Compliance & Ethics

OCC Announces Enforcement Actions Against Banks & Former Bank Employee

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has revealed its latest enforcement actions, emphasizing the regulator's continued focus on maintaining the integrity and stability of the national banking system. Targeting two major banks and a former bank employee, these actions highlight the OCC's commitment to addressing issues ranging from unsafe banking practices to financial crimes.

SEC Charges Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust with $79.8 Million Fraud Settlement

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced today that Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust (MIMBT), a registered investment adviser, has agreed to pay $79.8 million to settle charges of fraud. The case involves the overvaluation of illiquid assets and the execution of unlawful cross trades that favored certain clients over others.

FINRA Fines TradeUP Securities and Dalmore Group for Multiple Regulatory Violations

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has taken action against two broker-dealers, TradeUP Securities, Inc. and Dalmore Group LLC, for various regulatory violations. Both firms have agreed to significant fines and censures without admitting or denying the findings.

SEC Cracks Down on First Horizon for Regulation Best Interest Violations

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken action against First Horizon Advisors, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, for failing to comply with Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI). The charges, announced on September 18, 2024, specifically relate to First Horizon's recommendations of structured notes, a type of complex derivative security.

OCC and FDIC Align on Bank Merger Policies, Signaling New Era of Regulatory Transparency

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) have both issued new policy statements on bank merger transactions. This aligned approach, announced on September 17, 2024, aims to bring unprecedented transparency and clarity to the bank merger review process.

Walgreens to Pay $106.8 Million in Major Healthcare Fraud Settlement

Retail pharmacy giant Walgreens has agreed to pay $106.8 million to settle allegations of widespread fraud against government health care programs, the U.S. Department of Justice announced on Friday. The settlement resolves claims that Walgreens billed Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs for prescriptions that were never actually dispensed to patients.

SEC Cracks Down on Investment Managers for Reporting Failures

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has nabbed 11 heavyweight investment managers for playing fast and loose with crucial reporting rules. The September 17 sting operation exposed a web of violations that's costing most of these financial juggernauts millions in penalties.