such offers are exempt under other subsections of
M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b).
(b) If an offer is directed to more persons in The Commonwealth than permitted under
M.G.L. c. 110A or 950 CMR 14.402(B)(9) during any period of twelve consecutive
months, the exemption is not available as to all or any part of the offering or any
transaction with respect thereto, unless the Director has before or after the offering is
commenced, by order, increased the number of permitted offerees.
(c) The exemption allowed under M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(9) shall not be available for
any issuer transaction involving the following:
1. a security registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; or
2. the public distribution of a security registered under the laws of another state.
(d) A person offering or selling a security or effecting a transaction which is exempt
from registration under M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(a)(11), M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(9), or
M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(11), shall preserve for three years following the completion of
the offer and/or sale these records:
1. a copy of any required notice filed with the Secretary and all exhibits thereto;
2. a copy of all literature the issuer used to disclose the terms of the offer to
offerees;
3. originals of all writings the issuer received and copies of all writings it sent
relating to the offer, sale or transfer of the securities, including but not limited to
purchase agreements and confirmations; and
4. a list of the names and addresses of persons to whom the securities were offered,
setting forth next to each name the type and amount of such securities offered to
each, the consideration paid or promised, the method of payment (cash, check,
property, services, note, etc.), and the name of each person or persons representing
the issuer in effecting the sale. A registered broker-dealer who represented the
person in the offer or sale of a security or in effecting a transaction which M.G.L.
c. 110A, § 402(a)(11), M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(9), or M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(11)
exempts may, in lieu of such person, preserve copies of the notice, as required
hereby.
(e) The exemption allowed under M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(9) shall not be available if
the issuer or any person acting on its behalf offers or sells the securities by any form of
general advertising, including, but not limited to, the following:
1. any advertisement, article, notice or other communication published in any
newspaper, magazine, or similar media or broadcast over television or radio; and
2. any seminar or meeting whose attendees have been invited by any general
advertising.
(f) The exemption allowed under M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(9) shall not be available if
the issuer or sponsor of the securities, any of its directors, executive officers, general
partners or beneficial owners of ten percent or more of any class of its equity securities,
any of its promoters currently connected with it in any capacity, any affiliates, or any
person (other than a broker-dealer or agent currently registered under M.G.L. c. 110A,
§ 201) who has been or will be paid anycommission, discount, fee or other remuneration,
directly or indirectly, for soliciting anyprospective purchaser of anysecurityof the issuer
or sponsor offered or sold to residents in The Commonwealth:
1. has filed a registration statement which is the subject of a currently effective
registration stop order entered pursuant to any state's securities law within five years
prior to the filing of the notice required under this exemption;
2. has been convicted within five years prior to the filing of the notice required
under this exemption of any felony or misdemeanor in connection with the offer,
purchase or sale of any security or any felony involving fraud or deceit, including but
not limited to forgery, embezzlement, obtaining moneyunder false pretenses, larceny
or conspiracy to defraud;
3. is currently subject to any state administrative enforcement order or judgment
entered by that state's securities administrator within five years prior to the filing of
the notice required under this exemption or is subject to any state's administrative
enforcement order or judgment in which fraud or deceit, including but not limited to
making untrue statements of material facts and omitting to state material facts, was
found and the order or judgment was entered within five years prior to the filing of
the notice required under this exemption;
4. is subject to any state's administrative enforcement order or judgment which
prohibits, denies or revokes the use of any exemption from registration in connection
with the offer, purchase or sale of securities;
5. is currently subject to any order, judgment, or decree of any court of competent
jurisdiction temporarily or preliminarily restraining or enjoining, or is subject to any
order, judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently
restraining or enjoining such party from engaging in or continuing any conduct or
practice in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or involving the
making of any false filing with the state entered within five years prior to the filing
of the notice required under this exemption; or
6. is disqualified from utilizing the exemption available under Regulation A of the
SEC from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
7. The prohibition of 950 CMR 14.402(B)(9)(f)1., 2., 3., 4. and 5. shall not apply
if the person subject to the disqualification is duly licensed or registered to conduct
securities related business in the state in which the administrative order or judgment
was entered against such person or if the broker-dealer employing such party is
licensed or registered in the Commonwealth and the Form BD filed with the
Commonwealth discloses the order, conviction, judgment or decree relating to such
person. No person disqualified under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(9)(f) mayact in a capacity
other than that for which the person is licensed or registered.
8. Anydisqualification caused by950 CMR 14.402(B)(9)(f) is automaticallywaived
if the SEC, the state securities administrator or agency of the state which created the
basis for disqualification, determines upon a showing of good cause that it is not
necessary under the circumstances that the exemption be denied.
(g) The notice required to be filed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(9)(B) shall contain
the following information and documentation:
1. the issuer’s or sponsor’s name, form of organization, address and telephone number;
2. the identity of the person(s) who will be selling the securities in the Commonwealth
(and in the case of such persons other than the issuer and its officers, partners and
employees, describing their relationship with the issuer in connection with the transaction
and the basis of their compliance with or exemption from the requirements of M.G.L. c.
110A, § 201) and describing any commissions, discounts, fees or other remuneration to
be paid, directly or indirectly, to such person(s);
3. a description of the securities to be sold;
4. the anticipated aggregate dollar amount of the offering;
5. the anticipated required minimum investment, if any, by each purchaser of the
securities to be offered;
6. a list of the states in which the securities are proposed to be sold;
7. a statement by the offeror that, after reasonable inquiry, it believes that it is in
compliance with 950 CMR 14.402(B)(9)(f);
8. a copy of any written document or materials used or proposed to be used in
connection with the offer and sale of the securities;
9. if the issuer is not a corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth, a
consent to service of process naming the Massachusetts Secretary of State as service
agent using the Uniform Consent to Service of Process (Form U-2) signed by the issuer
and acknowledged before a notary public or other similar officer and accompanied by a
properly executed Corporate Resolution (Form U-2A), if applicable;
10. a non-refundable filing fee in the following amount:
Total Amount of Offering
Filing Fee
0-$500,000
$150
Over $500,000-$2,000,000
$250
Over $2,000,000-$7,500,000
$500
Over $7,500,000
$750
11. additional information or documents which the Director may request.
Any notice which is in compliance with 950 CMR 14.402(B)(9)(g)1. through 11. for
which a Form D has been filed will also be deemed to be a notice in compliance with
950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(i)3. and will be deemed filed as of the date filed under
950 CMR 14.402(B)(9), if so requested by the offeror. A notice on SEC Form D may
be substituted for 950 CMR 14.402(B)(9)(g)1. through 7. if so requested by the offeror.
(h) It shall be grounds for the Director to enter an order denying or revoking the
exemption provided under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(i) for a particular offering if a
non-corporate issuer purports to exculpate, exonerate or indemnify against loss, its
general partner(s), trustee(s) or other persons performing similar functions, any affiliate
of the foregoing, or any broker-dealer selling the securities of such issuer, for violations
of federal or state securities laws, or any other intentional or criminal wrongdoing.
