On June 8, 2006, the Securities and
Exchange Commission approved an interpretive notice of the Municipal Securities
Rulemaking Board (“MSRB”) relating to customer protection obligations of
brokers, dealers and municipal securities dealers (“dealers”) marketing 529
college savings plans.[1]
The interpretive notice strengthens and clarifies dealers’ obligations to
provide important disclosures to customers investing in out-of-state 529
college savings plans and to undertake active suitability analyses for
recommended transactions in 529 college savings plans based on appropriately
weighted factors. For a detailed discussion of the interpretive notice, as
well as to view the text of the interpretive notice, see MSRB Notice 2006-07
(March 31, 2006).[2]
The interpretive notice becomes effective on August 7, 2006, although dealers
are urged to comply with the interpretive notice as soon as practicable.
Questions
regarding the proposed interpretation may be directed to Ernesto A. Lanza,
Senior Associate General Counsel, or Jill C. Finder, Assistant General Counsel.
June 15, 2006