The Securities and Exchange Commission staff has issued a report summarizing the results of a sweep examination of the retail structured securities products business of 11 broker-dealers, covering a cross-section of the industry. The report identifies common weaknesses seen in sales of structured securities products and describes measures by broker-dealers to better protect retail investors … Read more →

Prior to delving into the actual work, skills and knowledge required of a Chief Compliance Officers to an investment adviser, the very first step a CCO should take is to make sure she understands the framework and principles that guide the kind of work CCOs perform. Not surprisingly, given the demands of their position, even … Read more →

Under FINRA Rule 4530 that became effective on July 1, 2011 governing reporting requirements for customer complaints, FINRA issued Regulatory Notice 11-10 reminding member firms of the requirement that they electronically report specified events and quarterly customer complaint information. Member firm are also required to file with FINRA copies of certain criminal actions, civil complaints … Read more →

Under Title IV of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, effective July 21, 2011, changes to the registration and reporting and recordkeeping requirements of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 require advisers to private funds (hedge funds and private equity funds) to register with the SEC. In the past, many of these … Read more →