What criteria has the SEC set for a self-regulatory organization (SRO) under Regulation Crowdfunding to oversee funding portals?

Under Regulation Crowdfunding, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has established specific criteria that a self-regulatory organization (SRO) must meet to oversee funding portals. These criteria ensure that the SRO can effectively regulate the activities of funding portals to protect investors and maintain market integrity. The key criteria include:

1. Registration with the SEC: An SRO must be registered with the SEC. This ensures that the SRO is recognized by the SEC and subject to its oversight.

2. Rulemaking Authority: The SRO must have the authority to create and enforce rules governing the conduct of funding portals. These rules should be designed to:
   - Prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices.
   - Promote just and equitable principles of trade.
   - Protect investors and the public interest.
   - Facilitate capital formation.

3. Compliance and Enforcement: The SRO must have the capacity to enforce compliance with its rules. This includes having procedures for monitoring the activities of funding portals, conducting investigations, and taking disciplinary actions when necessary.

4. Governance and Independence: The SRO must have a governance structure that ensures its independence from the funding portals it regulates. This includes having a board of directors or a similar governing body with a significant representation of non-industry members.

5. Transparency: The SRO must operate in a transparent manner. This includes making its rules, disciplinary actions, and other regulatory information publicly available.

6. Resources: The SRO must have adequate resources, including financial, technological, and human resources, to carry out its regulatory responsibilities effectively.

7. Conflict of Interest Policies: The SRO must have policies and procedures in place to manage conflicts of interest. This includes ensuring that the regulatory activities are not influenced by the business interests of the funding portals.

8. Record-Keeping: The SRO must maintain comprehensive records of its regulatory activities, including rulemaking, enforcement actions, and communications with funding portals and the SEC.

These criteria are designed to ensure that the SRO can provide effective oversight and maintain the integrity of the crowdfunding market, thereby protecting investors and facilitating capital formation through crowdfunding platforms.