Compliance & Ethics

SEC Charges Two Investment Advisers with False Claims on AI Usage

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has brought forth charges against two investment advisers, Delphia (USA) Inc. and Global Predictions Inc., for allegedly making false and misleading statements regarding their use of artificial intelligence (AI). The regulatory authority revealed that both firms have agreed to settle the charges, collectively agreeing to pay $400,000 in total civil penalties.

CFTC Awards Insider Whistleblower Approximately $1.25 Million

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced today an award of approximately $1.25 million to a whistleblower. This individual had reported misconduct to the CFTC after initially raising concerns internally within their organization.

OCC Imposes $250 Million Penalty on JPMorgan Chase Bank for Surveillance Failures

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has levied a $250 million civil money penalty against JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMC) for deficiencies identified in its trade surveillance program. The penalty, announced today, reflects the OCC's findings of shortcomings in JPMC's trading venue coverage and data controls essential for an effective trade surveillance program.

SEC Charges Former Tallgrass Energy Board Member Roy Cook and Associates with Insider Trading

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced insider trading charges against Roy Cook, a former board member of Tallgrass Energy LP, and four associates. The charges stem from their alleged trading on material nonpublic information ahead of a public announcement of Blackstone Infrastructure Partners' acquisition offer for Tallgrass. The SEC also accuses Cook of failing to file required disclosure reports related to securities transactions by family trusts. All five defendants have agreed to settlements totaling over $2.2 million in disgorgement, prejudgment interest, and civil penalties.

FCA Imposes Fines on IFM for Poor Advice on British Steel Pension Scheme Transfers

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has fined financial advice firm Independent Financial Management Limited (IFM) for inadequately advising clients, including those associated with the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS), to transfer out of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes. The FCA has also banned Arthur Cobill, an adviser at IFM, and William Hofstetter, one of its directors, from advising on pension transfers and opt-outs. Additionally, Mr. Hofstetter has been prohibited from holding any senior management function at regulated firms.

Skechers Settles SEC Charges Over Undisclosed Payments to Executives' Family Members

Skechers U.S.A. Inc., the California-based footwear company, has reached a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) following charges related to the failure to disclose payments benefiting its executives and their immediate family members. The SEC announced today that Skechers has agreed to pay a $1.25 million civil penalty to resolve the charges.

SEC Charges Houston Man with Insider Trading in BP's TravelCenters Acquisition

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has formally charged Tyler Loudon, a resident of Houston, Texas, with insider trading related to the acquisition of TravelCenters of America Inc. by London-based oil and gas giant BP p.l.c. The charges, announced today, allege that Loudon, the husband of a BP mergers and acquisitions manager involved in the deal, exploited nonpublic information to pocket $1.76 million in illegal profits.