Compliance & Ethics

CFTC Modernizes Key Regulations for Commodity Pool Operators & Trading Advisors, Files Charges Against Unregistered Florida Firm for Fraud

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has approved a final rule amending Regulation 4.7, which provides exemptions from certain compliance requirements for commodity pool operators (CPOs) and commodity trading advisors (CTAs).

John Deere Agrees to Pay $10 Million in SEC Settlement Over Thai Bribery Scheme

Agricultural machinery giant John Deere has agreed to pay nearly $10 million to settle charges brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The charges stem from a bribery scheme involving the company's Thai subsidiary, Wirtgen Thailand.

Wynn Las Vegas Forfeits $130 Million in Landmark Settlement Over Illegal Money Transfers

Wynn Las Vegas, a subsidiary of Wynn Resorts, Limited, has agreed to a staggering $130,131,645 forfeiture to settle criminal allegations that it conspired with unlicensed money-transmitting businesses to funnel funds for foreign gamblers. Announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California on September 6, 2024, the settlement is believed to be the largest forfeiture ever by a casino based on admissions of criminal wrongdoing.

European Regulators Join Forces to Clarify Digital Market Rules

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and the European Commission have announced a collaborative effort to develop guidance on the interplay between the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Keurig Hit with $1.5 Million SEC Fine Over K-Cup Recyclability Claims

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., the beverage giant known for its popular single-serve coffee makers, has agreed to pay a $1.5 million penalty to settle charges brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over misleading recyclability claims about its K-Cup pods.

SEC Cracks Down on Investment Advisers for Marketing Rule Violations

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) today settled charges against nine registered investment advisers for violations of its Marketing Rule, a regulation designed to ensure transparency and honesty in financial advertisements. The firms involved were found to have made untrue or unsubstantiated claims, or published endorsements and third-party ratings that lacked required disclosures. The combined civil penalties for the violators total $1,240,000.

FINRA Imposes Fine on Odeon Capital Group for Supervisory Failures

Odeon Capital Group has agreed to a $250,000 fine and censure as part of a settlement with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), addressing violations of supervisory and compliance rules. This resolution comes under FINRA Rule 9216 and is intended to address specific rule violations described in the settlement.