On Friday, the SEC’s Division of Economic and Risk Analysis (DERA) announced that it has changed the names of three of its offices:

– The Office of Data Science has been renamed the Office of Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence to more accurately represent its dedication to enhancing analytical and artificial intelligence capabilities across the Commission. Its initiatives augment Commission staff’s ability to extract insights from data and incorporate evidence-based decisions into mission-critical work.

– The Office of Structured Disclosure has been renamed the Office of Data Standards and Innovation to underscore its work on innovative initiatives and its engagement with data across multiple formats. The name change also highlights a strategic commitment to applying data standards to the information collected by the Commission, making the data more accessible and easier to use.

– The Office of Data Science and Innovation has been renamed the Office of Innovative Data Engineering Analytics and Standards to reflect its subsidiary offices’ name changes and represent the Division’s focus on innovation around data analytics and standards to advance mission capabilities and provide data to the public for easier use.

While we’re on the subject, John and I were recently discussing how the ‘Economic Analysis’ sections of the three recent rule proposals have taken on heightened importance since the rules are focused on supporting capital formation and encouraging more companies to go public. We lawyers can easily find our eyes glossing over as we read those sections (this includes yours truly, which I’m a bit ashamed to say because I majored in Econ and seriously considered continuing in Econ instead of getting a J.D.), but they probably deserve more time and attention right now, especially if you’re submitting a comment letter and can can provide information on compliance costs and other barriers to going public.

– Meredith Ervine