The SEC issued a press release regarding charges against Reginald “Reggie” Middleton and his two companies. The complaint, alleges that Middleton and his companies knowingly defrauded customers through the trade of a cryptocurrency called VERI tokens.
The reasons OCIE may select an adviser for examination are various and shifting, depending on commonly identified risk factors and changes in regulation. The SEC takes steps to be transparent about which conditions may cause an adviser to be selected for examination.
OCIE discovered several security risks related to the storage of customer information by broker-dealers and advisers, particularly related to the use of cloud-based servers. The primary risk was found to stem from firms choosing not to utilize available security features on storage platforms.
On March 22nd, Peter Driscoll, OCIE Director, announced plans for its third cybersecurity sweep exam in four years. The next cyber initiative will focus on advisers who maintain remote offices and advisers that have merged firms.