MSRB To Host Its Second Disclosure Forum

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board will host its second Disclosure Forum on January 11-12, 2001, in Washington, D.C.  This Forum represents the MSRB’s continuing commitment to assist efforts to improve disclosure in the municipal securities market. 

In November 1998, the MSRB held its first Forum on Disclosure.  That Forum provided an opportunity for various segments of the municipal securities market to come together to discuss issues of concern and possible solutions.  At the 1998 Forum, participants expressed concern about the content and availability of information, particularly in certain market segments.  As a result, the MSRB hosted a series of seminars to discuss draft disclosure guidelines for land-secured and hospital financings prepared by the National Federation of Municipal Analysts.  Since that time, the NFMA has finalized disclosure guidelines in these areas.  In addition, the MSRB, together with the National Council of State Housing Agencies, launched a test program to accept and disseminate, in electronic form, voluntary quarterly financial statements prepared by state housing agencies. 

The 2001 Forum will consist of sessions focusing on both primary and secondary disclosure practices in the municipal securities market.  Plans for the Forum are currently in development.  The MSRB will provide a more detailed agenda, as well as registration information, in the near future.

August 18, 2000