The SEC is attempting to gain regulatory oversight of cryptocurrency products and platforms that may be engaging in the sale and offering of securities. Securities are strictly regulated and require detailed disclosures to inform investors of potential risks. Since the first cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) launched in 2009, the question of how […]
Tag: Securities Lawyer
Broker Didn’t Know His Client Died
A Wells Fargo broker who traded a client’s account after he died was fired and sanctioned by FINRA. According to FINRA, the broker was terminated from Wells Fargo “after internal review revealed that advisor entered stop loss orders in account of deceased customer, per prior discussion, not knowing client was […]
Morgan Stanley Brokers Opt Out of Deferred Comp Class Action
As the proposed class action complaint against Morgan Stanley for its deferred compensation program winds its way through the Courts, former Morgan Stanley brokers are asking if they are better served by filing their own claims in arbitration. In many cases, the answer is yes. Delays in Court Cases The […]
SEC Proposes New Rules for SPACs, Shell Companies, and Projections
The Securities and Exchange Commission today proposed new rules and amendments to enhance disclosure and investor protection in initial public offerings by special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) and in business combination transactions involving shell companies, such as SPACs, and private operating companies. “Nearly 90 years ago, Congress addressed certain policy […]
Morgan Stanley Deferred Comp Claims
Morgan Stanley may have violated ERISA rules when it cancelled certain deferred compensation assets for brokers who left the firm. We are investigating claims for Morgan Stanley advisors who were denied their deferred compensaton payments when they left the firm. There is a proposed class action pending, but individual advisors […]
SEC Awards $1.25 Million to Whistleblower
The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced an award of $1.25 million to a whistleblower who provided specific and credible information that prompted SEC staff to open an investigation that resulted in a successful SEC covered action. After alerting SEC staff to the underlying conduct, the whistleblower provided extensive assistance […]
SEC’s 41st Annual Small Business Forum to Impact Capital Raising Policy
The Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation will host the Securities and Exchange Commission’s 41st Annual Government-Business Forum on Small Business Capital Formation over four virtual sessions April 4-7 from 1:00-2-30pm ET. Each… Read the Full Press Release Have a securities law question? Call New York Securities […]
Advisor to Pay More Than $30 Million for Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest
March 3, 2022 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that registered investment adviser City National Rochdale, LLC (CNR) has agreed to pay more than $30 million to settle charges that its undisclosed conflicts of interest defrauded current and prospective clients. The money CNR pays will be placed into […]
BlockFi Agrees to Pay $100 Million in Penalties and Pursue Registration of its Crypto Lending Product
Introduction BlockFi is a cryptocurrency lending startup that offers crypto loans. Since its launch, the company has been criticized for its lending practices. In particular, it has faced questions about whether it can comply with regulations requiring it to register as a money transmitter and obtain a license. SEC Charges […]
SEC Proposes to Enhance Private Fund Investor Protection
The Investment Advisers Act of 1940 The Act regulates investment advisers – firms and individuals compensated for advising others about securities investments. The Act requires such advisers to register with the SEC and conform to regulations to protect investors. Since the Act was amended in 1996 and 2010, generally, only […]
