Taking a company public is a significant milestone that can unlock new opportunities for growth, visibility, and investor confidence. While there are several ways to enter the public market, this article explores direct listings vs IPOs in detail, helping companies assess which approach best aligns with their financial goals, market conditions, and long-term strategy.

Private equity (PE) continues to be a cornerstone of global M&A and capital markets, shaping how businesses operate, grow, and transform. Monitoring private equity trends is vital in 2025 as regulatory changes, technological advancements, and shifting strategies redefine the landscape. For businesses navigating corporate transactions, SEC filings, and compliance challenges, these trends highlight opportunities and risks alike.

DFIN’s fourth quarter and full-year 2024 earnings, out yesterday, illustrate that our transition to the new ActiveDisclosure platform is driving success in the marketplace.

What is SEC Form D?

SEC Form D is a required filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for companies conducting an exempt offering of securities under the Securities Act of 1933. It serves as a notification to the SEC and state regulators when securities are sold without registration, using SEC Form D exceptions such as Rule 504 or 506. These exemptions allow issuers to raise capital through private placements while avoiding the complexities of public offerings.

The SEC Form F-4 is a type of registration statement that foreign companies or foreign private issuers must file in order to register certain types of securities for trading on US exchanges. This registration statement is also used for disclosures around mergers and acquisitions when a company is located outside the US.

SEC Form DEF 14A is a type of proxy statement the SEC requires companies to file before they hold an annual meeting or conduct a shareholder vote. A company's 14A filing contains important financial information and corporate governance committee information. Keep reading to take a deeper look at the SEC Form 14A, including SEC filing details for this proxy statement.

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) represents a significant shift in corporate governance and compliance requirements. As a U.S. federal law, Corporate Transparent Act beneficial ownership disclosures are required to combat illicit activities such as money laundering and tax evasion. While its primary focus is on private companies, its implications for public companies remain an important topic for corporate governance teams and compliance officers.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is an independent body that oversees several aspects of the U.S. energy industry including natural gas and oil projects. Among the projects FERC oversees are proposals for natural gas pipelines crossing state lines; hydropower licensing; and other aspects of interstate electricity, gas and oil transmissions.

FERC is also involved in oversight for the energy industry. In this capacity, FERC monitors:

Regulatory Technology (RegTech) is gaining momentum in the financial industry, offering innovative solutions for compliance and risk management. With ever-evolving regulations, businesses must adapt quickly to avoid penalties and ensure seamless operations. Unlike broader FinTech innovations, which focus on enhancing financial transactions, RegTech solutions specifically address regulatory challenges through automation and data-driven insights.

Human capital is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in a company's success. Investors, regulators, and other stakeholders are demanding greater transparency in how businesses manage their workforce. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has responded to this shift by emphasizing the need for detailed human capital disclosures. By requiring publicly traded companies to report on key workforce-related metrics, the SEC aims to enhance investor decision-making and improve overall corporate accountability.