SEC plans to modify IPO 'rush' rules to boost the number of US listed companies According to TechFlow, on May 27th, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is considering amending a decades old rule that prohibits companies from engaging in certain communications during the listing process, in hopes of boosting initial public offerings (IPOs). SEC Chairman Paul Atkins said at an event at Stanford University on Tuesday local time that he welcomes reforms to the so-called "race" rules, which have not been updated for over 20 years. Atkins said, "At that time, the way companies communicated with employees, customers, and potential investors was almost identical to what it is now. I look forward to establishing a more coordinated set of rules that provide clarity, simplicity, and are consistent with today's technology." Atkins expressed regret for the decline in the number of US listed companies since the 1990s and promised to relax rules and develop industry friendly policies to stimulate market activity. The institution released a comprehensive proposal last week that may allow new large issuers to temporarily avoid complying with many of the institution's strictest disclosure rules. Part of the proposal will allow companies known as' large accelerated filing companies' to bypass certain requirements for up to five years. The institution will solicit public opinions on the proposal within 60 days. (Golden Ten)