Core Viewpoint - The SEC is shifting its regulatory approach under new Chairman Paul Atkins, considering allowing companies to adopt semi-annual reports instead of quarterly ones, emphasizing a "minimum effective dose" of regulation to foster business growth [1][2][3] Group 1: Regulatory Changes - Paul Atkins aims to remove the SEC's influence, allowing the market to determine the best reporting frequency based on industry, size, and investor expectations [1][3] - This move aligns with former President Trump's proposals to ease financial reporting requirements, marking a departure from the stringent regulatory agenda of former Chairman Gary Gensler [1][3] - Atkins argues that the goal of regulation should be to protect investors while allowing businesses to thrive, rather than catering to shareholders with non-financial motives [3] Group 2: Comparison with Other Markets - Atkins cites the UK as an example where companies have the flexibility to choose their reporting frequency, suggesting that the market can effectively determine the necessary level of information disclosure [3] - He criticizes the European regulatory model, particularly recent directives that require disclosures of socially significant but financially irrelevant matters, arguing that these could impose unnecessary costs on U.S. investors [4][5] Group 3: Investor Concerns - The SEC's potential shift to semi-annual reporting has raised concerns among investor advocacy groups, who warn that it may reduce market transparency and harm smaller investors [6] - Critics argue that mandatory and frequent disclosures are essential for maintaining market fairness and efficiency, countering Atkins' belief in market self-regulation [6]