(i) For purposes of M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(9), if the number of offerees in
Massachusetts in an offering exceeds 25, the number of offerees (other than those
designated in M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(8)) permitted is hereby increased to the number
to whom the offering is actually made by the offeror, provided the following conditions
are met:
1. the number of persons within the Commonwealth (other than those designated
in M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(8)) to whom the securities are sold does not exceed ten;
2. no commission, discount fee or other remuneration is paid directly or indirectly
to any person for soliciting any purchaser in the Commonwealth (other than those
designated in M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(8)) unless the person receivingsuch payment
is appropriately registered as a broker-dealer or an agent; and
3. neither the issuer nor any person acting on its behalf offers or sells the securities
by any form of general solicitation.
(j) For purposes of M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(9) and M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(11),
Commission or Other Remuneration includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. any consideration received by any person other than a director, officer or
employee, including any fee, discount, or commission, the total amount of which is
based directly or indirectly on the number or size of transactions effected;
2. any promotional interest (which is defined as any equity interest with a purchase
price of less than 75% of the purchase price of the security being offered) in excess
of 10% of the total of all securities of the issuer received either at the time of the sale
of the interest being offered or in the preceding six month period; provided, however,
that any such promotional interest which is subordinated to the return of the offeree's
investment does not constitute a commission or other remuneration;
3. any payment for goods or services (other than compensation paid for performing
the duties of an officer, director or employee) anticipated to be received within the
following 12 months which would exceed 10% of the total amount of the offering;
4. any anticipated fee for goods or services which materially exceeds the expected
fair market value of such goods or services when rendered;
5. any salary or other compensation paid to a director, officer or employee who has
as a principal part of his duties the solicitation of purchasers for the issuer's
securities; provided, however, that any salary or other compensation paid to a
director, officer or employee of the issuer for solicitation which is only an incidental
function of such person's regular duties and for which such person receives no
additional compensation, does not constitute a commission or other remuneration;
and
6. any fee paid to a person for finding or referring a prospective offeree.
7. Nothing contained herein shall preclude the offeror claiming this exemption from
establishing that the remuneration listed above was wholly unrelated to soliciting
sales within the Commonwealth.
(k) The requirement that the notice be filed at least five full business days before the
initial offer in the Commonwealth as set forth in subsection (B) of M.G.L. c.110A, §
402(b)(9), is herebywaived for all types of securities. The exemption allowed by M.G.L.
c. 110A, § 402(b)(9) for offers in which payment of a commission or other remuneration
is made, is not available unless a notice (as set forth in 950 CMR 14.402(B)(9)(g)) is
filed with the Division no later than ten calendar days prior to the receipt of any
consideration from, or the delivery of a subscription agreement by any purchaser which
results from such offers.
(l) Any offer or sale of a security which is part of an offering or plan of financing which
is in compliance with M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(9) and 950 CMR 14.402(B)(9) as in
effect immediately prior to the date on which this Section takes effect, is exempt
hereunder, provided that any such offer or sale is made within one year of such effective
date.
(m) Any condition of M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(9) or any provision or condition in 950
CMR 14.402(B)(9) with respect to such Section may be waived by the Director upon a
showing of cause.
(B)
(10) (Reserved)
(B)
(11) (a) The notice required to be filed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(11) shall
contain the following information and documentation:
1. the issuer's or sponsor's name, form of organization, address and telephone
number;
2. the identity of the person(s) who will be selling the securities in this state (and in
the case of such person(s) other than the issuer and its officers, partners and
employees, describing their relationship with the issuer in connection with the
transaction and the basis of their compliance with or exemption from the
requirements of M.G.L. c. 110A, § 201) and describing any commissions, discounts,
fees, or other remuneration to be paid, directly or indirectly, to such person(s);
3. a description of the securities to be sold;
4. the anticipated aggregate dollar amount of the offering;
5. the anticipated required minimum investment, if any, by each purchaser of the
securities to be offered;
6. a list of the states in which the securities are proposed to be sold;
7. a copy of any written document or materials used or proposed to be used in
connection with the offer and sale of the securities;
8. a consent to service of process naming the Massachusetts Secretary of State as
service agent using the Uniform Consent to Service of Process (Form U-2) signed by
the issuer and acknowledged before a notary public or other similar officer and
accompanied by a properly executed Corporate Resolution (Form U-2A), if
applicable; and
9. a non-refundable filing fee in the amount of $100, payable to the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts.
(b) Transferable warrants exercisable within not more than 90 days of their issuance
refers solely to such warrants which become exercisable and expire during such 90-day
period.
(c) A copy of a registration statement designated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission as Form F-7 and accompanied by the items listed under 950 CMR
14.402(B)(11)(a)8. and 9. may be substituted for the notice required under 950 CMR
14.402(B)(11)(a).
(B)
(12) (Reserved)
(B) (13) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(b)(13), the Secretary finds that registration of the
following is not necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of
investors:
(a) Compensatory Arrangements. An offer or sale of a security issued in connection
with a stock purchase, savings, option, profit-sharing, pension or similar employee
benefit plan, provided the offeror is in compliance with the following conditions:
1. The issuer, parent corporation or any of its majority-owned subsidiaries offers or
sells the security pursuant to a written benefit plan and/or written agreement relating
to the compensation of the buyer; and
2. The offer or sale is in compliance with any applicable federal securities law.
For purposes of 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(a) the term “employee” shall include an
officer, director, trustee, independent contractors and consultants.
(Note: There is also an exemption for the issuance of securities in connection with
an employee benefit plan under M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(a)(11).)
(b) Put or Call Contracts. An offer or sale of a put or call contract, provided that the put
or call contract is:
1. endorsed and its performance guaranteed by a broker-dealer registered with the
SEC; or
issued by the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) pursuant to a registration
statement filed by the OCC with the SEC; and
2. the put or call contract is listed or quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market; or
the underlying security to which it relates is exempt under M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402(a)(8);
or the underlying security to which it relates is registered under Section 12(g) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(c) Cooperative Associations. An offer or sale of a security, including a patronage
refund certificate, issued by EITHER:
1. a cooperative association as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act (1929),
12 USC § 114j (1982); or
a federation of such cooperative associations that possesses no greater powers or
purposes than cooperative associations as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act
(1929), 12 U.S.C. § 113j (1982), if:
a. the security qualifies its holder for membership in the cooperative association
or federation (or in the case of a patronage refund certificate is issuable only to
members); and
b. the security is transferable only to the issuer, or a successor in interest of the
transferor that qualifies for membership in the cooperative association or
federation; or
2. a mutual or cooperative organization that deals in commodities, or supplies
related services in transactions primarily with and for the benefit of its members, if:
a. the security is part of a class issuable only to persons who deal in commodities
with, or obtain services from, the issuers; and
b. the security is transferable only to the issuer or a successor in interest of the
transferor; and
c. no dividends, other than patronage refunds are payable to holders of the
security, except on a complete or partial liquidation; or
3. a cooperative housing corporation described in Section 216(b)(1) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, if its activities are limited to the ownership, leasing,
management or construction of residential properties of its members and activities
incidental thereto.
((d) Reserved)
(e) Bankruptcy. An offer or sale of a security specifically exempt from state securities
laws under USC Title 11.
(f) Pooled Income Funds. An offer or sale of an interest in a trust that Section 642(c)(5)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, defines as a "pooled income fund." The issuer of
such an interest includes the fund itself and the public charity which establishes and
maintains it.
