Updated: The SEC has issued disclosure guidance focused on the unique risks and differences that may exist for companies based in China. This builds on the SEC and PCAOB joint statement issued in April 2020 urging companies to disclose financial reporting and other risks associated with operations in China and other emerging markets.
SEC Division of Corporation Finance – Disclosure Guidance Topic No. 10
The SEC and PCAOB have been constrained from providing regulatory oversight and enforcement of non-US companies and their management in emerging markets, including China.
As a result, and because these constraints remain, the SEC and PCAOB continue to stress the importance of providing high quality, reliable audited financial information and risk disclosures for companies based in, or with significant exposure to, emerging markets.
In an April 2020 joint statement, leaders of both agencies summarized the risks and related considerations to issuers, auditors, index providers and investors that are associated with these emerging markets.
In November 2020, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance issued Disclosure Guidance (DG) Topic No. 10, outlining the staff’s views regarding certain disclosure considerations for companies based in China.
The joint statement and DG Topic No. 10 follow other statements made by the SEC and PCAOB, expressing their expectations that companies consider and make these disclosures.
April 2020 joint statement of SEC and PCAOB
Companies are expected to make prominent, plain-English and tailored disclosures over the following:
Disclosure Guidance Topic No. 10 – China-based companies
China-based issuers must fully disclose material risks related to their operations in China. This disclosure guidance provides the SEC staff view regarding important disclosure considerations relating to risks associated with China-based companies as well as the differences in shareholder rights, governance and reporting that may be relevant to investors.
The guidance also provides a list of questions for these companies to consider as they assess their risks and disclosure obligations.
The SEC staff views include considerations such as the following:
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