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The SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (“OCIE”) has observed an increase in credential stuffing attacks.  What is Credential Stuffing? Bad actors target client accounts via compromised login credentials. This

On September 1, 2020 the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filed an emergency action charging investment adviser Matthew O. Clason with stealing thousands of dollars from an advisory client. Clason

Firms Fined Exane, Inc. Exane, Inc. was fined $50,000 for failing to establish management controls and supervisory procedures to manage the financial and regulatory risks of the business. The firm’s

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) amended the accredited investor definition, allowing more investors to qualify to participate in private offerings. Formerly, to qualify as an “Accredited Investor,” an individual

Pursuant to FINRA Rule 3110, member firms are charged with the responsibility of implementing and enforcing a written Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (“AMLCP”) in efforts to combat money laundering and

FINRA Rule 3220 sets strict limits on the gifts and gratuities that financial professionals can give or receive. Gifts and gratuities are subject to a $100 per year, per person

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed an asset freeze to stop Lisa McElhone and Joseph W. LaForte’s fraudulent scheme worth $500 million. The scheme involved raising investor funds via

COVID-19 has impacted the world’s operations tremendously. From volatile   markets, to business loan grief, and overwhelming cyber threats, member firms have been forced to a new work environment, remote. Though

Abra, a California-based trading app, and related firm Plutus Technologies Philippines Corp (“Plutus”), were charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on July 13, 2020. Abra and the related

The U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has focused on cybersecurity issues for many years, but with increased observation of cyber threats, the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (“OCIE”)

ThinkAdvisor published an article on June 18, 2020 discussing the importance surrounding broker-dealers retention and review of electronic communications. FINRA took action against a firm’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) for

FINRA disciplinary actions taken against firms and individuals due to violations of FINRA rules, federal securities laws and MSRB rules. Firms Fined ACS Execution Services, LLC The Firm was fined

Read our Regulatory Brief on the proposed new changes to FINRA’s Continuing Education Program (“CE”). FINRA Regulatory Notice 20-05 – CE Program Proposed Changes

Read our Regulatory Brief on Regulation BI to learn more about the requirements. Asgard Regulatory Brief – Regulation Best Interest (1.28.2020)

FINRA disciplinary actions taken against firms and individuals due to violations of FINRA rules, federal securities laws and MSRB rules. Firms Fined World Equity Group The Firm was fined $18,500

FINRA disciplinary actions taken against firms and individuals due to violations of FINRA rules, federal securities laws and MSRB rules. Individuals Barred Hannah Burgess Burgess was barred from association with

      FINRA disciplinary actions taken against firms and individuals due to violations of FINRA rules, federal securities laws and MSRB rules. Firm Fined Dawson James Securities, Inc. The

In efforts to become more transparent and aid firms in improving their compliance and risk management programs, FINRA has developed the 2019 Report on Examination Findings and Observations. FINRA Findings

Cybersecurity has become a continuous concern as hackers constantly create new ways of gaining private information from their targets, leaving firms vulnerable to attacks. Although firm’s are required to implement

      As Summer has turned to Fall and you are getting around to that “To Do” list that may have hit the back burner all summer, it’s time

      FINRA disciplinary actions taken against firms and individuals due to violations of FINRA rules, federal securities laws and MSRB rules. Firm Fined Clearpool Execution Services, LLC The

FINRA disciplinary actions taken against firms and individuals due to violations of FINRA rules, federal securities laws and MSRB rules. Firm Fined Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

      Overview On September 4, 2019, the  Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (“OCIE”) issued a Risk Alert related to principal trading and agency cross transactions under Section

      The following disciplinary actions were taken against both firms and individuals due to violations of FINRA rules, federal securities laws and MSRB rules: Firm Fined Midtown Partners

      Overview The Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (“OCIE”) conducts a series of examinations assessing SEC RIAs business practices, with the purpose in protecting retail investors. The

  The following disciplinary actions were taken against both firms and individuals due to violations of FINRA rules, federal securities laws and MSRB rules: Firm Fined Wilson-Davis & Co., Inc.

      The following disciplinary actions were taken against both firms and individuals due to violations of FINRA rules, federal securities laws and MSRB rules: Firm Fined Great Point

      Firms Suspended CSSC Brokerage Services, Inc The Firm was fined $120,000, suspended for one year from participating in private securities offerings and required to pay $130,000 in

      The Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (“OCIE”) conducts the SEC’s National Exam Program with a mission to protect investors by improving compliance, preventing fraud, monitoring risk

      Beginning May 6, 2019, the SEC will permit an amendment to FINRA Rule 4512 allowing authorized individuals to use electronic signatures for discretionary accounts held at member