RTR EXCLUSIVE: SEC focuses on bank fee conflicts as it steps-up SPAC inquiry – sources

REUTERS reports:

The U.S. securities regulator has ramped-up its inquiry on Wall Street’s blank check acquisition frenzy, homing in on potential conflicts of interest created when banks act as underwriters and advisers on the same deal, three people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is exploring whether certain fee structures may incentivise underwriters on special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, listings to secure unsuitable deals when also advising on the later stage merger, potentially putting investors at risk, the people said.

Banks that have received SEC requests for information include top SPAC underwriters Citigroup (C.N), Credit Suisse Group, Morgan Stanley (MS.N) and Goldman Sachs (GS.N), they said.

Spokespeople for the banks declined to comment.

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