Compliance & Ethics

SEC Continues Whistleblower Payout Streak: $24 Million Awarded for Overseas Tip

In a follow-up to last week's headline-grabbing $98 million whistleblower award, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced another significant payout, this time totaling $24 million to two whistleblowers who provided crucial information about overseas misconduct.

Whistleblowers Cash In: SEC Awards $98 Million for Crucial Tips

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has awarded a staggering $98 million to two whistleblowers. The announcement, made on August 23, 2024, underscores the critical role that individuals play in uncovering financial misconduct.

CFPB Imposes $5 Million Penalty on Fay Servicing for Illegal Foreclosure Practices

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has taken decisive action against Fay Servicing, a nonbank mortgage servicer, for continued violations of mortgage servicing laws and non-compliance with a previous enforcement order. The CFPB's latest order, issued on August 21, 2024, requires Fay Servicing to pay $5 million in redress and penalties, and imposes potential compensation limits on its CEO, Edward Fay.

OCC Announces Enforcement Actions for August 2024

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has released its monthly report on enforcement actions taken against national banks, federal savings associations, and individuals affiliated with OCC-supervised institutions.

SEC Rule Change Impacts Compliance for Venture Capital Funds

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has adopted a new rule that will require venture capital funds to reassess their compliance status under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The rule, announced today, updates the definition of "qualifying venture capital funds" by raising the capital threshold from $10 million to $12 million.

BaFin Imposes €1.6 Million Fine on NBSH Acquisition LLC for Regulatory Violations

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) announced it has levied a substantial fine against NBSH Acquisition LLC for breaching German securities law. The company has been ordered to pay €1.6 million for failing to comply with voting rights notification requirements under the German Securities Trading Act (Wertpapierhandelsgesetz – WpHG).

Federal Court Puts FTC’s Non-Compete Ban on Ice, Citing Overreach in Rulemaking Authority

A federal judge in Dallas has blocked the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) sweeping ban on non-compete agreements. The decision, delivered by U.S. District Judge Ada Brown, represents a significant setback for the FTC and its efforts to make labor markets more competitive by curtailing non-competes, which have become increasingly prevalent across the United States.