Issuers of asset-backed securities (ABS) are required to make regular filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to ensure transparency and investor protection. These filings include Form ABS-15G, which discloses repurchase requests related to breaches of representations and warranties; and Form ABS-EE, which provides asset-level data in a standardized XML format when applicable. In addition to these, issuers must file Form 10-D to disclose performance and distribution information for each reporting period.

The initial public offering (IPO) process includes a long list of responsibilities, and filing several disclosure forms is among the most important. Determining which documents to provide and assembling the information can take a significant amount of time. Among the disclosure forms that corporations must file is SEC Form 424. This form provides information about the offering for investors to review and use to decide whether to buy shares.

Broadly, investors are divided into two categories: retail and institutional. Retail investors are typically single investors making their own decisions, while institutional investors make investment decisions on behalf of a larger group. When smaller investors put money into an institution, they need to know where that money goes and its overall performance. To increase transparency in the management of institutional investments, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requires certain filings, including SEC Form 13F.

What is SEC Form 11-K?

Some companies offer benefits to their employees in the form of stock purchase plans or 401(k) plans that include company stock. A stock offering of these types requires a unique type of reporting to the SEC — specifically Form 11-K. The purpose of the form is to track insider purchases and sales of stock, specifically those involving employees in the company.

Since implementing ActiveDisclosure, noco-noco has experienced substantial time savings, allowing the team to focus on other critical business areas.

In January 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved new rules and amendments to better align Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) transactions with traditional IPOs. Now as the June 30^th compliance date quickly approaches, businesses must prepare to meet the new structured data requirements.

Kodak, a leading global manufacturer, faced financial reporting issues with an alternate vendor, including poor platform design, slow customer service, and missing roll forward features. 

Returning to ActiveDisclosure and leveraging DFIN’s market-leading SEC expertise, Kodak resolved these issues, streamlined efforts, and reduced reporting workloads by 25%, freeing up time for more strategic work.

IPOs are a crucial element in the tech ecosystem. They provide access to capital, liquidity for investors, and an avenue for increasing brand value. A successful public offering is an important milestone for every tech entrepreneur.

So, it’s no surprise that this week’s panel at NYC Tech Week, IPO journey in the era of AI, attracted a lively and engaged audience, eager for insights. I had the pleasure of participating in the discussion, which was sponsored by PwC and moderated by PwC partner Christina White.

Submitting filings to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission often comes with the possibility that the SEC will issue a comment letter in response. SEC comment letters aim to clear up an inconsistency, inaccuracy or vagueness in the filing. When companies receive one of these letters, they have a relatively short time to provide a comprehensive and accurate response. Timely and effective responses do more than ensure compliance — they also affect investor confidence in the business.

Presenting a financial report to leadership goes beyond numbers—it's about crafting a clear, compelling story that drives decision-making and aligns with business goals. This is your chance to shape strategy, highlight risks, and showcase company performance. Leadership teams seek focused insights, explained simply and purposefully.

This guide will help you prepare, structure, and deliver effective financial report presentations that resonate with leadership, emphasize key points, and inspire confident, informed action.