SEC’s Emergency Action The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken decisive action against a large-scale Ponzi scheme. They have obtained a temporary restraining order, asset freeze, and the appointment of a receiver to halt the operations of Agridime LLC and its owners, Josh Link and Jed Wood. Details […]
Tag: Securities Lawyer
Credit Suisse Entities to Pay $10 Million for Providing Prohibited Mutual Fund Services
Overview of the SEC Enforcement Action The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced an enforcement action against Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and its affiliates, collectively referred to as the Credit Suisse Entities. This action, resulting in a settlement exceeding $10 million, stems from the entities’ engagement in prohibited underwriting […]
Unregistered Brokers and Companies Face SEC Charges in $525 Million Pre-IPO Fraud Scandal
The SEC has taken action against five unregistered brokers and four companies based in New Jersey and New York relating their alleged involvement in a widespread fraudulent scheme related to investments in pre-initial public offering companies (pre-IPO). According to the SEC the scheme has had far-reaching consequences, resulting in over […]
SEC Investor Advocate’s Recommendations on Arbitration and Index-Linked Annuities
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 […]
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, […]
SEC Small Business Advisory Committee to Discuss the Accredited Investor Definition and the Role of Diversity in the Investment Process
SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee has announced the agenda for its upcoming meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 29. The meeting will delve into key topics concerning small businesses and investors. Morning Session: Accredited Investor Definition Discussion […]
SEC Charges Kraken for Unregistered Securities Operations
Kraken operated its crypto trading platform as an unregistered securities exchange, broker, dealer, and clearing agency. SEC seeks an injunction, disgorgement and penalties
Defending FINRA Investigations
By Mark J. Astarita, Esq. FINRA Rule 8210 FINRA Rule 8210 (Provision of Information and Testimony and Inspection and Copying of Books) is the starting point of virtually every FINRA enforcement proceeding, as it gives FINRA the authority to request documents and testimony from firms, registered persons and, in FINRA’s […]
Attorney for Broker Transitions – The Recruiting Protocol
Just about every securities broker is aware of the existence of the Protocol for Broker Recruiting (the “Broker Protocol”). Unfortunately, too many brokers think they understand the Protocol, and move forward with a transition without the assistance of experienced counsel. That leads to a motion for an injunction in court, with a […]
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 […]