(g) Commodity Contracts. An offer or sale of commodity contracts, provided this
exemption does not include an offer or sale of options to buy or sell commodity contracts
which confer on the purchaser, in return for a cash payment, the right, within a stated
period of time, to purchase or sell a stated contract in a particular commodity, except to
the extent that Section 2(a)(1) of the Commodity Exchange Act grants to the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission exclusive jurisdiction with respect to such options.
(h) NASDAQ Global Market. An offer or sale of a security designated or approved for
designation upon notice of issuance on the NASDAQ Global Market, or any other
security of the same issuer which is of senior or substantially equal rank, any security
called for by subscription rights or warrants so designated or approved, or any warrant
or right to purchase or subscribe to any of the foregoing.
(i) Massachusetts Uniform Limited Offering Exemption. (Reserved)
NON-TEXT PAGE
(j) MJDS. Any non-issuer transaction, whether or not effected through a broker-dealer,
involving any class of an issuer's security where the issuer has filed a registration
statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form F-8, F-9
or F-10 which has been declared effective by the SEC.
(k) Solicitations of Interest Prior to the Filing of the Registration Statement.
1. An offer, but not a sale, of a security made by or on behalf of an issuer for the
sole purpose of soliciting an indication of interest in receiving a prospectus (or its
equivalent) for such security is exempt from M.G.L. c. 110A, § 301 if all of the
following conditions are satisfied:
a. The issuer is or will be a business entity organized under the laws of one of
the states or possessions of the United States or one of the provinces or territories
of Canada, is engaged in or proposes to engage in a business other than petroleum
exploration or production or mining or other extractive industries and is not a
"blind pool" offering or other offering for which the specific business or
properties cannot now be described.
b. The offerer intends to register the security in the Commonwealth, or offer the
security pursuant to the exemption from registration available under M.G.L.
c. 110A, § 402(a)(8).
c. Ten business days prior to the initial solicitation of interest under 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(k), the offerer files with the Director a Solicitation of Interest
Form along with any other materials to be used to conduct solicitations of
interest, including, but not limited to, the script of any broadcast to be made and
a copy of any notice to be published.
d. Five business days prior to usage, the offerer files with the Director any
amendments to the foregoing materials or additional materials to be used to
conduct solicitations of interest, except for materials provided to a particular
offeree pursuant to a request by that offeree.
e. No Solicitation of Interest Form, script, advertisement or other material which
the offerer has been notified by the Director not to distribute is used to solicit
indications of interest.
f. Except for scripted broadcasts and published notices, the offerer does not
communicate with any offeree about the contemplated offering unless the offeree
is provided with the most current Solicitation of Interest Form at or before the
time of the communication or within five days from the communication.
g. During the solicitation of interest period, the offerer does not solicit or accept
money or a commitment to purchase securities.
h. No sale is made until seven days after delivery to the purchaser of a final
prospectus, or in those instances in which delivery of a preliminary prospectus
is allowed hereunder, a preliminary prospectus.
i. The offerer does not know, and in the exercise of reasonable care, could not
know that the issuer or any of the issuer's officers, directors, 10% shareholders
or promoters:
i. Has filed a registration statement which is the subject of a currently
effective registration stop order entered pursuant to any federal or state
securities law within five years prior to the filing of the Solicitation of
Interest Form.
ii. Has been convicted within five years prior to the filing of the Solicitation
of Interest Form of any felony or misdemeanor in connection with the offer,
purchase or sale of any security or any felony involving fraud or deceit,
including, but not limited to, forgery, embezzlement, obtaining money under
false pretenses, larceny, or conspiracy to defraud.
iii. Is currently subject to any federal or state administrative enforcement
order or judgment entered by any state securities administrator or the
Securities and Exchange Commission within five years prior to the filing of
the Solicitation of Interest Form or is subject to any federal or state
administrative enforcement order or judgment entered within five years prior
to the filing of the Solicitation of Interest Form in which fraud or deceit,
including, but not limited to, making untrue statements of material facts and
omitting to state material facts, was found.
iv. Is subject to any federal or state administrative enforcement order or
judgment which prohibits, denies, or revokes the use of any exemption from
registration in connection with the offer, purchase or sale of securities.
v. Is currently subject to any order, judgment, or decree of any court of
competent jurisdiction temporarily or preliminarily restraining or enjoining,
or is subject to any order, judgment or decree of any court of competent
jurisdiction, permanently restraining or enjoining, such party from engaging
in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with the purchase or
sale of any security or involving the making of any false filing with the state
entered within five years prior to the filing of the Solicitation of Interest
Form.
The prohibitions listed above shall not apply if the person subject to the
disqualification is duly licensed or registered to conduct securities related business
in the state in which the administrative order or judgment was entered against such
person or if the broker/dealer employing such party is licensed or registered in this
state and the Form B-D filed with this state discloses the order, conviction, judgment
or decree relating to such person. No person disqualified under this subsection may
act in a capacity other than that for which the person is licensed or registered. Any
disqualification caused by this section is automatically waived if the agency which
created the basis for disqualification determines upon a showing of good cause that
it is not necessary under the circumstances that the exemption be denied.
2. A failure to comply with any condition of 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(k)1. will not
result in the loss of the exemption from the requirements of M.G.L. c. 110A, § 301
for any offer to a particular individual or entity if the offerer shows:
a. the failure to comply did not pertain to a condition directly intended to protect
that particular individual or entity; and
b. the failure to comply was insignificant with respect to the offering as a whole;
and
c. a good faith and reasonable attempt was made to comply with all applicable
conditions of 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(k)1..
Where an exemption is established only through reliance upon 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(k)2., the failure to comply shall nonetheless be actionable as a
violation of M.G.L. c. 110A by the Secretary under M.G.L. c. 110A, §§ 407A and
408 and constitute grounds for denying or revoking the exemption as to a specific
security or transaction.
3. The offerer shall comply with the requirements set forth in 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(k)3.. Failure to comply will not result in the loss of the exemption
from the requirements of M.G.L. c. 110A, § 301, but shall be a violation of M.G.L.
c. 110A, be actionable by the Secretaryunder M.G.L. c. 110A, §§ 407A and 408, and
constitute grounds for denying or revoking the exemption as to a specific security or
transaction.
a. Any published notice or script for broadcast must contain at least the identity
of the chief executive officer of the issuer, a brief and general description of its
business and products, and the following legends:
i. NO MONEY OR OTHER CONSIDERATION IS BEING SOLICITED
AND NONE WILL BE ACCEPTED;
ii. NO SALES OF THE SECURITIES WILL BE MADE OR
COMMITMENT TO PURCHASE ACCEPTED UNTILDELIVERY OF AN
OFFERING CIRCULAR THAT INCLUDES COMPLETE INFORMATION
ABOUT THE ISSUER AND THE OFFERING;
iii. AN INDICATION OF INTEREST MADE BY A PROSPECTIVE
INVESTOR INVOLVES NO OBLIGATION OR COMMITMENT OF ANY
KIND; and
iv. THIS OFFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION
FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE FEDERAL AND STATE
SECURITIES LAWS. NO SALE MAY BE MADE UNTIL THE OFFERING
STATEMENT IS QUALIFIED BY THE SEC AND IS REGISTERED IN
THIS STATE.
b. All communications with prospective investors made in reliance on 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(k) must cease after a registration statement is filed in this state,
and no sale may be made until at least 20 calendar days after the last
communication made in reliance on 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(k).
c. A preliminary prospectus (or its equivalent) may only be used in connection
with an offering for which indications of interest have been solicited under
950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(k) if the offering is conducted by a registered broker-
dealer.
