SEC Investor Advisory Committee Agenda Includes Behavioral Design of Online Trading Platforms, Robinhood is Not Invited

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Investor Advisory Committee is scheduled to hold a meeting tomorrow (September 9th). The topics of discussion include two panels:

• “Reimagining Investor Protection in a Digital World: the Behavioral Design of Online Trading Platforms;”
• A discussion regarding competition and regulatory reform at the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board

There will also be a discussion regarding 10b5-1 plans and a discussion of a recommendation regarding SPACs [special acquisition companies].

The agenda is posted below.

The Investor Protection panel addressing behavioral design is notable because the most frequent focus of criticism for online trading is Robinhood yet it appears the company will not have anyone speaking on its behalf.

Late last month, the SEC said it was requesting information and public comment on matters related to the use of digital engagement practices (DEPs) by broker-dealers and others that pertain to “gamification.”

SEC Chairman Gary Gensler stated:

“While new technologies can bring us greater access and product choice, they also raise questions as to whether we as investors are appropriately protected when we trade and get financial advice. In many cases, these features may encourage investors to trade more often, invest in different products, or change their investment strategy.”

While there is merit to reviewing the aforementioned practices it would be more beneficial if the main target of criticism was engaged in the conversation.

The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. ET and is open to the public via a live webcast and will be archived on the committee’s website for later viewing. The members of the Committee may be viewed here.