Compliance & Ethics

AAR CORP. & Former Executive Face $55 Million Penalty Over International Bribery Schemes

AAR CORP., a major player in the aerospace industry, has agreed to a $30 million settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) after facing charges related to bribery schemes in Nepal and South Africa. Joining the company in this settlement is Deepak Sharma, a former executive, who was directly involved in orchestrating these illicit deals.

Manitowoc Crane Manufacturer Settles for $42.6 Million with DOJ & EPA Over Clean Air Act Violations

The Manitowoc Company Inc., a leading crane manufacturer, has found itself in hot water—and it’s not the kind you’d use to make steel. In a settlement announced today, Manitowoc and two of its subsidiaries, Grove U.S. L.L.C. and Manitowoc Crane Group Germany GMBH, agreed to pay $42.6 million to resolve accusations of flouting the Clean Air Act.

OCC Wraps Up 2024 with a Crackdown on Banking Missteps

As the year winds down, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has delivered a reminder to the banking world that accountability is non-negotiable. December’s enforcement actions reveal a mix of systemic breakdowns and individual misdeeds, painting a picture of an industry still grappling with old challenges in governance and compliance. From small-town banks failing to shore up their operations to individuals exploiting the system for personal gain, the OCC’s latest round of penalties shows a firm resolve to ensure stability and integrity in the financial system.

DOJ Takes Aim at CVS for Allegedly Fueling Opioid Crisis with Unlawful Prescriptions

The Department of Justice (DOJ) accused CVS Pharmacy Inc.—the nation’s largest pharmacy chain—of knowingly filling illegal prescriptions for controlled substances. The suit claims CVS violated both the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the False Claims Act (FCA), directly contributing to the opioid epidemic that has ravaged communities across the United States.

AMF Cracks Down with €4.15 Million in Fines for Market Manipulation and Misinformation

The French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) handed out €4.15 million in fines on December 11, 2024, targeting four companies and three individuals. At the center of the scandal were allegations of spreading false or misleading information and manipulating the share price of Auplata, a French mining firm, in a saga that reads like a cautionary tale of what not to do in finance.

ESMA Pushes for Sharper Transparency Under MiFIR

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has just released its Final Report, outlining key updates to bond market transparency rules under the MiFIR (Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation) Review. These changes, which cover bonds, structured finance products (SFPs), and emission allowances (EUAs), are all about improving transparency while ensuring fairness and protecting liquidity providers from undue risk.

FTC and Illinois Attorney General Team Up to Hold Grubhub Accountable for Deceptive Practices

Grubhub will pay $25 million to settle charges brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Illinois Attorney General, following claims of unfair practices that impacted diners, delivery drivers, and small businesses. The settlement addresses a series of deceptive actions by the food delivery giant, from hiding the true cost of delivery to making misleading claims about earnings for drivers.