The Law of the Financial Markets from Top Securities Lawyers
Monday, January 19, 2026
Commentary, news and links of interest to financial advisers.
FINRA has filed a proposed rule change to amend FINRA Rule 3220 (Influencing or Rewarding Employees of Others). The change will increase the gift limit from $100 to $300 per person per year. It will also provide for exemptive relief and incorporate existing guidance and interpretive letters. The proposed rule […]
A request under FINRA Rule 8210 is one of the most serious regulatory events a registered representative, broker-dealer, or associated person can face. These requests are not informal inquiries. They are compulsory demands backed by FINRA’s disciplinary authority, and failure to respond fully, accurately, and on time can result in […]
Insider Trading Lawyer for SEC & FINRA Investigations – Protect your reputation, your license, and your future. If you or your firm is facing questions about insider trading, early counsel is critical. Regulatory agencies—including the SEC, FINRA, and the Department of Justice—prioritize insider trading enforcement and aggressively pursue civil and […]
Every year the SEC publishes its Examination Priorities for the coming year. We reviewed those priorities with a focus on SEC Examinations for Advisers, with a view towards where examiners will be spending their time—and where advisory firms should be concentrating their compliance resources. See the full FY 2026 Exam […]
In today’s complex regulatory environment, facing an SEC investigation can pose an existential threat for public companies. It also affects private funds, investment advisers, and broker-dealers. The key to mounting a resilient defense lies in early action, clear strategy, and rigorous discipline. I am a securities attorney specializing in regulatory investigations. I’ve outlined nine essential steps to help you defend against SEC scrutiny. These steps will protect your reputation and ensure business continuity.
Securities arbitration is a proven method for resolving disputes in the securities industry. It is a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to traditional court proceedings. With increasing frequency, investors and advisors are turning to mediation to make the process even more effective. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution […]
By Mark J. Astarita, Esq. A repeating question on my website comes from brokers who are named in an arbitration proceeding by a customer, and whose firm offers to provide an attorney to represent both the broker and the firm. The question is always, do I need my own attorney? […]
How you respond to an SEC subpoena makes a difference. Tips from an experienced securities attorney.
Securities arbitration has become the most often-used method of resolving disputes in the securities industry. Since the late 1970’s, FINRA and its predecessors have required brokerage firms and stock brokers into securities arbitration to resolve their disputes with each other, and with their customers. That requirement led to brokerage firms […]
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Investment Management announced it will host the third annual Conference on Emerging Trends in Asset Management on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The conference will bring together a variety of asset… SEC Press Release