4. The Director may waive any condition of the exemption in 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(k) in writing, upon application by the offerer and cause having been
shown.
Neither compliance nor attempted compliance with 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(k), nor the absence of any objection or order by the Director with
respect to any offer of securities undertaken pursuant to 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(k),
shall be deemed to be a waiver of any condition of the rule or deemed to be a
confirmation by the Director of the availability of 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(k).
5. Offers made in reliance on 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(k) will not result in a
violation of M.G.L. c. 110A, § 301 by virtue of being integrated with subsequent
offers or sales of securities unless such subsequent offers and sales would be
integrated under federal securities laws.
6. Issuers on whose behalf indications of interest are solicited under 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(k) may not make offers or sales in reliance on M.G.L. c. 110A,
§ 402(b)(9) or 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(i) until six months after the last
communication with a prospective investor made pursuant to 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(k).
COMMENTS:
1.
All communications made in reliance on 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(k) are subject to
the anti-fraud provisions of M.G.L. c. 110A.
2.
The Division may or may not review the materials filed pursuant to 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(k). Materials filed, if reviewed, will be judged under anti-fraud
principles. Any discussion in the offering documents of the potential rewards of the
investment must be balanced by a discussion of possible risks.
3.
Any offer effected in violation of 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(k) may constitute an
unlawful offer of an unregistered security for which civil liability attaches under
M.G.L. c. 110A, § 410. Likewise any misrepresentation or omission may give rise
to civil liability. Under M.G.L. c. 110A, the Uniform Securities Act, a subsequent
registration of the security for the sale of the security does not "cure" the previous
unlawful offer. Only a rescission offer made in accordance with the provisions of
M.G.L. c. 110A can accomplish such a "cure".
See commentary under
M.G.L. c. 410, § 410.
-----------------------------------------------------
Form to be used when using the exemption found in 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(k):
NOTE TO USERS: The following form sets forth the minimum informational requirement for
soliciting indications of interest under federal and state securities laws. You may include
additional information if you think it necessary or desirable. Remember that any discussion in
this document is subject to the anti-fraud provisions of the federal and state securities laws and
must thereby be complete. Also, any discussion of potential rewards of the proposed investment
must be balanced by a discussion of possible risks. You may alter the graphic presentation of
the form in any way as long as the minimum information is clearly presented.
SOLICITATION OF INTEREST FORM
_______________________________________________
NAME OF COMPANY
Street Address of Principal Office:
Company Telephone Number:
Date of Organization:
Amount of the Proposed Offering: _________________________
Name of Chief Executive Officer: _________________________
THIS IS A SOLICITATION OF INTEREST ONLY.
NO MONEY OR OTHER
CONSIDERATION IS BEING SOLICITED AND NONE WILL BE ACCEPTED.
NO SALES OF THE SECURITIES WILL BE MADE OR COMMITMENT TO PURCHASE
ACCEPTED UNTIL THE DELIVERY OF A FINAL OFFERING CIRCULAR THAT
INCLUDES COMPLETE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ISSUER AND THE OFFERING.
AN INDICATION OF INTEREST MADE BY A PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR INVOLVES NO
OBLIGATION OR COMMITMENT OF ANY KIND.
THIS OFFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION
UNDER THE FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NO SALE MAY BE MADE
UNTILTHE OFFERING STATEMENT IS QUALIFIED BY THE SEC AND IS REGISTERED
IN THIS STATE.
This Company:
( )
Has never conducted business operations.
( )
Is in the development stage.
( )
Is currently conducting operations.
( )
Has shown a profit for the last fiscal year.
( )
Other (specify) ___________________________.
BUSINESS:
1.
Describe in general what business the company does or proposes to do, including what
products or goods are or will be produced or services that are or will be rendered.
2.
Describe in general how these products or services are to be produced or rendered and
how and when the company intends to carry out its activities.
OFFERING PROCEEDS:
3.
Describe in general how the company intends to use the proceeds of the proposed
offering.
KEY PERSONNEL OF THE COMPANY:
4.
Provide the following information for all officers and directors or persons occupying
similar positions:
Name, Title, Office Street Address, Telephone Number, Employment History (Employers,
titles and dates of positions held during the past five years), and Education (degrees, schools and
dates).
(end of form)
(l) Transactions Under Rule 506 - Filing Requirements. Any offer or sale of a security
offered or sold in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, Regulation D, Rule 506
(17 CFR 230.506), and that satisfies the following further conditions:
1. Within 15-calendar days after the first sale in the Commonwealth, a notice on
SEC Form D (17 CFR 239.500) is filed with the Division, together with;
2. A consent to service of process on Form U-2 (with Form U-2A, if applicable)
naming the Secretary; and
3. A non-refundable filing fee, payable to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
in the amount as follows:
Total Amount of Offering
Filing Fee
0 - $2,000,000
$250
Over $2,000,000 - $7,500,000
$500
Over $7,500,000
$750.
(m) Internet Offers. An offer, but not a sale, of a security communicated through
proprietary or “common carrier” electronic delivery systems, Internet and the World
Wide Web or a similar medium; provided that such offers are not directed specifically
toward any investor or group of investors in the Commonwealth and no sales are made
in the Commonwealth unless the securities are registered or exempt from registration
under M.G.L. c. 110A and 950 CMR 14.400. If an offer made hereunder contains
indications that the offer is not being made in jurisdictions where it is not registered or
appropriately exempted, then it will be presumed that this offer is not being specifically
directed to prospective investors in the Commonwealth.
(n) Certain Canadian Securities. An offer or sale of a security in a transaction effected
by a person located in Canada who is excluded from the definition of broker-dealer under
950 CMR 14.401(C)(4).
(o) Massachusetts Crowdfunding Exemption. An offer or sale of a security meeting the
following requirements:
1. The issuer is a business entity:
a. Formed under the laws of the Commonwealth;
b. Having its principal place of business in the Commonwealth; and
c. Authorized to do business in the Commonwealth.
2. The offering is sold only to residents of the Commonwealth in compliance with
the requirements of § 3(a)(11) of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. § 77c(a)(11))
or SEC Rule 147 or 147A (17 C.F.R. 230.147 or 230.147A);
3. The securities offered and sold pursuant to 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o) are equity
or debt securities of the issuer.
4. The sum of all cash and other consideration to be received for all securities sold
in reliance upon the exemption provided under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o) shall not
exceed:
a. $1,000,000, if the issuer has not undergone and made available to each
prospective investor and the Secretary the documentation resulting from a
financial audit with respect to its most recentlycompleted fiscal year and meeting
generally accepted accounting principles; or
b. $2,000,000, if the issuer has undergone and made available to each
prospective investor and the Secretary the documentation resulting from a
financial audit with respect to its most recentlycompleted fiscal year and meeting
generally accepted accounting principles.
An offer or sale to an officer, director, partner, trustee, person owning 10% or
more of outstanding shares of the issuer or a person occupying similar status with
respect to the issuer shall not be subject to the limitation in 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(o)4.
