Feb 27, 2026
Oct 2, 2026
SEC Proposes Rescission of Pay-to-Play Rule for Investment Advisers
Key Takeaways
- The SEC is proposing to rescind the "pay-to-play" rule which restricts investment advisers from providing services to government clients following political contributions.
- This move addresses operational complexities and unintended consequences, such as the prohibition of state-level donations and strict liability for minor "foot faults."
Deep Dive
The proposed rescission of Rule 206(4)-5 marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for investment advisers. The Commission's move is intended to address long-standing concerns regarding the rule's overly prescriptive nature, which has led to unintended consequences such as the suppression of political speech and prohibited state-level donations.
For compliance teams, this

