| Balancing Efficient Capital Markets and Investor Protection (November) |
Restoring the economic engine and balancing efficient capital markets with Investor protection were the goals of both the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) during financial reform implementation. Both agencies faced a scale of regulatory change unlike any before. Four months after the passing of the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Act), Treasury Deputy Secretary Neal S. Wolin, and SEC Commissioner Luis A. Aguilar provided insight into reform implementation at National events this fall. This Business Brief summarizes both Wolin’s and Aguilar’s comments on the status of financial reform implementation. |
| Make the Most of Short Term Provisions of Small Business Jobs Act (November) |
Small business investors will need to hurry and expedite plans to benefit from short term provisions of the new Small Business Jobs Act (the Act), which was signed by President Obama on September 27, 2010. Some provisions expire at the end of 2010, but quick action may help investors in small business take advantage of new opportunities. This brief explains the provisions that offer significant benefits if investors are nimble and quick. |
| Revenue Recognition- Far Reaching Changes on the Horizon (August) |
On June 24, 2010, The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)published an Exposure Draft, Revenue Recognition: Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Exposure Draft follows a discussion paper, which was issued in 2008. The Exposure Draft is open for public comment until October 22, 2010.Both the FASB and IASB believe there is a need for clearer guidance that can be applied across companies, industries and capital markets. Their goal is to issue a final standard in the second quarter of 2011. |
| FTC Delays Red Flags Rule Enforcement Pending Congressional Action (June) |
The Federal Trade Commission (FT C) announced on May 28, 2010 that enforcement of its “Red Flags” rule will be delayed until December 31, 2010 for financial institutions and creditors subject to the FTC’s jurisdiction. The action was a response to a request from Congress so they may consider legislation regarding the scope of entities covered by the rule. |
| Link Between Decision-Making and ERM: A Case Study (May) |
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is not a separate, isolated process performed outside of normal business processes. Quite the contrary, ERM, similar to fraud prevention, ethics and internal controls, is integral to an organization’s success. It should be imbedded into and integrated within organizational strategy and incorporated into an organization’s core activities. ER M needs to become part of organizational culture. |
| What Organizations Need To Know about the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2010 (April) |
On March 18, 2010, President Obama signed into law the year’s first major tax legislation—the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (HIRE Act). The new law is intended to stimulate employment, employee retention and capital investment. |
| CPAs Chime in Regarding Annual Bonus Plan Designs (March) |
In March 2007, more than 2,000 American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) members, serving as company and business unit CEOs and CFOs, participated in a survey of CFO compensation and performance measurement practices. The primary conclusion of the 2007 survey suggested that annual bonuses, by far the most commonly used incentive for CFOs, have important advantages but also downsides. |
| Networking that Works: Amplify Your Professional Networking (March) |
Despite the buzz surrounding the exploding world of social media, success in business and career building is still driven by real-life connections and strong relationships. The good news is that the Internet has provided the most powerful enhancements to professional networking since the invention of the Rolodex. This Business Brief focuses on the benefits of using the professional networking tools LinkedIn and Twitter in particular. |
| The Fundamentals of Going Green, Part II (January) |
Businesses of all types are facing economic challenges from the downturn challenges such as maintaining supply chain resources, continually providing quality goods in a fluctuating market and satisfying the ever-changing needs of the consumer. As businesses are pressed to find cost saving measures in operations, production and manufacturing, many are turning to sustainability initiatives at the same time that consumers are becoming more eco-conscious and searching for environmentally-friendly products and services. By using green practices such as eliminating waste, increasing efficiencies and reducing carbon dioxide emissions, businesses can simultaneously satisfy the green-minded consumers of today. |