5. The aggregate amount of securities sold to any investor by an issuer in reliance
on 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o) shall not exceed the greater of:
a. $2,000 or 5% of annual income or net worth of the investor, whichever is
greater, if both the annual income and net worth are less than $100,000; and
b. 10% of annual income or net worth of the investor, whichever is greater (not
to exceed an amount sold of $100,000) if either the annual income or net worth
of the investor is equal to or more than $100,000;
Note: To determine the investment limit for a natural person, the person's annual
income and net worth shall be calculated as those values are calculated for
purposes of determining accredited investor status in accordance with Rule 501
of SEC Regulation D, 17 CFR 230.501. The person’s annual income or net
worth shall come within the levels described in 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o)5. or
the issuer shall reasonably believe that such person’s annual income or net worth
comes within such levels; the issuer shall take reasonable steps to verify such
information. The person's annual income and net worth may be calculated jointly
with the annual income and net worth of the person's spouse.
6. The issuer shall not, before or as a result of the offering, be:
a. An investment company as defined by 15 U.S.C. § 80a-3;
b. A hedge fund, commodity pool, or similar investment vehicle;
c. Subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
d. A development stage company without a specific business plan or purpose,
or which has indicated that its business is to engage in a merger or acquisition
with an unidentified company or companies, or other unidentified entities or
persons, or without an allocation of proceeds to sufficiently identifiable
properties or objectives (i.e., "blind pool" or "blank check" offerings); or
e. A business involving petroleum exploration or production, mining, or other
extractive industries.
7. No commission, fee, or other remuneration shall be paid or given, directly or
indirectly, to any person for soliciting any prospective purchaser for a transaction in
reliance upon the exemption provided by 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o) unless such
person is registered as a broker-dealer or agent under Securities Exchange Act of
1934.
8. The issuer shall establish a minimum offering amount, which shall be set at a
level that the issuer’s board or other governing body reasonably believes is sufficient
to implement the plan of business disclosed in the offering materials. Such minimum
offering amount shall be no less than 30% of the maximum offering amount set by
the issuer and disclosed in the offering materials.
9. The issuer shall place all funds received from investors in an escrow account at
an insured bank or depository institution authorized to do business in the
Commonwealth. Such funds shall be released from escrow when the minimum
offering amount is met. If the minimum offering amount is not met within one year
of the earlier of the commencement of the offering or the first posting of the offering
on the internet, the issuer shall return all funds to investors.
10. a. The exemption under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o) shall not be available if the
issuer; any predecessor of the issuer; any affiliated issuer; any director, executive
officer, other officer participating in the offering, general partner, or managing
member of the issuer; any beneficial owner of 20% or more of the issuer's
outstanding voting equity securities, calculated on the basis of voting power; any
promoter connected with the issuer in any capacity at the time of making an
exemption filing under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o); any person that has been or
will be paid (directly or indirectly) remuneration for solicitation of purchasers in
connection with the offering of securities; or any director, executive officer or
other officer participating in the offering of any such solicitor, general partner,
or managing member of such solicitor:
i. Has been convicted, within ten years before making an exemption filing
under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o) or five years, in the case of issuers, their
predecessors, and affiliated issuers, of any felony or misdemeanor:
(i) In connection with the purchase or sale of any security;
(ii) Involving the making of any false filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission or a state securities commission (or an agency or
officer of a state performing like functions); or
(iii) Arising out of the conduct of the business of an underwriter, broker,
dealer, municipal securities dealer, investment adviser, or paid solicitor of
purchasers of securities;
b. Is subject to any order, judgment or decree of any court of competent
jurisdiction, entered within five years before making an exemption filing under
950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o), that, at the time of filing, restrains or enjoins such
person from engaging or continuing to engage in any conduct or practice:
i. In connection with the purchase or sale of any security;
ii. Involving the making of any false filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission or a state securities commission (or an agency or officer of a
state performing like functions); or
iii. Arising out of the conduct of the business of an underwriter, broker,
dealer, municipal securities dealer, investment adviser, or paid solicitor of
purchasers of securities;
c. Is subject to a final order of a state securities commission (or an agency or
officer of a state performing like functions); a state authority that supervises or
examines banks, savings associations, or credit unions; a state insurance
commission (or an agency or officer of a state performing like functions); an
appropriate federal banking agency; the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading
Commission; or the National Credit Union Administration that:
i. At the time of making an exemption filing under 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(o), bars the person from:
(i) Association with an entity regulated by such commission, authority,
agency, or officer;
(ii) Engaging in the business of securities, insurance or banking; or
(iii) Engaging in savings association or credit union activities; or
ii. Constitutes a final order based on a violation of any law or regulation that
prohibits fraudulent, manipulative, or deceptive conduct entered within ten
years before making an exemption filing under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o);
d. Has filed a registration statement which is the subject of a currently effective
registration stop order entered pursuant to the Massachusetts Uniform Securities
Act, M.G.L. c.110A, or any other state's securities law, within five years prior to
making an exemption filing for an offering under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o);
e. Is currently subject to any state administrative enforcement order or judgment
entered by the Secretary or any other state's securities administrator within five
years prior to making an exemption filing for an offering under 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(o) or is subject to any state's administrative enforcement order or
judgment in which fraud or deceit including, but not limited to, making untrue
statements of material facts and omitting to state material facts, was found and
the order or judgment was entered within five years prior to making an exemption
filing for an offering under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o);
f. Is subject to an order of the Securities and Exchange Commission entered
pursuant to § 15(b) or 15B(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C.
78o(b) or 78o-4(c)) or § 203(e) or (f) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940
(15 U.S.C. 80b-3 (e) or (f)) that, at the time of making an exemption filing under
950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o):
i. Suspends or revokes such person's registration as a broker, dealer,
municipal securities dealer or investment adviser;
ii. Places limitations on the activities, functions or operations of such
person; or
iii. Bars such person from being associated with any entity or from
participating in the offering of any penny stock;
g. Is subject to any order of the Securities and Exchange Commission entered
within five years before making an exemption filing under 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(o) that, at the time of filing, orders the person to cease and desist
from committing or causing a violation or future violation of:
i. Any scienter-based anti-fraud provision of the federal securities laws,
including without limitation § 17(a)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933
(15 U.S.C. 77q(a)(1)), § 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(15 U.S.C. 78j(b)) and 17 C.F.R. 240.10b-5, § 15(c)(1) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78o(c)(1)) and § 206(1) of the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80b-6(1)), or any other rule or regulation
thereunder; or
ii. § 5 of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77e).
h. Is suspended or expelled from membership in, or suspended or barred from
association with a member of, a registered national securities exchange or a
registered national or affiliated securities association for any act or omission to
act constituting conduct inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade;
i. Has filed (as a registrant or issuer), or was named as an underwriter in, any
registration statement or Regulation A offering statement filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission that, within five years before such sale, was the
subject of a refusal order, stop order, or order suspending the Regulation A
exemption, or is, at the time of such sale, the subject of an investigation or
proceeding to determine whether a stop order or suspension order should be
issued; or
j. Is subject to a United States Postal Service false representation order entered
within five years before the making of an exemption filing under 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(o), or is, at the time of such filing, subject to a temporary
restraining order or preliminary injunction with respect to conduct alleged by the
United States Postal Service to constitute a scheme or device for obtaining money
or property through the mail by means of false representations.
k. For purposes of 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o)10.a., "final order" shall mean a
written directive or declaratory statement issued by a federal or state agency
described in 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o)10.c. under applicable statutoryauthority
that provides for notice and an opportunity for hearing, which constitutes a final
disposition or action by that federal or state agency.
