The Law of the Financial Markets from Top Securities Lawyers
Saturday, December 6, 2025
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 […]
The SEC’s enforcement division investigates potential violations of securities laws and regulations. Several triggers can lead to an SEC investigation: Tips and Complaints: The SEC often receives tips and complaints from whistleblowers, investors, industry insiders, or the public. If these tips suggest potential securities law violations, the SEC may investigate. Market […]
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? […]
The SEC has increased its support for broker-dealers and other market participants navigating the transition to mandatory central clearing of U.S. Treasury securities. The Commission launched a dedicated “one-stop” webpage providing up-to-date information, staff statements, regulatory materials and answers to frequently asked questions. (SEC) Background to the Treasury Clearing Rule […]
We have written about the SEC’s Wells process in the past. A Wells Notice is a notice from a regulator that it intends to bring enforcement proceeding against the recipient, and offering the opportunity to argue against those charges. In my article Responding to a Wells Notice, I examined the […]
The SEC has announced the settlement of an insider trading investigation with David J. Minson in the securities of Blue Apron Holdings, Inc. based on material nonpublic information that Minson misappropriated from an immediate family member, a senior executive at Blue Apron(the “Blue Apron Executive”). According to the settlement document, […]
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Judge Margaret “Meg” Ryan has been named Director of the Division of Enforcement, effective Sept. 2, 2025. Acting Director of Enforcement Sam Waldon will return to his previous role as Chief Counsel for the Division. From the Press Release: “I am thrilled […]
$275 Million Fraud Case The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed charges against Ryan Wear, founder of Water Station Management LLC and Creative Technologies, Inc., for orchestrating two Ponzi-like schemes that defrauded investors out of more than $275 million. Alongside Wear, portfolio manager Jordan Chirico faces charges for […]
he SEC has issued new FAQs to guide broker-dealers through upcoming U.S. Treasury clearing rules, with key 2026 and 2027 deadlines. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant.
