The Catholic University of America’s Securities Law Program recently held its 42nd annual Securities Law Practice Group Luncheon at the Army Navy Club in Washington, D.C. Dean Stephen C. Payne opened the event, followed by remarks from Jack Murphy, Director of the Securities Law Program. Murphy introduced guest speakers Brian Daly, Director of the Division of Investment Management at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and Natasha Vij Greiner, Partner at WilmerHale and former director within the same SEC division.
The luncheon addressed current topics in securities law, including private market investments by registered funds and the tokenization of securities. Murphy discussed recent SEC actions that allow closed-end funds with substantial private fund holdings to be sold to non-accredited investors without minimum investment requirements. The speakers examined regulatory and business challenges linked to these developments, such as liquidity and valuation issues.
The conversation also covered money market funds issuing tokenized securities using blockchain technology. Daly and Greiner highlighted specific risks associated with these tokenized funds compared to traditional structures.
After a Q&A session with attendees, Murphy recognized this year’s recipients of the Securities Scholarship: Hali Woods, Atticus Keane, and Audrey Anderle. Dean Payne concluded by providing updates about the law school and thanking participants for their support.
Murphy stated: “I want to thank all those who attended the luncheon, which was a tremendous success. I also want to thank our speakers again—Brian Daly and Natasha Greiner—for a terrific discussion of some current issues.”
To further engagement among alumni and students, the Securities Law Practice Group has launched a LinkedIn group for continued discussion.
