Stephen T. Mears
Stephen T. Mears is a partner in the Corporate Department and co-head of the Private Funds Group. He concentrates on private investment funds, including venture capital, growth equity and buyout funds. He represents fund sponsors in all aspects of fund formation, operation and management, including fund structuring, portfolio investments, sales and distributions, internal governance and management, regulatory compliance and ongoing maintenance and administration. Stephen also represents institutional investors in connection with their participation in private investment funds.
Stephen has recently represented sponsors in raising funds ranging in size from under $100 million to over $2.5 billion.
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On Friday, March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) became the largest U.S. lender since the Great Financial Crisis to enter into receivership with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. SVB was a major provider of depository services and liquidity to various investment funds, managers and their related entities through subscription or capital call facilities, net … Continue Reading
On February 9, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) proposed new rules and amendments to existing rules under the U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940 that would have notable practical implications for private fund advisers, in many cases regardless of the adviser’s registration status. The Proposed Rules include prohibitions or mandates regarding … Continue Reading
On March 3, 2021, the SEC’s Division of Examinations announced its examination priorities for 2021. Compared to last year, this year’s edition contains an expanded section specifically addressed to private funds. For private fund managers, the exam staff states that it will target a list of issues, including: Preferential treatment of certain investors by advisers to … Continue Reading
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, it has become apparent that it is having a significant impact on the global financial market, at least for the short- to medium-term. While the only constant is change, there are steps private fund managers can take that will help them weather the storm and best position … Continue Reading
Recently, a group of Congress members introduced into Congress Senate Bill 2155 named the Stop Wall Street Looting Act of 2019. Although unlikely to be enacted into law as drafted, this proposed legislation would directly and substantially affect a number of fundamental operational aspects of private equity funds and their affiliates.… Continue Reading
Today, we are launching a proprietary database tracking all SEC enforcement actions involving private equity advisers. The tracker contains key information from the actions, including summaries of key issues, settlement terms, and relevant statutory provisions. The tracker will be an important resource for us and our clients, providing us with quick access to comparable cases … Continue Reading
The SEC staff recently published an alert highlighting the most common deficiencies seen in investment advisers’ marketing materials. Based on its recent examinations and initiatives, the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE) issued its risk alert to highlight compliance issues relating to Rule 206(4)-1 (the “Advertising Rule”). Here are the top six: Misleading Performance … Continue Reading
On Wednesday, May 18, 2016, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed to increase the net worth threshold for qualified clients from $2 million to $2.1 million. This proposed adjustment is being made pursuant to a five-year indexing adjustment required by §205(e) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act), as amended … Continue Reading
Current Issues Relating to Silicon Valley Bank Closure
SEC Proposes Advisers Act Reforms Focusing on Private Fund Investor Protections
By Monica Arora, Howard J. Beber, David T. Jones, Michael Mavrides, Stephen T. Mears, Robin Painter, Robert E. Plaze, Michael Suppappola, David W. Tegeler, Christopher Wells and Vanessa K. Rakel on Posted in Asset Management, Compliance, Disputes, Enforcement, Hedge Funds, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Regulation, SEC, Securities Law
SEC Division of Examinations Announces its Examination Priorities for 2021
By Robert E. Plaze, Stephen T. Mears, Joshua M. Newville, Anthony M. Drenzek and Benjamin Catalano on Posted in Compliance, Examinations, Hedge Funds, Private Equity, Regulation, SEC
Considerations for Private Fund Managers to Weather the Storm of COVID-19
By Howard J. Beber, Kirsten E. Lapham and Stephen T. Mears on Posted in News, Private Equity
Proposed Senate Bill Would Significantly Impact Certain Private Funds and Their Affiliates
By Anthony M. Drenzek, Joshua M. Newville and Stephen T. Mears on Posted in Compliance, Private Equity, Private Equity Litigation, Regulation, SEC, Securities Law
Proskauer Launches Private Equity SEC Enforcement Tracker
By Timothy W. Mungovan, Howard J. Beber, Stephen T. Mears, Samuel J. Waldon, Joshua M. Newville and Brian A. Hooven on Posted in Compliance, Disputes, Private Equity, Private Equity Litigation, Regulation, SEC
SEC Flags the Top Six Advertising Rule Deficiencies for Investment Advisers
By Stephen T. Mears, Robert E. Plaze, Christopher Wells, Anthony M. Drenzek, Joshua M. Newville and Michael R. Hackett on Posted in Compliance, OCIE, Regulation, SEC, Securities Law
SEC Proposes Higher Net Worth Threshold for Qualified Clients under the Advisers Act
By Anthony M. Drenzek, Stephen T. Mears and Christopher Wells on Posted in Compliance, Hedge Funds, Private Equity, Regulation, SEC, Securities Law
