Widespread Opposition to SEC's Semi-Annual Reporting Proposal Signals Investor Protection Concerns

The SEC's proposal to shift from quarterly to semi-annual reporting for public companies faces overwhelming opposition, with 97% of public comments against the idea. This strong negative sentiment, driven largely by individual investors, highlights significant concerns for audit and assurance professionals regarding investor protection, information asymmetry, and fraud risk. The potential reduction in transparency could complicate audit procedures and increase scrutiny on internal controls, demanding a proactive approach from assurance functions to mitigate heightened risks.