Between November 2017 and November 2021, three individuals actively solicited investments in securities, including providing marketing materials and advising on the merits of the investment, and receiving commissions for their sales. In May 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) halted the activities of the individual defendants involved in May 2022, for operating a
FINRA Emphasizes Reg BI Standards for Complex Product Recommendations
In the blitz of regulatory and financial developments that have made headlines throughout the first quarter of 2023, a recent FINRA enforcement action serves as a reminder to both broker-dealers and their representatives that Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) remains an area of focus for FINRA. This action underscores how important it is for broker-dealers
Investment Company Status Considerations for Cash Positioning in Wake of Bank Failures
Given this week’s headlines, many emerging companies may be asking themselves: “Why am I holding so much cash?”
The Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) may be to blame.
“Inadvertent” Investment Companies
But I don’t have any intent of being an investment company. Aren’t those mutual funds or hedge funds? I’m
Market Turmoil Caused by “Run on the Banks” Leads to Trading Halts
On March 10, 2023, volatility resulting from concerns regarding runs on certain banks triggered trading halts in those banks’ stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq. March 13, 2023, saw additional trading halts on bank stocks. This post provides a brief explanation of the Limit Up Limit Down (LULD) rules that
DOJ Brings First Criminal Charges Stemming from Use of Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plan
On March 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) unsealed an indictment against the CEO of a publicly traded health care company (the “Executive”) relating to charges of an insider trading scheme. The indictment represents the first time that DOJ has brought criminal insider trading charges stemming from an executive’s use of a Rule
FINRA Issues Update on Brokers’ Social Media Practices and Privacy
In February 2023, FINRA provided an update on its review of member broker-dealer firms’ practices for their social media practices and related privacy protection. In it, FINRA summarized practices it has observed to date to help firms evaluate whether their practices and supervisory systems are reasonably designed to address risks related to social media influencer
Enforcement Settlement With Shari’ah-Compliant Robo-Adviser Highlights SEC Priorities
On February 10, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a settlement order with a firm providing digital investment advice that claimed to operate in compliance with Islamic Shari’ah law (the Robo-Adviser). The SEC’s titling of its own press release, “SEC Charges Robo-Adviser with Misleading Clients,” highlights the SEC’s continued focus on both robo-advisers since the Division of Examination’s November 2021 Risk Alert and the accuracy of fund and adviser communications around investment services based on norms, such as Sharia’ah law, and other environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors since the Division’s April 2021 Risk Alert.
Perkins Coie Client, Humankind Investments Wins “Newcomer ESG/Impact ETF of the Year” Award at the 2021 Mutual Fund Industry and ETF Awards
Humankind Investments LLC was awarded the “Newcomer ESG/Impact ETF of the Year” by Fund Intelligence at the 2021 Mutual Fund Industry and ETF Awards Ceremony. Humankind’s innovative ETF is the first registered investment company to be structured as a Maryland benefit corporation. As interest in ESG investing continues to grow, it is possible to
Perkins Coie Shepherds the First Registered Investment Company Structured as a Maryland Benefit Corporation
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission granted effectiveness to the registration statement of a client of Perkins Coie, which is the first known registered investment company structured as a Maryland Benefit Corporation. As interest in socially responsible investing continues to grow, it is possible to utilize a governance model that commits an entity through state law organizational documents to pursue broader public benefits, beyond just the pecuniary interests of shareholders.
FINRA Repeats Warnings of Imposter Websites
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) issued two regulatory notices in August 2020 with warnings of imposter websites (Regulatory Notice 20-30 and Regulatory Notice 20-27). In Regulatory Notice 20-30, FINRA warned that it has received notifications from several member firms that malicious actors are using registered representatives’ names and other information to create imposter websites that appear to be the representatives’ personal sites. FINRA also reported that the malicious actors were calling and directing potential customers to use the imposter websites and, in turn, may be responding through imposter-based email addresses that could contain malware or imbedded phishing links. Regulatory Notice 20-30, raises concerns that imposters may be using these sites to collect personal information from the potential customers to commit financial fraud.