A robo-adviser is an automated investment tool that uses mathematical algorithms to evaluate the prospects of various investment options and, in theory, choose the best one. Robo-advisors are digital platforms that provide automated, algorithm-driven financial planning services with little to no human supervision. A typical robo-advisor collects information from clients […]
Brokers
Commentary, news and links of interest to financial advisers.
Private Fund Reporting Requirements to be Amended
The SEC is proposing to amend Form PF for certain SEC-registered advisors to private funds. The amendments will affect the disclosure of the fees and other compensation that are paid to a registered representative of an adviser of a private fund. In this Notice, we refer to the “proposed amendments” […]
SEC Issues Awards Totaling More Than $40 Million to Four Whistleblowers
The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced three awards totaling more than $40 million to four whistleblowers who provided information and assistance in three separate covered actions. In the first order, the SEC issued an award of… Read the Full Press Release Have a securities law question? Call New York […]
Wedbush Securities Charged with Unregistered Sales of Microcap Securities and Failing to Report Suspicious Transactions
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced today that Wedbush Securities Inc., a California-based broker-dealer, has agreed to pay more than $1.2 million to settle charges arising from the unlawful unregistered distribution of nearly 100 million shares of more than 50 different low-priced microcap companies, and from Wedbush’s failure to file […]
Advisor Hub: U5 Defamation Wins Stack Up, But Tables Have Not Turned to Brokers’ Advantage, Lawyers Say
U-5 defamation has been an issue for brokers since I began practicing law, and not much has changed to address the issue – except for U-5 filings to become absolutely privileged in New York. I have had some successes negotiating U-5 language before the U-5 is filed, to stop a […]
SEC Subpoena, FINRA OTR – What do I do?
The SEC Serves a Subpoena, or FINRA wants an OTR. Now what? By Mark J. Astarita, Esq. Introduction to SEC Subpoenas If you are served with an SEC Subpoena, or just receive a letter or telephone call from the SEC or FINRA 8210 Request, that call or subpoena is a […]
Credit Suisse to Pay Nearly $475 Million to U.S. and U.K. Authorities to Resolve Charges in Connection with Mozambican Bond Offerings
Credit Suisse Group AG has agreed to pay nearly $475 million to U.S. and U.K authorities, including nearly $100 million to the Securities and Exchange Commission, for fraudulently misleading investors and violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA… Read the Full Press Release Have a securities law question? Call Sallah […]
EDGAR – The SEC Public Company Database
EDGAR—The Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system is a database system used by the SEC that requires all public companies and certain individuals to submit required, time-sensitive documents to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The database is a trove of information regarding public companies, their financials, quarterly filings, […]
Here They Come – Trader Settles SEC Charges Regarding “Meme Stocks”
It didn’t take long for the SEC to target meme stock traders. The SEC filed charges in New Jersey alleging that the defendant became aware of the increased market volume and volatility driven by so-called “meme stocks” – stocks that were being actively promoted on social media platforms. He allegedly […]
Bloomberg Claims – Is the Stock Market Rigged? Most People Think So – We Don’t.
There was an interesting article at Bloomberg.com, which contends that insider trading is everywhere, and no one seems to care.
Having spent the better part of three decades as a securities attorney, and an investor, it seems to me that all three statements are not true. The stock market is not rigged, insider trading is not everywhere, and lots of people care about insider trading.