l. 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o)10.a. shall not apply:
i. Upon a showing of good cause and without prejudice to any other action
by the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that it is not necessary under the
circumstances that an exemption be denied;
ii. If, before the relevant filing, the court or regulatory authority that entered
the relevant order, judgment or decree advises in writing (whether contained
in the relevant judgment, order or decree or separately to the Secretary or his
staff) that disqualification under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o)10.a. should not
arise as a consequence of such order, judgment, or decree; or
iii. If the issuer establishes that it did not know and, in the exercise of
reasonable care, could not have known that a disqualification existed under
950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o)10.a. An issuer will not be able to establish that
it has exercised reasonable care unless it has made, in light of the
circumstances, factual inquiry into whether any disqualifications exist. The
nature and scope of the factual inquiry will vary based on the facts and
circumstances concerning, among other things, the issuer and the other
offering participants.
m. For purposes of 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o)10.a., events relating to any
affiliated issuer that occurred before the affiliation arose will be not considered
disqualifying if the affiliated entity is not:
i. In control of the issuer; or
ii. Under common control with the issuer by a third party that was in control
of the affiliated entity at the time of such event.
11. The issuer shall disclose to each prospective purchaser all of the following:
a. A description of the issuer and its business, and the address, telephone number,
and website address of its principal office;
b. A description of the intended use of the offering proceeds;
c. A description of any current or pending litigation, legal proceedings, or pending
regulatory action involving the issuer or its management;
d. The identity of all persons owning 10% or more of the ownership interests of any
class of securities of the issuer;
e. The identity of the executive officers, directors, managing members, and other
persons occupying a similar status or performing functions in the name of and on
behalf of the issuer;
f. The identity of any person who has been or will be retained by the issuer to
assist the issuer in conducting the offer and sale of securities, including any
Internet web site operator but excluding persons acting solely as accountants or
attorneys, and employees whose primary responsibilities involve the operating
business of the issuer rather than assisting the issuer in raising capital;
g. The names and addresses of each Internet web site that will be used by the
issuer to offer or sell securities under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o); and
h. Any additional information material to the offering, including, if appropriate,
a discussion of significant factors that make the offering speculative or of high
risk.
Note: The issuer is required to provide full and fair disclosure to offerees and
investors of all material facts relating to the issuer and the securities being
offered, in accordance with M.G.L. c.110A, § 101.
12. Among other risk disclosures, the issuer must provide the substance of the
following disclosures to all prospective purchasers and investors:
a. There is no ready market for the sale of the securities acquired in this
offering; it may be difficult or impossible for an investor to sell or otherwise
dispose of this investment. An investor may be required to hold and bear the
financial risks of this investment indefinitely.
b. The securities have not been registered under federal or state securities laws
and, therefore, cannot be resold unless the securities are registered or qualify for
an exemption from registration under federal and state law.
c. In making an investment decision, investors must rely on their own
examination of the issuer and the terms of the offering, including the merits and
risks involved.
d. No federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority has
confirmed the accuracy or determined the adequacy of the disclosures provided.
Note: Since 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o) requires that the offering be in
compliance with SEC Rule 147 or 147A, the issuer must also provide written
disclosures concerning the limitations on resale of the securities contained in
SEC Rule 147(e) and (f) or 147A(e) and (f), (17 CFR § 230.147 or 230.147A).
Additionally, an issuer must place a required legend disclosing such limitations
on resale on the securities certificate or other document evidencing the securities
issued in the offering.
13. The exemption provided under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o) shall be effective
for up to 12 months, subject to annual renewal.
14. Upon the first to occur of:
a. the completion of the offering;
b. the termination of the offering; or
c. 12 months from the commencement of the offering, the issuer shall file with
the Secretary a sales report indicating the number and value of securities sold in
the offering, and the number of purchasers in the offering.
15. The issuer shall file with the Secretary no later than 15 days after the first sale
made in reliance upon the exemption provided under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(o):
a. a notice specifying that the issuer is conducting an offering in reliance on the
exemption provided under 950 CMR 14,402(B)(13)(o) and providing the names
and addresses of:
i. officers, directors and control persons of the issuer;
ii. all persons who will be involved in the offer or sale of securities on
behalf of the issuer;
iii. the bank or depository institution in which the issuer will deposit
investment funds;
b. a copy of all materials used in connection with the solicitation, offer, or sale
of the issuer's securities, including the disclosure required in 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(o)11. and 12.; and
c. a consent to service of process on Form U-2.
(p) Notice Filing Requirement for Federal Crowdfunding Offerings. The following
provisions apply to offerings made under federal Regulation Crowdfunding 17 CFR § 227
and Sections 4(a)(6) and 18(b)(4)(C) of the Securities Act of 1933:
1. Initial Filing.
a. An issuer that offers and sells securities in the Commonwealth in an offering
exempt under federal Regulation Crowdfunding shall file the following with the
Director, subject to the conditions in 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(p)(1)(b):
i. A Uniform Notice of Federal Crowdfunding Offering (Form U-CF);
ii. A consent to service of process on Form U2 (with Form U-2A, if applicable).
b. If the issuer has its principal place of business in the Commonwealth, the filing
required under 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(p)1.a. shall be filed with the Director when
the issuer makes its initial Form C filing concerning the offering with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. If the issuer does not have its principal place of business
in the Commonwealth but residents of the Commonwealth have purchased 50% or
greater of the aggregate amount of the offering, the filing required under 950 CMR
14.402(B)(13)(p)1.a. shall be filed when the issuer becomes aware that such
purchases have met this threshold, and in no event later than 15 days from the date
of completion of the offering.
c. The initial notice filing is effective for 12 months from the date of the filing with
the Director.
2. Renewal Filing. For each additional 12-month period in which the same offering is
continued, an issuer conducting an offeringunder federal Regulation Crowdfunding may
renew its notice filing by filing the following with the Director on or before the
expiration of the notice filing. A Uniform Notice of Federal Crowdfunding Offering
(Form U-CF) designated as “renewal” filing and/or a cover letter or other document
requesting renewal of the initial notice filing pursuant to 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(p)1.
3. Time of Enforcement. 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(p) shall be enforced as of
June 1, 2019.
(q) Notice Filing Requirement for Regulation A - Tier 2 Offerings. The following
provisions apply to offerings made under Tier 2 of federal Regulation A and Section 3(b) of
the Securities Act of 1933 and subject to Section 18(b)(4) of the Securities Act of 1933:
1. Initial Filing. An issuer proposing to offer and sell securities in the Commonwealth
in an offering exempt under Tier 2 of federal Regulation A shall file the following with
the Director at least 21 calendar days prior to the initial sale in the Commonwealth:
a. A completed Uniform Notice of Regulation A - Tier 2 Offering form or copies
of all documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
b. A consent to service of process on Form U-2 if not filing on the Uniform Notice
of Regulation A - Tier 2 Offering form;
c. Form U-2A (if applicable); and
d. A filing fee of 1/20 of 1% of the aggregate amount of the offering with a minimum
of $300 and a maximum of $1500 annually.
The initial notice filing is effective for 12 months from the date of the filing with the
Director.
