Nasdaq just filed to trade tokenized securities on its main exchange because apparently, someone in compliance said “what if we made this even more complicated?
Nasdaq Wants to Tokenize Wall Street. What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Read More »
In 2025, the real market threat isn’t inflation or interest rates, it’s your IT vendor’s intern forgetting to update a password. Cloud service providers, “strategic partners,” and generative AI have become more than just catchphrases. Data leaks, supply chain chaos, AI model failure, and vendor dependence are now the top exposures ranked by banks and asset managers. Translation: It is likely that someone else’s server room will be the scene of your next problem. The panic has been detected by regulators. Enforcement, audits, and “show-us-your-controls” emails are on the horizon. Businesses are investing heavily in compliance through AI governance committees, third-party risk dashboards, strengthened contracts, and bulked-up audits (since nothing says “safety” like another committee). The takeaway is straightforward: these are no longer unique dangers. PowerPoint risk frameworks are insufficient for CEOs, CROs, and CCOs to hide behind. Congratulations! You are already the case study if you are delaying updating controls until after the breach.
AI, third parties & cyber are the top 2025 compliance stressors Read More »
A $10,000 fine and suspension were imposed by FINRA three months after the agency discovered a Texas broker working as a real estate tycoon.The broker operated a real estate company that bought, sold, and leased houses, but they neglected to inform their firm. That is an issue in accordance with FINRA Rule 3270. Brokers must
Texas Broker Suspended Over Unapproved Real Estate Business Read More »
Here we are, folks. The government shuts down, and the Securities and Exchange Commission proves once again that it’s really just another federal agency in a suit. More than 90% of staff furloughed. Enforcement? Paused. IPO approvals? On ice. ETF filings? Collecting dust in inboxes no one’s checking. This is bad news for issuers, investors, and anybody else who expected the SEC to provide timely guidance. Unless, of course, you are looking for “emergency functions,” which is a slang term for “we will act after it is late.” The irony? Markets never close. Scammers continue to con, businesses continue to raise money, and Wall Street continues to trade. However, the beat’s lead police officer just posted a “be back later” sign on the door. The fraudsters must be ecstatic.
Another day, another Robinhood penalty. Robinhood Financial and Robinhood Securities were recently ordered by FINRA to pay $26 million in fines and $3.75 million in restitution. The fees? Weak anti-money laundering systems, inadequate supervisory supervision, and false statements regarding their alleged “collaring” of customer market orders comprise this best hits compilation of compliance errors.The irony
Markets continue to operate even while Washington is closed. However, the SEC becomes sluggish. IPOs stop as a result. The window for raising financing quickly closes for companies that are waiting to go public.The PositiveSqueezing supply might increase demand. Deals that do price may become more alluring if there are fewer initial public offerings (IPOs)
IPO windows will compress if a shutdown drags on and time is of the essence. Read More »
Going Independent? Start with a Solid Legal and Compliance Foundation Legal and regulatory issues are frequently at the top of the list of worries for financial professionals who want to leave the industry and launch their own independent business, and with good cause. Building a practice that is both legally sound and complying with regulations
The Legal and Compliance Roadmap to Going Solo as a Financial Advisor Read More »
