SEC Staff Told to Seek Approval to Start Probes, Reuters Reports

US Securities Exchange Commission staff have been told to seek permission from leadership before formally starting probes, Reuters reported, citing people briefed on the matter who weren’t identified.

The change, which marked a move away from recent norms, was made since since President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20, the people told Reuters. The news service didn’t determine who ordered the change or whether the Commission had formally voted on it.

Enforcement staff can still informally investigate, according to the report. Formal orders are needed to issue subpoenas for testimony or documents, the people said.

A spokesperson for the ...