VC Law: Episode 5: Broker-Dealer Issues with David Blass

Host Gary J. Ross discusses broker-dealer issues with David Blass, partner in Simpson Thacher’s Investment Funds Practice and the former Chief Counsel of the SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets. Gary and David chat about the outsize role that transaction-based compensation plays in determining whether someone is functioning as a broker, the Paul Anka and M&A broker no-action letters, the process of registering as a broker, and finally, whether David sees himself ever going back into public service.