The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently adopted amendments to SEC Rule 15b9-1 that will require virtually every broker-dealer to become a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) member. With these...more
After seven years of extending the implementation date of the original rulemaking adopted in 2016 for Covered Agency Transactions, the SEC approved FINRA's amendments on July 27, 2023, and the amendments will become effective...more
On August 23, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted amendments to SEC Rule 15b9-1 that effectively will require nearly all broker-dealers to become members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority...more
A DC Circuit Court of Appeals challenge to a recent Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) enforcement action brings into question whether FINRA should be held accountable to constitutional restrictions on state...more
Ever-Expanding BIPA Damages: Illinois Supreme Court Holds Each Collection or Dissemination of Biometric Data Constitutes a Separate Violation of BIPA -
In an eagerly-awaited decision in Cothron v. White Castle System,...more
3/22/2023
/ Biden Administration ,
Biometric Information ,
California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) ,
China ,
Cross-Border ,
Data Collection ,
Data Privacy ,
EU ,
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) ,
IL Supreme Court ,
Online Safety for Children ,
Personal Data ,
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ,
Singapore
FINRA Updates its Sweep on Social Media Influencers, Customer Acquisition and Related Information Protection -
On February 28, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) provided an update for its sweep on Social...more
FINRA recently filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to yet again delay the implementation date to October 25, 2023, for amendments to Rule 4210 (Margin Requirements) for Covered Agency Transactions....more
On February 28, 2023, FINRA provided an update for its sweep on Social Media Influencers, Customer Acquisition and Related Information Protection....more
Katten Named Leader in Blockchain and Cryptocurrency in Chambers FinTech 2023 Guide -
Katten announced that the firm had attained a superior ranking in the Chambers FinTech 2023 guide. Katten was recognized as a leader in...more
New DOL Rule Enables Consideration of ESG Factors in Investing, Plus the SEC Continues its ESG Enforcement Push in the Absence of Final SEC Rules -
On November 22, the US Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule...more
12/14/2022
/ Block Trades ,
Crypto Exchanges ,
Cryptoassets ,
Cybersecurity ,
Data Protection ,
Department of Labor (DOL) ,
Environmental Social & Governance (ESG) ,
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) ,
Investment Adviser ,
Personal Data ,
Private Investment Funds ,
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ,
UK
SEC Advertising Rules – Client Resource Center -
November 4 was the compliance date for the new rule governing advertising and solicitation activities by investment advisers. The new rule substantially revises decades old...more
11/14/2022
/ Advertising ,
Cybersecurity ,
Electronic Communications ,
Enforcement Actions ,
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) ,
Human Resources Professionals ,
Investment Adviser ,
New York ,
Outsourcing ,
Pay Transparency ,
Recordkeeping Requirements ,
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ,
WhatsApp
Recent alleged recordkeeping failures resulted in aggregate fines in excess of $1.8 billion levied against 11 Wall Street financial institutions and many of their affiliated entities by the Securities and Exchange Commission...more
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Sanction Guidelines have been significantly revised, now giving FINRA discretion to impose considerably higher fines on mid- and large-size firms. The revisions, published...more
The SEC Remains in Search of and Is Looking for Finders -
Much has been written on the topic of finders and arrangers of securities transactions, including when a person or entity acting as a finder (i.e., someone who...more
Much has been written on the topic of finders and arrangers of securities transactions, including when a person or entity acting as a finder (i.e., someone who merely makes an introduction) has crossed the line and engaged in...more
9/8/2022
/ Broker-Dealer ,
Finders ,
Investment Adviser ,
Investment Management ,
Retail Investors ,
Securities ,
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ,
Securities Litigation ,
Securities Transactions ,
Securities Violations ,
Unregistered Securities
Clearing agencies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will have to make governance changes to their boards of directors under a new rule proposed by the SEC on August 8, 2022....more
On July 27, 2022, FINRA filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to make it easier for brokers to work from home. The proposed rule will add a category termed a “Residential Supervisory Location” under FINRA Rule 3110...more
8/16/2022
/ Acquisitions ,
Broker-Dealer ,
Compliance ,
Enforcement Actions ,
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) ,
FinTech ,
Investment Adviser ,
Investment Funds ,
Mergers ,
Registered Investment Advisors ,
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ,
Spoofing ,
UK
Almost all proprietary trading firms that are currently registered as broker-dealers with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) would likely be required to join the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) under...more
Key Points -
- New proposed SEC rules would expand who may be considered a dealer or a government securities dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
- If the proposed new rules are adopted, a large group of...more
Payment for order flow (PFOF) and best execution; market access; finfluencers and gamification; and anti-money laundering were some of the most critical emerging and familiar compliance challenges faced by member firms...more
Just like the rest of us, the financial services industry wasn't immune from the numerous and unprecedented pandemic-related challenges over the past year. Through our annual Financial Markets Litigation and Enforcement...more
Gamification tactics and investment advice from social media influencers and chat rooms are just a couple of the disruptive technologies and behaviors that are capturing the attention of regulators in 2021 and forcing them to...more
The importance of investment advisers and broker-dealers to comply with obligations under Regulation Best Interest and Form CRS was highlighted by the recent filing of 27 enforcement actions by the Securities and Exchange...more
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) recently issued a Regulatory Notice (Notice) reminding firms of their obligations with respect to best execution and payment for order flow....more
BROKER-DEALER -
FINRA Publishes 2021 Industry Spotlight -
On May 25, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) published the 2021 FINRA Industry Spotlight (Industry Spotlight), which is FINRA’s annual...more