The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is engaging in a higher than normal public relations campaign, and the message is loud and clear: the SEC is and has engaged in active enforcement activity to signal that it has a real interest in investor protection.

SIFMA (the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) has released its White Paper on the Role of Compliance.

Widely considered to be the most sweeping fi nancial regulatory reform
of the modern era, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”) was signed into law nearly three years
ago. 

Annually, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) determines and communicates to investors and SEC registrants the examination priorities that best will protect investors, maintain fair, orderly and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. 

The Massachusetts Securities Division has filed a regulatory action against LPL Financial, LLC (“LPL”), seeking full restitution and other relief for investors residing in Massachusetts who were sold non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) in violation of Massachusetts law.

The SEC recently submitted its Annual Report to on the Dodd-Frank Whistleblower Program for 2012. 

Anyone charged with the responsibility for managing the investment of assets needs to have a basic understanding of investment principles and concepts.

An adviser may not manage a client’s money in a way that subjects the investment to greater risks than those described in the investment company’s registration statement, resulting in losses to shareholders.

The lawsuit against J.P. Morgan for the alleged fraud and deceit by Bear Stearns (a company that J.P. Morgan acquired in 2008) highlights the breadth of the damage caused in connection with sales of Residential Mortgage-backed Securities (RMBS). 

Recently, FINRA (the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) issued an Investor Alert for investors (and their financial advisers) relating to public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs).