Compliance & Ethics

In a historic move, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has hit three major oil companies—XCL Resources Holdings, LLC (XCL), Verdun Oil Company II LLC (Verdun), and EP Energy LLC (EP)—with a $5.6 million fine. The fine settles allegations that the companies violated antitrust laws through illegal coordination before a merger, a practice known as “gun jumping.” This marks the largest penalty ever imposed for such a violation in U.S. history.

Imagine buying your dream home—a manufactured haven meant to provide stability and shelter for your family. Now imagine that dream slipping away, month by month, as you struggle to make payments, juggling necessities like food, healthcare, and basic living expenses. For many families, this isn’t just a nightmare; it’s their reality, and according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Vanderbilt Mortgage & Finance is to blame.

When it comes to scientific research, the stakes are high. For Athira Pharma Inc., a biotech firm headquartered in Bothwell, Washington, the fallout from allegations of research misconduct has culminated in a $4 million settlement with the federal government. At the heart of the matter is a breach of trust—both with federal funding agencies and the public—that underscores just how vital transparency is in the pursuit of scientific progress.

In the past 24 hours, two government contractors have agreed to settle False Claims Act (FCA) allegations with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), paying a combined total of more than $16 million. These cases shed light on fraudulent practices that undermined the integrity of government procurement processes, leaving taxpayers footing the bill for inflated costs.

Recent enforcement actions by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) have spotlighted significant compliance failures at several major financial firms. These cases underscore FINRA’s commitment to ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, particularly in areas such as supervisory systems, financial reporting, and investor protection. Here, we examine three distinct cases involving UBS, Citigroup, Bank of America, and Barclays Capital Inc., which collectively paint a picture of the ongoing challenges firms face in meeting compliance expectations.

Interactive Brokers, LLC, a prominent name in the online trading world, has reached a settlement with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) after failing to catch a significant number of free-riding violations in its cash accounts. The firm has agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine to resolve the issue, which stretches back from October 2015 through December 2022.

As Washington prepares for a changing of the guard with a new administration, Michael Hsu, the outgoing Acting Comptroller of the Currency, is leaving behind more than just his office. He’s passing the baton to a yet-unnamed successor at a time when the banking system faces challenges that extend far beyond quarterly earnings.