Compliance & Ethics

UPS Charged $45 Million by SEC for Inaccurate Valuation of Business Unit

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced today that it had agreed on charges against United Parcel Service (UPS) in response to falsified earnings numbers resulting from its failure to comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) when valuing one of its poorest-performing subsidiaries.

SEC Announces Strong Enforcement Results for Fiscal Year 2024: Record Penalties & a Shift Toward Proactive Compliance

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has unveiled its enforcement results for fiscal year 2024, showcasing significant efforts to hold wrongdoers accountable and strengthen the integrity of U.S. capital markets. The Commission filed 583 enforcement actions in total, securing a record $8.2 billion in financial remedies, the highest amount in SEC history.

SEC Targets Three Broker-Dealers Over Deficient Suspicious Activity Reports

Three broker-dealers are facing fines and regulatory scrutiny after the SEC charged them with filing incomplete suspicious activity reports (SARs)—a critical misstep in the fight against financial crime. Webull Financial LLC, Lightspeed Financial Services Group LLC, and Paulson Investment Company, LLC agreed to pay a combined $275,000 in civil penalties to resolve the allegations, the SEC announced today.

DOJ Pushes for Google to Divest Chrome in Search Competition Case

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a proposal calling for Google to divest its Chrome web browser. The DOJ argues that Chrome, a critical entry point for internet browsing, has been instrumental in cementing Google’s dominance in search. The filing also leaves open the possibility of requiring Google to spin off its Android operating system, should the divestiture of Chrome not sufficiently address competition concerns.

CFPB Approves Rule for Federal Oversight of Digital Payment Apps

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) approved a new rule today that will subject nonbank digital payment companies to federal oversight, aiming to ensure the security of personal data, reduce fraud, and prevent illegal “debanking.” The CFPB, an independent U.S. government agency, is tasked with protecting consumers by enforcing federal financial laws and fostering fair, transparent, and competitive consumer financial markets.

SEC Chairman Gary Gensler to Step Down on January 20th, 2025

Gary Gensler, the 33rd Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), announced today that he will step down from his position on January 20, 2025. Gensler, who has served as Chairman since April 2021, has overseen a series of significant regulatory reforms during his tenure.

OCC Tightens the Reins with November 2024 Enforcement Actions

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has turned up the heat on banks and individuals flouting regulatory expectations, unveiling a slate of enforcement actions for November 2024. These measures not only aim to rectify serious lapses in compliance but also signal the OCC’s unrelenting commitment to upholding the integrity of the national banking system.