Compliance & Ethics

Nvidia Faces Escalating Antitrust Probe from DOJ

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken a major step forward in its investigation into potential antitrust violations by Nvidia. According to a Bloomberg report, the DOJ has issued subpoenas to Nvidia and other companies, seeking evidence that Nvidia may be engaging in anticompetitive practices around its dominant position in the AI computing market.

SEC Imposes $49 Million in Penalties on Six Credit Rating Agencies for Record-Keeping Violations

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced today that it has charged six major credit rating agencies with significant failures in maintaining and preserving electronic communications. The firms have admitted to wrongdoing and agreed to pay a combined total of over $49 million in penalties to settle the charges.

Global Business, Local Pitfalls: Lessons from BCG's Angolan Affair on Navigating Corruption & Compliance

Navigating the global consulting industry requires deft handling of cultural intricacies and high-stakes negotiations, but even the most seasoned firms aren't immune to the pitfalls of corruption. The challenges of balancing ethical standards with the pressure to close deals can lead to serious missteps, showing that corruption can infiltrate even the most established and respected companies. The recent Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) case involving Boston Consulting Group (BCG) serves as a compelling case study for compliance professionals across all sectors, offering both warnings and guidance on how to navigate treacherous waters.

CFTC Grants Over $4 Million to Whistleblower Who Unveiled Insider Misconduct

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has awarded more than $4 million to an insider whistleblower. The award recognizes the whistleblower’s crucial contributions to an investigation that exposed ongoing violations of CFTC rules, ultimately leading to enforcement action against the perpetrators.

Merrill Lynch, Bank of America Fined $3 Million by FINRA for Surveillance Failures

Merrill Lynch and its parent company, Bank of America, have agreed to pay a $3 million fine and accept a censure from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for failing to properly monitor potentially manipulative trading activities by their customers. The settlement, announced on August 28, addresses violations that occurred from 2015 to present at Merrill Lynch and from 2019 to present at Bank of America Securities, the bank's institutional broker-dealer.

Nasdaq Futures, Inc. Slapped with $22 Million Penalty Amid Concerns Over CFTC's Regulatory Approach

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has ordered Nasdaq Futures, Inc. to pay a $22 million civil monetary penalty. The penalty stems from the company's failure to adhere to core regulatory principles, its lack of full disclosure regarding incentive programs, and for providing false and misleading information to the CFTC.

New York Regulator Fines Nordea $35 Million for Compliance Failures

The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) has reached a $35 million settlement with Nordea Bank Abp over serious compliance failures and inadequate due diligence practices. The settlement, announced on August 27, 2024, by DFS Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris, follows an extensive investigation into the bank's role in facilitating potentially illicit financial activities.