The present invention is a method and apparatus for gathering information
from issuers of municipal securities and distributing information evenly
to municipal disclosure repositories, regulatory bodies and the public. A
central aspect of the present invention is a computer application, which
can be implemented on a computer system that is attached to a network of
computers and other communication devices, such as the Internet.
Initially, the application accepts the full name description of a
particular municipal security issue, together with a unique identifier
assigned by CUSIP. The system grants a secured and encrypted user id and
password to the issuer enabling the issuer to enter ongoing information
about the issue. This information may include annual audits of the
issuer, certain operating data, and any event notices deemed material by
the issuer. Such information is provided to comply with the contractual
obligations of the issuer to the bond holders and to provide Brokers and
Dealers with a procedure for facilitating regulatory requirements that
provide prompt notice of events relating to bonds they recommend to
customers. For information that is required to be submitted on a periodic
basis, the system determines when the information is due to be submitted,
and prompts the issuer to file such information with the system. This
information is then published to the public, and, simultaneously,
transmitted to the municipal disclosure repositories and/or regulatory
bodies via a one-click dissemination system. If the issuer does not
submit the required information by the due date, the system files a
notice that the required information was not submitted by the issuer.
Additionally, the system establishes an audit trail for gathering and the
distribution of the information. Another important aspect of the audit
includes receiving and archiving a receipt that information was
transmitted to the municipal disclosure repositories and/or regulatory
body. Finally, the system provides a secure platform for communication
and teleconferencing among issuers and their investors.