2. Renewal. For each additional 12-month period in which the same offering is
continued, an issuer conducting a Tier 2 offering under federal Regulation A may renew
its notice filing by filing with the Director the following on or before the expiration of
the notice filing:
a. The Uniform Notice of Regulation A - Tier 2 Offering form marked "renewal"
and/or a cover letter or other document requesting renewal; and
b. A renewal fee of 1/20 of 1% of the aggregate amount of the offering with a
minimum of $300 and a maximum of $1500 annually.
3. Amendment. An issuer may increase the amount of securities offered in the
Commonwealth by filing a Uniform Notice of Regulation A - Tier 2 Offering form
marked “amendment” or other document describing the transaction. If the amount of
securities subject to the notice filing is being increased, the issuer shall submit an
additional increment of funds under the formula set out in 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(q)
1.d. or 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(q)2.b., to cover the increase in the amount of securities
to be offered.
4. Time of Enforcement. 950 CMR 14.402(B)(13)(q) shall be enforced as of
June 1, 2019.
NON-TEXT PAGE
14.403: Filing of Sales and Advertising Literature
(A) Any person, including a broker-dealer, its agent or an issuer's agent, other than an issuer of
a security, must file any sales literature used in connection with the offer or sale of a security in
the Commonwealth unless such security is exempt from registration under M.G.L. c. 110A,
§ 402.
(B) No sales literature used in connection with the offer or sale of a federal covered security or
of a security which is a revenue or general obligation security issued or guaranteed by The
Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof or any agency or corporate or other
instrumentality of one or more of the foregoing need be filed with the Director.
(C) The term "sales literature" includes any prospectus, pamphlet, circular, form letter,
advertisement or other literature or advertising communication addressed or intended for
distribution to prospective investors. The term also includes all materials, including materials
for internal use, distributed to agents of a broker-dealer during the period when such
broker-dealer is obligated to deliver a prospectus under state or federal law, if the contents of
such materials may be used in any way in connection with the offer of a particular security.
(D) One copy of each item of sales literature shall be filed with the Director either before or
simultaneously with its first use.
14.404: Misleading Filings: (Reserved)
14.405: Unlawful Representations Concerning Registration or Exemptions: (Reserved)
14.406: Administration of Chapter
(A)
(1) There is hereby established in the Office of the State Secretary the Securities
Division. The Division shall, under the supervision of the Secretary and the Deputy
Secretary of the Commonwealth for the Commercial Bureau, administer and enforce the
M.G.L. c. 110A and 950 CMR 10.00 through 14.413, and, without limiting the
foregoing, may issue written interpretations of M.G.L. c. 110A and 950 CMR 10.00
through 14.413. The head of the Securities Division shall have the title "Director". He
shall, subject to the approval of the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary of State for the
Commercial Bureau, make, amend and rescind such rules, forms, and orders as are
necessary to carry out the statutory policy of M.G.L. c. 110A. The Director is
empowered to hear, examine, and investigate matters in accordance with
M.G.L. c. 110A.
In the absence of the Director, the Deputy Secretary of the
Commonwealth for the Commercial Bureau is empowered to take any action allowed to
the Director under 950 CMR 10.00 through 14.413.
(A)
(2) All writings shall be addressed or delivered to:
Director, Securities Division
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
John W. McCormack Building, 17th Floor
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
All writings are deemed "filed" with the Secretary when received in the office of the
Director.
(A)
(3) Unless otherwise specifically provided by law or 950 CMR 10.00 through 14.413,
computation of any time period referred to in M.G.L. c. 110A or 950 CMR 10.00 through
14.413 shall begin with the first day following the act which initiates the running of the
time period. The last day of the time period so computed is to be included unless it is a
Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, or another day on which the Division is closed, in
which event the period shall run until the end of the next business day. When a time
period is less than seven days, intervening days when the Division is closed shall be
excluded from the computation.
(B)
(1) 950 CMR 14.406 applies to all transactions effected by or on behalf of an employee
of the Division, including transactions for the accounts of other persons effected by the
employee, directly or indirectly, under a power of attorney or otherwise. An employee
is considered to have sufficient interest in the securities transactions of his or her spouse
or minor child so that such transactions must be reported and are subject to all the terms
of 950 CMR 14.406.
(B)
(2) No employee shall effect or cause to be effected any transaction in a security except
for bona fide investment purposes. 950 CMR 14.406(B)(2) does not apply to securities
purchased by an employee prior to the commencement of his or her employment with the
Division. Any employee who believes the application of 950 CMR 14.406(B)(2) will
result in undue hardship in a particular case may make written application to the
Secretary (through his Deputy) setting out, in detail, the reasons for his belief and
requesting a waiver.
(B)
(3) No employee shall carry securities on margin. Also, no employee shall borrow
funds or securities, with or without collateral, for the purpose of purchasing or carrying
securities with the proceeds unless prior approval of the Secretary has been secured.
(B)
(4) No employee shall sell a security which he does not own, or the sale of which is
consummated by the delivery of a security borrowed by or for such employee's account.
(B)
(5) No employee shall purchase any security which is the subject of a registration
statement filed under M.G.L. c. 110A, § 301 or any security which is exempted from
such registration requirement under M.G.L. c. 110A, § 402 and for which the Division
receives communication regarding the exemption, for the period from the filing with the
Division of such registration statement or claim of exemption to 60 days after the
effective date of the registration statement or, in the case of claim of exemption, 60 days
after the date of filing.
(B)
(6) No employee shall purchase any security in an offeror or target company after the
first communication with the Division regarding the pendencyof a takeover bid or during
the pendency of a takeover bid subject to the provisions of M.G.L. c.110C. These
provisions shall apply for a period of 60 days after said bid is completed, withdrawn,
otherwise terminated or reasonably believed not to have been undertaken.
(B)
(7) No employee shall have a beneficial interest in any broker or dealer through
ownership of securities or otherwise.
(B)
(8) No employee shall purchase any security which to his knowledge is involved in any
pending investigation bythe Division or in anyproceedingbefore the Division. Nor shall
any employee conduct any business with any respondent (broker, dealer, agent or
otherwise) who to his knowledge is involved in any pending investigation by the
Division or in any proceeding before the Division.
(B)
(9) No employee shall purchase any securities of any company which is in receivership
or for which a petition has been filed under Chapter 10 or Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy
Act.
(B)
(10) Employees shall report every transaction in any security within five business days
to the Secretary through the Director of the Securities Division. Other changes in
holdings resulting from inheritance or from reclassification, gifts, stock dividends or split
ups, for example, shall be reported promptly. In addition, every employee owning
securities shall, on or before May 1st of each year, furnish a complete list of all securities
held by him, his spouse or minor child, as well as all securities held in a trust or estate
of which he is a fiduciary or beneficiary. New employees shall make the foregoing
disclosure prior to the commencement of employment with the Division.
(B)
(11) 950 CMR 14.406(B)(2) and (10) do not apply to personal notes, individual real
estate mortgages, U. S. Government Securities and securities issued by building and loan
association or cooperatives.
(B)
(12) The Secretary or his designee is authorized to require the disposition of securities
acquired as a result of the unintentional violation of the provisions of 950 CMR
14.406(B). Any intentional violation of 950 CMR 14.406(B) shall be reported to the
Secretary for appropriate disciplinary action.
14.407: Investigations and Subpoenas
The Director and the Associate Director of the Securities Division are designated as officers
who maysubpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence and require the production
of any books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, agreements, or other documents or records
which are deemed relevant or material to the inquiry.
