Compliance & Ethics

CFTC Hits Swap Trading Platforms with Over $2.2M in Fines Amid Growing Internal Policy Rift

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission's recent enforcement actions against three swap execution facilities, resulting in $2.175 million in combined penalties, has sparked significant debate over the agency's evolving regulatory approach, including a rare public dissent from within the Commission itself.

Ovintiv USA Agrees to $16 Million Settlement Over Clean Air Violations in Utah

Ovintiv USA Inc. has agreed to pay $5.5 million in civil penalties and implement approximately $10 million in facility upgrades to resolve Clean Air Act violations at its oil and gas production facilities in Utah, federal authorities announced today.

Starling Bank Hit with £29 Million Fine Over Financial Crime Control Failures

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has imposed a substantial fine of £29 million on digital challenger bank Starling for significant failings in its financial crime prevention systems and controls.

Citigroup Ordered to Strengthen AML Compliance Amid Federal Scrutiny

Citigroup Inc., one of the largest banking institutions in the United States, has been ordered to significantly overhaul its anti-money laundering (AML) compliance programs following deficiencies uncovered by federal regulators. A consent order, issued jointly by the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), requires Citigroup to implement sweeping reforms across its subsidiaries to address critical lapses in its oversight and governance.

Barclays Fined $4 Million by CFTC for Swap Reporting Violations, Sparking Debate on Regulatory Approach

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has imposed a $4 million fine on Barclays Bank PLC for violations related to swap reporting, a decision that has reignited discussions about the regulator's enforcement strategies and supervisory approach.

FINRA Imposes Over $2.47 Million in Penalties to Strengthen Compliance Standards

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has levied over $12.52 million in penalties against four firms—Cambridge International Securities, Merrill Lynch, Oak Ridge Financial Services Group, and First Southern. These enforcement actions underscore the heightened scrutiny FINRA is applying to firms that neglect their supervisory responsibilities, exposing clients to potential financial harm through a range of infractions, including inadequate supervisory systems, improper email usage, and unfair pricing practices.

TD Securities Fined Over $27 Million in Multi-Agency Action for Spoofing U.S. Treasury Markets

TD Securities (USA) LLC has been sanctioned with more than $27 million in fines and penalties following coordinated enforcement actions by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). These actions stem from TD Securities’ involvement in a spoofing scheme that manipulated U.S. Treasury securities markets.