Washington D.C., Dec. 5, 2023 — In a move towards transparency and investor empowerment, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of the Investor Advocate has released its comprehensive Report on Activities for the Fiscal Year 2023. This document not only outlines the Office’s accomplishments during the fiscal year but also […]
Tag: Securities Law
SEC Alleges $35 Million Fraud Against ArciTerra and CEO Jonathan Larmore
Washington D.C., Nov. 29, 2023 — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently filed charges against ArciTerra Companies LLC, a Phoenix-based real estate investment firm, and its CEO, Jonathan M. Larmore. The allegations surround a complex, multi-year scheme to misappropriate over $35 million from investor funds managed by ArciTerra. Additionally, […]
American Infrastructure Funds Settles SEC Charges
American Infrastructure Funds LLC (AIM), a registered investment adviser based in Foster City, California, has agreed to a settlement with the SEC, in which AIM will pay over $1.6 million to resolve charges brought against the firm. These charges stem from several alleged breaches of its duties as an investment […]
SEC Charges Mexico-based Company and CEO in $15 Million Ponzi Scheme Targeting Spanish-Speaking U.S. Investors
Sept. 21, 2023 — The SEC has taken action against Aras Investment Business Group S.A.P.I. de C.V., a Mexico-based company, along with its CEO Armando Gutierrez Rosas and four other individuals. These charges stem from their involvement in a fraudulent scheme that siphoned over $15 million from more than 450 […]
Hire a Securities Defense Attorney to Respond to an SEC Subpoena
Facing a subpoena can be a daunting experience for individuals and businesses involved in securities-related matters. The SEC wields substantial authority to investigate potential violations of securities laws, and responding to a subpoena demands a keen understanding of the legal process and regulations. However, I often see individuals who decide […]
SEC Charges Five Advisory Firms for Custody Rule Violations
We continue to see investigations of advisory firms for violations of the Custody Rule, which has specific requirements for the handling and reporting for firms that hold customer funds. The SEC has an extensive FAQ regarding the rule and the requirements for compliance. As always we are available to assist […]
ETF Manager Settles SEC Charges of Fraudulent Conduct
The SEC has taken action against an ETF Manager, alleging misconduct in the management of an exchange-traded fund (ETF). This scheme involved misleading the ETF’s trustees and securing a whopping $20 million in rescue financing to avert potential bankruptcy. As a result, Masucci and his entities have agreed to a substantial settlement of $4.4 million.
Fund Administrator Settles SEC Charges For Missing Red Flags
The SEC has taken action against Theorem Fund Services LLC (TFS), a Boca Raton-based fund administrator. The charges revolve around TFS’s failure to respond to red flags related to a fraudulent scheme targeting a private fund and its investors. The Background TFS found itself entangled in a web of deception […]
Wells Fargo Settles with SEC for Charging Excessive Advisory Fees
The SEC has taken action against Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network LLC (collectively referred to as Wells Fargo). The SEC has charged Wells Fargo for the excessive charging of over 10,900 investment advisory accounts, resulting in more than $26.8 million in undue advisory fees. […]
The Akazoo Scandal: SEC Charges Crowe U.K. LLP and Key Executives for Deficient Audit Practices
Introduction The SEC has filed claims against Crowe U.K. LLP, a prominent London-based audit firm, its CEO, Nigel Bostock, and senior auditor, Matthew Stallabrass. The charges stem from the firm’s alleged inadequate audit of Akazoo Limited, a notable music-streaming company. This exposé sheds light on the critical details surrounding the […]