Compliance & Ethics

Government Contractors Pay Over $16 Million in Settlements for False Claims Act Violations

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.

FINRA's Intensified Crackdown on Compliance Failures: A Multi-Firm Case Study

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.

Interactive Brokers Settles with FINRA Over Free-Riding Violations

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.

Departing Comptroller Michael Hsu Reflects on Banking Risks & the Future of Regulation in Recent Interview

As Washington prepares for a changing of the guard with a new administration, Michael Hsu, the outgoing Acting Comptroller of the Currency, is leaving behind more than just his office. He’s passing the baton to a yet-unnamed successor at a time when the banking system faces challenges that extend far beyond quarterly earnings.

J.P. Morgan Securities Settles Short Interest Reporting Violations

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS) has reached a settlement with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) over a series of short interest reporting violations spanning more than 16 years. The firm will pay a $3 million fine and accept a censure as part of the settlement, which addresses a range of inaccuracies in its short interest reporting from 2008 to 20

FINRA Hits Major Firms with Multi-Million Dollar Fines Over Trading Data Errors

In a series of year-end enforcement actions, FINRA has ordered three prominent financial firms to pay significant fines for submitting inaccurate trading data, highlighting the industry's ongoing struggles with regulatory reporting accuracy.

Three Major Firms Must Repay $8.2M for Missed Mutual Fund Fee Waivers

When an investor puts their trust and money in the hands of a financial firm, they expect every dollar to be handled with care. Yet three major brokerage firms - Edward Jones, Osaic, and Cambridge Investment Research - recently learned an expensive lesson about the importance of watching those dollars more closely.