SEC Acting Chairman Michael S. Piwowar issued a public statement on February 6, 2017 requesting input on any unexpected challenges that companies have experienced as they prepare for compliance under the CEO pay ratio rules. Piwowar also directed SEC staff to “reconsider the implementation of the rule” based on comments submitted.

Acting Chairman Piwowar’s public statement and request for comments is a first step in considering changes to the rule, as part of the Trump administration’s effort to modify or roll back key provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Changes to the pay ratio rules could significantly impact public company reporting requirements, so they bear watching.