Testimonials Archives - MasterCompliance

Marketing and advertising in the mid-20th Century was very different then what exists in today’s world of social media. Marketing and advertising are constantly evolving. Today’s social media influencers, hashtags, comments, likes, and posts can all be used for marketing purposes. With this in mind, it makes sense that regulations should evolve as well and not be stuck in the past. In December 2020, the SEC adapted regulations to better align with the 21st Century’s marketing environment. The 1961 Advertising Rule 206(4)-1 2021 combined with the Cash Solicitation Rule206(4)-3 will now be regulated under a single rule referred to as Read more about What’s ‘New’ about the SEC’s New Marketing Rule for Investment Advisers?[…]

In mid-December, the SEC adopted an amended rule to the advisor advertising rule and cash solicitation rule to reflect market developments and regulatory changes since the advertising rule’s adoption in 1961 and the cash solicitation rule’s adoption in 1979. These amendments will be the first substantive change to either rule since their inception and will create a new merged rule, The Marketing Rule, that will replace both the current advertising and cash solicitation rules.

Originally, the advisor advertising rule and cash solicitation rule were designed mainly for media such as television, radio, and newspapers. But a lot has changed since 1961 with the evolution of advertising and referral practices, advancements in technology, the introduction of the internet, and more. The Commission recognized this, stating that the new rule recognizes these changes and will “contain principles-based provisions designed to accommodate the continual evolution and interplay of technology and advice”. A few notable outcomes from this are the new rule applying to online outreach, such as adviser marketing over social media, and allowing for testimonials and endorsements.