GRC Report Staff

When it comes to scientific research, the stakes are high. For Athira Pharma Inc., a biotech firm headquartered in Bothwell, Washington, the fallout from allegations of research misconduct has culminated in a $4 million settlement with the federal government. At the heart of the matter is a breach of trust—both with federal funding agencies and the public—that underscores just how vital transparency is in the pursuit of scientific progress.

In the past 24 hours, two government contractors have agreed to settle False Claims Act (FCA) allegations with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), paying a combined total of more than $16 million. These cases shed light on fraudulent practices that undermined the integrity of government procurement processes, leaving taxpayers footing the bill for inflated costs.

Recent enforcement actions by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) have spotlighted significant compliance failures at several major financial firms. These cases underscore FINRA’s commitment to ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, particularly in areas such as supervisory systems, financial reporting, and investor protection. Here, we examine three distinct cases involving UBS, Citigroup, Bank of America, and Barclays Capital Inc., which collectively paint a picture of the ongoing challenges firms face in meeting compliance expectations.

a security oversight at Volkswagen’s subsidiary, Cariad, has exposed highly sensitive data on 800,000 Volkswagen owners across Europe. The breach isn’t just a numbers game; it’s a chilling look at how deeply our personal lives are intertwined with technology—and how vulnerable we’ve become to breaches of that intimacy.

Interactive Brokers, LLC, a prominent name in the online trading world, has reached a settlement with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) after failing to catch a significant number of free-riding violations in its cash accounts. The firm has agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine to resolve the issue, which stretches back from October 2015 through December 2022.

As the dust settles from over 70 national elections worldwide, it has become clear that business leaders are no longer letting political outcomes dictate their climate strategies. A recent Workiva survey of 1,600 global executives underscores this shift. Despite the uncertainty surrounding regulatory frameworks, an overwhelming 85% of executives plan to push forward with climate disclosures regardless of election results or geopolitical developments.

A new report from KPMG reveals that digital transformations are finally gaining momentum, with nearly 90% of US companies reporting improved performance and profitability from their tech investments. This is a significant leap from last year, where only 45% of businesses were seeing tangible benefits. As artificial intelligence (AI), enhanced data analytics, and third-party technology providers continue to drive these transformations, companies are not only optimizing their internal processes but are also investing in technology that helps them manage risks, meet regulatory requirements, and stay competitive.