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.

With Proxy Season fast approaching, companies face increasing pressure from key stakeholders to adopt and maintain strong governance practices. For businesses, the proxy statement remains a vital tool for communicating these governance policies and addressing key issues and concerns.

One of the most common SEC filings that publicly traded companies make is Form 10, which is a type of registration statement companies must file in order to be classified as a reporting company under the Exchange Act. There are several scenarios in which a company might choose to do this, such as restructuring, selling off a subdivision or registering a class of securities for trading purposes. From a compliance point of view, Form 10 requires companies to disclose key pieces of information for reasons of investor protection and transparency.

2025: A Look at What’s Ahead in Capital Markets, Regulatory Compliance, and Cybersecurity Series

Shaped by a new presidential administration, economic shifts, and technological advancements, 2025 marks a transformative year, with significant changes expected across mergers and acquisitions (M&A), IPO activity, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity.

2025: A Look at What’s Ahead in Capital Markets, Regulatory Compliance, and Cybersecurity Series

The regulatory environment for 2025 is being shaped by shifting policies under a new presidential administration and evolving global frameworks. As companies navigate these, understanding the compliance trends and preparing for potential changes will be critical to their success.

2025: A Look at What’s Ahead in Capital Markets, Regulatory Compliance, and Cybersecurity Series

Cybersecurity continues to be a critical focus for companies in 2025, with emerging threats such as AI-driven cybercrime and supply chain vulnerabilities testing organizational resilience.

Digital transformation in accounting is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Businesses and accounting professionals are embracing digital tools and advanced technologies to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and meet growing regulatory demands. As the accounting sector shifts from manual, spreadsheet-driven tasks to automated, software-enabled workflows, the future of financial reporting is being redefined.

"Q4 started off strong with ten $50 million+ offerings in October—the busiest month for offerings this size since November 2021. Silent night was the theme for the remainder of the quarter as companies continued to push their IPO timelines. There is optimism the market will fully normalize in the new year, and we see a significant break in the IPO backlog." Craig Clay, President of Global Capital Markets, DFIN

Private companies are not held to the same SEC requirements as publicly traded companies.

While the general public may not know the difference between public and private companies, this distinction is essential for navigating the world of business and investing.