14.407A: Cease and Desist Orders
The Director may afford persons an opportunity to enter into voluntary agreements to cease
and desist from certain acts and practices when it appears that such procedure fully safeguards
the public interest. All such agreements and orders shall be matters of public record.
14.408: Injunctions (Reserved)
14.409: Criminal Penalties (Reserved)
14.410: Civil Liabilities (Reserved)
14.411: Judicial Review of Orders (Reserved)
14.412: Rules, Forms, Orders, and Hearings
(A)
(1) The forms prescribed for use under M.G.L. c. 110A and 950 CMR 10.00 through
14.413, which are identified and described in 950 CMR 14.412, are hereby incorporated
by reference and made a part of 950 CMR 14.000:
(a) Uniform Application to Register Securities (Form U-1) (used for registration by
coordination and for registration by qualification);
(b) Uniform Consent to Service of Process (Form U-2) (used with registration of
securities);
(c) Uniform Form of Corporate Resolution (Form U-2A) (used with Form U-2);
(d) Application for Registration as a Broker-Dealer (SEC Form BD) (used to
register as broker-dealer);
(e) Uniform Application for Securities and Commodities Industry Representative
and/or Agent (Form U-4) (Used to register or transfer agents of Broker-Dealers and
representatives of Investment Advisers);
(f) Application for Registration or Transfer of Agent of Issuers (Form U-4)) (used
to register or transfer issuer-agents);
(g) Uniform Termination Notice for Securities IndustryRepresentative and/or Agent
(Form U-5) (used to terminate employment of agents and representatives);
(h) Termination Notice for Issuer-Agent (Form U-5) (used to terminate employment
of issuer-agents);
(i) Renewal Form (Form RF) (used to renew broker-dealer, agent, and issuer-agent
registration);
(j) Notice of Withdrawal from Registration as Broker-Dealer (SEC Form BDW)
(used to withdraw or terminate registration as broker-dealer);
(k) Small Corporate Offering Registration Form (NASAA Form U-7) (used to
register corporate offerings of $1,000,000 or less);
(l) Application for Registration as an Investment Advisor (SEC Form ADV) (used
to register as an investment adviser)
(m) Notice of Withdrawal from Registration as an Investment Advisor (SEC Form
ADV-W) (used to withdraw or terminate registration as an investment advisor);
(n) Uniform Investment Company Notice Form (Form NF);
(o) Uniform Disciplinary Action Reporting Form (Form U-6);
(p) Uniform Notice of Federal G
(p) Uniform Notice of Federal Crowdfunding Offering (Form U-CF);
(q) Uniform Notice of Regulation A - Tier 2 Offering.
(Note: Copies of the NASAA multi-state forms may be obtained from the Internet
site www.nasaa.org. Users should click the buttons for “Blue Sky Practitioners” and
then “Uniform Forms”.)
(A)(2) The forms prescribed in 950 CMR 10.00 through 14.413, except SEC Forms BD, BDW,
and Forms U-4 and U-5 may, be obtained on a request addressed to the Division. However,
accurate reproductions may be used. SEC Forms BD and BDW may be obtained from the
SEC; and Forms U-4 and U-5 from any national securities exchange or from the FINRA.
The Division reserves the right to and may issue from time to time revisions or amendments
of the forms.
(A)(3) Only an executed copy of any form should be filed.
(A)(4) All forms and documents shall be printed, lithographed, mimeographed, typewritten, or
prepared by a photocopying process which, in the opinion of the Director, produces copies
suitable for a permanent record. All forms and documents shall be clear, easily readable, and
suitable for repeated photocopying. Exhibits may be attached to additional sheets or filed
separately. A document filed as an exhibit to a prior application may be incorporated by
reference into a subsequent application.
(A)(5) All applications and other documents received and filed with the Division become a part
of its permanent record and will not be returned to the applicant or correspondent.
(A)(6) The Director may by order exempt a person, security or transaction from a specific
provision of 950 CMR 10.00 through 14.413. 950 CMR 10.00 through 14.413 supersedes
any administrative orders, rules, and regulations issued pursuant to M.G.L. c. 110A.
(A)(7) Any Rule requiring compliance with a federal statute, rule or interpretive opinion of the
SEC or other administrative agency, incorporates said statute, rule, or interpretive opinion,
by reference and makes it a part of 950 CMR 10.00 through 14.413.
(A)(8) Filing fees are not refundable. Fees shall be remitted by check, draft, or money order
(but not by personal checks or by cash) payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(B) (Reserved)
(C) Unless 950 CMR 10.00 through 14.413 provides otherwise, all financial statements
M.G.L. c. 110A and/or 950 CMR 10.00 through 14.413 requires shall be certified and prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis. The
Director may, upon the request of the applicant, permit the omission of one or more of the
financial statements herein required or the filing in substitution therefor of appropriate financial
statements of comparable character. The Director may also require the filing of other financial
statements in addition to, or in substitution for, the financial statements herein required in any
case where such statements are necessary or appropriate for an adequate presentation of the
financial condition of any entity or person whose financial statements are required, or whose
financial statements are otherwise necessary for the protection of investors.
14.413: Nonpublic Records and Information
Certain records are nonpublic, but any reasonably segregable portion of a record shall be
provided to any person requesting such records after deletion of the portions which are
considered nonpublic under 950 CMR 14.413. Except for such reasonably segregable portions
of records, the Division will generally not publish or make available to any person matters that
are listed below:
(A)
Investigatory materials necessarily received or compiled out of the public view by
employees of the Division, the disclosure of which materials would probably so prejudice the
possibility of effective law enforcement that such disclosure would not be in the public interest.
950 CMR 14.413(A) restricts the production of such materials which would:
(1)
interfere with enforcement activities undertaken or likely to be undertaken by the
Division or any federal, state, local or foreign governmental authority, any professional
association, or any securities industry self-regulatory organization;
(2) deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication;
(3) constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
(4) disclose the identity of a confidential source and, in the case of a record compiled by a
criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, confidential
information furnished only by the confidential source;
(5) disclose investigative techniques and procedures; or
(6) endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel.
(B) The term "investigatory materials" as used in 950 CMR 14.413(A) includes, but is not
limited to, all documents, records, transcripts, evidentiary materials of any nature,
correspondence, related memoranda, or work product concerning any examination, any
investigation (whether formal or informal), or any related litigation, which pertains to or may
disclose, the possible violation by any person of any provision of any statute, rule, or regulation
administered bythe Division, byanyother federal, state, local or foreign governmental authority,
by any professional association, or by any securities industry self-regulatory organization. The
term "investigatory materials" also includes all written communications from, or to, any person
complaining or otherwise furnishing information respecting such possible violations, as well as
all correspondence or memoranda in connection with such complaints or information.
(C) Supplemental materials, filed at the request of the Division, which are deemed to have been
filed in confidence or to be confidential at the request of the registrant or person who has filed
such materials, including, but not limited to, trade secrets, contracts, commercial information and
financial information provided to the Division.
(D)
Materials, including, but not limited to, forms, business plans, private placement
memoranda, notices and filings made in connection with securities offerings which by the
provisions of M.G.L. c. 110A or 950 CMR 14.400 are not permitted for public offering. Such
materials shall be nonpublic only so long as the security is being offered in connection with such
materials.