Corporate Defense and Disputes

Important developments in U.S. securities law, white collar criminal defense, regulatory enforcement and other emerging issues impacting financial services institutions, publicly traded companies and private investment funds

Tag Archives: Financial Services

Current Issues Relating to Silicon Valley Bank Closure

On Friday, March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) became the largest U.S. lender since the Great Financial Crisis to enter into receivership with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. SVB was a major provider of depository services and liquidity to various investment funds, managers and their related entities through subscription or capital call facilities, net … Continue Reading

FinCEN Proposal Looks to Extend AML Requirements to Non-Federally Regulated Banks

On August 25, 2016, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, proposed a rule that would require all banks, regardless of whether they are subject to regulation by a “Federal functional regulator,” to establish and implement written AML programs, conduct ongoing customer due diligence, and identify and … Continue Reading

In Conflict With Other Circuits, Seventh Circuit Rules That Certain Transfers Involving Financial Institution Intermediaries Not Immune From Recovery By Bankruptcy Trustee

Section 546(e) of the bankruptcy code prohibits a bankruptcy trustee from avoiding “settlement payment[s]”, or payments “made in connection with a securities contract,” that are “made by or to (or for the benefit of)” qualifying financial entities, including financial institutions, stockbrokers, commodities brokers and others.   In a ruling that conflicts with precedent from the Second, … Continue Reading

Regulators Fail To Identify Cause Of Abnormal US Treasury Trading on October 15, 2014

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the SEC and the CFTC issued a Joint Staff Report analyzing the significant volatility in the U.S. Treasury market on October 15, 2014.  The analysis, however, “did not reveal a clear, single cause … Continue Reading

SEC Approval of New FINRA Public Arbitrator Rule Imposes New Limits on the Pool of Potential Public Arbitrators

The SEC recently approved FINRA’s proposed new rule changes to the definitions of public arbitrator (FINRA Rules 12100(u) and 13100(u)) and non-public arbitrator (FINRA Rules 12100(p) and 13100(p)), after receiving over 300 comment letters in addition to two letters from FINRA responding to the comment letters.  The new rule significantly limits the pool of potential … Continue Reading

FINRA’s New Background Investigation Rule Will Likely Increase Firms’ Costs and Potentially Increases Exposure for Firms in Customer Disputes

Recently, the SEC approved FINRA’s proposed new Rule 3110(e) relating to background investigations of registered persons.  FINRA Rule 3110(e), which replaces NASD Rule 3010(e) and goes into effect on July 1, 2015, streamlines and clarifies the rule language by providing that “each member shall ascertain by investigation the good character, business reputation, qualifications and experience … Continue Reading

Companies and Individuals Alike Should Heed DOJ’s Focus on Individual Liability

Attorney General Eric Holder and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division Marshall Miller have sent the message that the Department of Justice is looking to hold individuals responsible for corporate crime. Holder, speaking at New York University, announced that the department is currently investigating the conduct of individuals at certain financial institutions … Continue Reading

Don’t Get Burned by the “Sunshine:” Risk Factors for Venture Capital Firms in an Era of Increasing SEC Scrutiny

Originally published in the Venture Capital Review, 2014 edition.   Andrew J. Bowden, the Director of the SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations, gave a speech entitled “Spreading Sunshine in Private Equity” in May 2014. While sounding cheery, the “spreading sunshine” metaphor was an ironic evocation of Justice Brandeis’s famous statement that “sunlight is … Continue Reading
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