The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken decisive action on Wednesday by voting in favor of implementing new rules to ensure the stability and resilience of money-market mutual funds. The objective is to avoid potential runs on their assets that could potentially necessitate a federal bailout.
Under the new regulations, institutional money-market funds will be required to introduce a fee for investors attempting to redeem their investments when the daily net redemptions surpass 5% of the fund’s assets. This measure aims to discourage excessive withdrawals during times of market stress and maintain the overall integrity of these funds.
Notably, the SEC’s final rule did not include a controversial proposal known as “swing pricing.” Initially intended to heighten the cost for institutional investors withdrawing their investments during times of financial turmoil, this provision was ultimately omitted.
In addition to the redemption fee requirement, the new regulations will also enforce stricter standards for money-market funds to hold highly liquid assets. These assets should be easily sellable, particularly in times when substantial numbers of investors simultaneously request redemptions. By doing so, funds will be better equipped to manage liquidity during periods of heightened demand.
Money-market funds primarily utilize investor capital to purchase shorter-term debt obligations such as government bonds. However, this financing structure introduces a potential risk due to the discrepancy between investors’ ability to redeem their investments daily and the funds’ longer-term debt investments. This mismatch creates an environment that can resemble a bank run scenario.
Overall, these new SEC rules provide a safeguard for money-market mutual funds, aiming to enhance stability and reduce the possibility of financial instability. By bolstering funds’ liquidity and implementing redemption fees, the SEC anticipates mitigating the risks associated with potential runs on these investment vehicles.
Money-Market Funds Gain Popularity Amid Rising Interest Rates
Money-market funds have become increasingly popular due to rising interest rates, which have allowed fund sponsors to offer higher dividends. According to fund flow data from EPFR, these investment vehicles now manage almost $8 trillion in assets. Since the start of 2022, they have witnessed larger inflows compared to any other major fund group.
SEC Chair Stresses the Importance of Fund Resiliency
SEC Chair Gary Gensler emphasizes the need for funds to remain resilient during times of market stress. He acknowledges that some investors may attempt to escape a bear market due to concerns about dilution or illiquidity, leading to significant and rapid redemptions. Gensler believes that the reforms implemented on Wednesday will enhance the resiliency of these funds and better protect against dilution.
Industry Concerns about Increased Costs
The mutual fund industry argues that the new rules will result in higher costs for American investors and institutions who have invested in money-market funds. Eric Pan, CEO of the Investment Company Institute (ICI), expressed his disappointment with the SEC’s decision, stating that the mandatory fee imposed on certain money-market funds is both expensive and burdensome for investors. The ICI represents fund sponsors such as Vanguard Group, Invesco, and Fidelity Investments.
Adoption of Regulation with Divided Votes
The regulation was adopted with a 3-2 vote, with the commission’s two Republicans voting against its implementation.
