OCIE Risk Alert: common compliance program issues
OCIE Risk Alert: common compliance program issues WHAT HAPPENED? On Nov. 19, 2020, the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (OCIE) released [...]
Avoid the risk of using common passwords– make your accounts more secure today
Avoid the risk of using common passwords– make your accounts more secure today WHAT HAPPENS IF I USE COMMON PASSWORDS? Your accounts could be vulnerable to a variety of [...]
OCIE examiners report common branch office compliance deficiencies
OCIE examiners report common branch office compliance deficiencies WHAT HAPPENED? On Nov. 9, 2020, the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (OCIE) [...]
New Investment Company Act rule updates regulatory requirements for fund of funds arrangements
New Investment Company Act rule updates regulatory requirements for fund of funds arrangements WHAT HAPPENED? Recently, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted a new rule and related amendments [...]
IARD Annual Renewal Dates
IARD Annual Renewal Dates WHAT IS COMING UP SOON? Every year at this time, FINRA will post its Renewal Statements in the IARD Portal. These fees are collected for [...]
Reminder: Upcoming SEC Compliance Outreach Seminar
Reminder: Upcoming SEC Compliance Outreach Seminar WHAT HAPPENED? On Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is hosting [...]
Are your documents and website up to ADA standards?
Are your documents and website up to ADA standards? WHAT HAPPENED? Clients and shareholders with auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech, and visual impairments use assistive devices, like screen readers, [...]
SEC proposes exemption for finders helping small businesses raise capital
SEC proposes exemption for finders helping small businesses raise capital WHAT HAPPENED? On Oct. 7, 2020, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission proposed a conditional exemption which would allow [...]
ALERT: Phishing attack posing as FINRA survey
ALERT: Phishing attack posing as FINRA survey WHAT HAPPENED? The Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (OCIE) was recently made aware of [...]
Does your firm include text messages in its recordkeeping?
Does your firm include text messages in its recordkeeping? WHAT HAPPENED? Recently, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission released information about proceedings against a California broker-dealer, which failed to [...]
CCO faces $45,000 fine after falsifying documentation
CCO faces $45,000 fine after falsifying documentation WHAT HAPPENED? Recently, a dually registered investment adviser and broker-dealer, and its former Chief Compliance Officer, were charged and fined by the [...]
The SEC’s 9 recommendations for avoiding “credential stuffing” attacks
The SEC’s 9 recommendations for avoiding “credential stuffing” attacks WHAT HAPPENED? Earlier this month, the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission [...]
How to Identify and Avoid Vishing and Smishing Attacks
How to Identify and Avoid Vishing and Smishing Attacks WHAT HAPPENED? You likely have heard of phishing attacks, a type of social engineering scheme that tricks victims into clicking [...]
Are your firm’s electronic records secure by SEC standards?
Are your firm’s electronic records secure by SEC standards? WHAT HAPPENED? In recent years, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission has heightened its emphasis on cybersecurity requirements for [...]
Updated Accredited Investor Definition Expands Investor Access to Private Offerings
Updated Accredited Investor Definition Expands Investor Access to Private Offerings WHAT HAPPENED? On Aug. 26, 2020, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission updated the “accredited investor” definition in [...]
5 Ways to Strengthen Your Firm’s Vendor Management Program
5 Ways to Strengthen Your Firm’s Vendor Management Program WHAT HAPPENED? Vendor management is a critical piece of creating a comprehensive information security strategy for firms. Vendors processing or [...]
