The Wyoming Blue Sky Laws are essential knowledge for syndicators aiming to raise capital from investors within the state. These laws provide a regulatory framework for the securities industry, ensuring transparency and fairness in the marketplace. Grasping the fundamental principles of Wyoming’s blue sky laws empowers syndicators to make intelligent business decisions about structuring offers, and more importantly, helps shield themselves from potential legal complications. These laws serve not only to protect investors but also to guide and maintain the integrity of individuals and companies looking to raise funds within the state.

 

What are Blue Sky Laws in General? 

Securities laws play an indispensable role in the financial world, primarily aimed at safeguarding the interests of investors. This regulatory landscape is multi-tiered, featuring oversight from both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a federal entity, as well as each state’s own securities regulation agency.

At the heart of the regulatory apparatus, the SEC shoulders a pivotal role. It lays down rules and regulations that govern the issuance, trading, and reporting of securities across the United States. The SEC’s mission encompasses the protection of investors, the maintenance of fair and efficient markets, and the facilitation of capital formation. It strives to prevent fraudulent activities and ensure transparency in the securities market nationwide.

In addition to the SEC, each state has its own securities regulation agency, dedicated to upholding securities regulations within their respective jurisdictions. Despite the overarching authority of the SEC and federal law, these state agencies play a critical role in monitoring securities transactions within their territories.

However, federal laws have significantly curtailed the powers of state regulators in terms of examining or restricting the sales of most securities, particularly when these offerings are made under federal regulations such as a Regulation D (Reg D) offering. Despite these constraints, state regulators retain some crucial powers. For instance, states often mandate the filing of a notice, along with the appropriate fee, when such securities are offered within their jurisdiction. They can also carry out investigations into securities transactions and, if needed, initiate legal action against fraudulent practices to safeguard the residents of their states.

When securities transactions are confined entirely within the boundaries of Wyoming, the state’s own Blue Sky Laws come into play. These laws serve as the primary regulatory framework for the issuance and trading of securities within Wyoming. They are specifically designed to protect investors within the state from fraudulent and misleading investment schemes, ensuring that the state’s securities market operates with transparency, fairness, and integrity. Understanding the specifics of Wyoming’s Blue Sky Laws is critical for anyone involved in the securities industry within the state.

 

What if I Need to Notify Wyoming about my Regulation D Syndication?

Here are the basic facts you need to know about giving notice to Wyoming about your Reg D Rule 506b or 506c offer:

Filing fee – Fixed

New notice – $200

Late fee for late filings – None

 

What are Wyoming’s Blue Sky Laws?

WY ST § 17-4-201 Exempt securities

WY ST § 17-4-203 Intrastate crowdfunding exemption

WY ST § 17-4-204 Additional exemptions and waivers

WY ST § 17-4-205 Denial, suspension, revocation, condition, or limitation of exemptions

WY ST § 17-4-301 Securities registration requirement

WY ST § 17-11-118 Exemption from securities registration

 

What are Wyoming’s securities laws exemptions?

Blue Sky Laws in each state govern the sale of securities to protect investors against fraudulent practices. However, not all securities are subject to these regulations, with several types being exempted under the statutes. This article delves into the exemptions that apply under the Blue Sky Laws of Wyoming, casting light on securities transactions within the state.

In Wyoming, several categories of securities are exempt from the regulations of the state’s Blue Sky Laws. A clear understanding of these exemptions is crucial for anyone navigating the securities industry within the state.

Government-Issued Securities

Any security issued, insured, or guaranteed by the United States, a state, a political subdivision of a state, or a public authority, agency, or instrumentality of one or more states qualifies for an exemption. This exemption also extends to any security issued by a person acting under the authority of the US Congress. Certificates of deposit for any of the aforementioned entities are likewise exempted.

Foreign Government Securities

Securities issued, insured, or guaranteed by a foreign government with which the United States maintains diplomatic relations are exempt if they are recognized as valid obligations by the issuer, insurer, or guarantor. This exemption also applies to securities issued by any political subdivisions of such foreign governments.

Banking Institution Securities

Securities issued by and representing an interest in or a direct obligation of, or guaranteed by, an international banking institution or a banking institution organized under the laws of the United States are exempt. This includes securities from member banks of the Federal Reserve System or any other depository institution, as long as a substantial portion of its business consists of receiving deposits or share accounts insured to the maximum amount authorized by statute by a recognized insurer.

Insurance Company Securities

Securities issued by and representing an interest in, or a debt of, or insured or guaranteed by, an insurance company authorized to operate in Wyoming also qualify for an exemption under the state’s Blue Sky Laws.

Public Utility and Railroad Company Securities

Securities issued or guaranteed by railroads, other common carriers, public utilities, or public utility holding companies that are regulated by the United States or a state in regards to their rates, charges, or issuance of securities, are exempt.

Federal Covered Securities

Federal covered securities, as specified in section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, are exempt. This includes securities listed or approved for listing on recognized securities markets.

Non-Profit Organization Securities

Securities issued by a person or entity organized and operated exclusively for religious, educational, benevolent, fraternal, charitable, social, athletic, or reformatory purposes, or as a chamber of commerce, are exempt. Such organizations should not operate for pecuniary profit, and no part of their net earnings should benefit a private stockholder or other person.

Cooperative Organization Securities

A member’s or owner’s interest in a cooperative, a retention certificate or a similar security issued by a cooperative organized and operated as a nonprofit membership cooperative under the cooperative laws of a state, is also exempt.

Equipment Trust Certificates

Finally, an equipment trust certificate with respect to equipment leased or conditionally sold to a person is exempt, provided any security issued by the person would be exempt under Wyoming law or be a federal covered security.

 

Understanding these exemptions to Wyoming’s Blue Sky Laws is crucial for those operating in the securities space within the state, helping them avoid potential legal pitfalls while fostering a transparent and fair securities market.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an attorney from Wyoming then to put together an offering?

That depends. If the offering you are putting together is under Regulation D and not one of the Wyoming specific Blue Sky Laws (as discussed above), then probably not. 

For example, if you needed a real estate syndication attorney to put together a private placement memorandum for a multifamily deal in Cheyenne, Wyoming, that was going to be offered in different states, and you didn’t need counsel on questions related to Wyoming laws, then chances are a licensed syndication lawyer would be able to help. They could even put together the entity for you and write the operating agreement, they just couldn’t provide you counsel on the specific laws of Wyoming and how they may or may not pertain to your offer.

However, if you were putting together a private placement memorandum for a development project in Casper, Wyoming, all of the investors were from Wyoming, and you wanted to use one of Wyoming’s Blue Sky Laws above as an exception to registration, then you would need to work with someone licensed in Wyoming.

 

Is it ok if the real estate syndication attorney, licensed outside of Wyoming, looks over my purchase contract?

They can look, but they can’t give you advice as it pertains to Wyoming. For example, Tilden Moschetti, Esq, syndication attorney for the Moschetti Syndication Law Group, will look, if asked, about the contract underlying your purchase contract in Gillette, Wyoming, but makes it clear that he can give business consulting advice (discussion on price and broad deal points like the length of time until closing), but cannot speak to any specific term as he is not licensed there.