The Securities and Exchange Commission has announced a new supervisory memorandum of understanding with France’s Autorité des Marchés Financiers, adding another layer to the growing cross-border framework governing investment advisers and investment service providers. While the agreement is not an enforcement action, it is a notable regulatory development for firms operating across U.S. and European markets.

At a high level, the pact is designed to strengthen supervisory cooperation between the two regulators.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed rescinding its investment-adviser “pay-to-play” rule, a long-standing restriction that bars advisers from receiving compensation for advisory services from certain government clients for two years after making covered political contributions. If adopted, the change would mark a significant shift in how the agency regulates the intersection of campaign activity and public-sector investment business.

The existing rule has been a major compliance fixture for registered investment advisers, particularly those seeking or maintaining mandates from public pension plans, state treasurers, and other government entities.