On March 26, the MSRB requested approval from the SEC to revise the definition of “sophisticated municipal market professional” (SMMP) so that it is consistent with the new FINRA suitability rule for institutional customers. The proposal defines “SMMP” as an “institutional customer of a dealer that: (i) the dealer has a reasonable basis to believe is capable of evaluating investment risks and market value independently, both in general and with regard to particular transactions in municipal securities and (ii) affirmatively indicates that it is exercising independent judgment in evaluating the recommendations of the dealer. Request for Approval. MSRB Release.
