SEC Approves PCAOB Proposals for Updated Audit Standards On August 20, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved two proposals from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) that update audit standards. These proposals focus on the general responsibilities of auditors and the use of technology-assisted analysis in conducting […]
Month: August 2024
SEC Charges Agent Equiniti Trust Co. with Failing to Protect Client Funds Against Cyber Intrusions
Protecting Client Securities and Funds in the Digital Age The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has settled charges against Equiniti Trust Company LLC, formerly known as American Stock Transfer & Trust Company LLC, for failing to safeguard client securities and funds against theft or misuse. This negligence led to a […]
SEC Charges Carl Icahn and Icahn Enterprises L.P. for Failing to Disclose Pledges of Company’s Securities as Collateral for Billions in Personal Loans
SEC Takes Action Against Carl Icahn and Icahn Enterprises L.P. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently announced significant charges against Carl C. Icahn and his publicly traded company, Icahn Enterprises L.P. (IEP). These charges stem from Icahn’s failure to disclose critical information regarding his use of IEP securities as […]
SEC Charges Russell Todd Burkhalter and His Atlanta-Based Firm With $300 Million Ponzi Scheme and Obtains Emergency Relief
SEC Halts Alleged $300 Million Ponzi Scheme by Drive Planning LLC and CEO Russell Todd Burkhalter The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has obtained a preliminary injunction and asset freeze against Atlanta-based Drive Planning LLC and its founder and CEO, Russell Todd Burkhalter, to stop a $300 million real estate […]
Twenty-Six Firms to Pay More Than $390 Million Combined to Settle SEC’s Charges for Widespread Recordkeeping Failures
On August 14, 2024 the SEC announced settlements with 26 broker-dealers, investment advisers, and dual registrants for failures in maintaining and preserving electronic communications. Mark Astarita, a securities defense attorney with Sallah Astarita & Cox, LLC, commented, “We have been telling firms for over a year to review their policies […]
SEC Charges NovaTech and its Principals and Promoters with $650 Million Crypto Fraud
SEC Charges Multi-Level Marketing Company and Promoters with Fraudulent Scheme The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced charges against NovaTech Ltd., a multi-level marketing company, and its promoters for operating a fraudulent scheme that raised over $650 million in crypto assets from more than 200,000 investors worldwide. Alleged Fraudulent […]
SEC Charges OTC Link LLC with Failing to File Suspicious Activity Reports
The SEC has announced charges against OTC Link LLC, a New York-based broker-dealer, for failing to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) for over three years. OTC Link has agreed to pay a $1.19 million penalty to settle the charges. Background Broker-dealers like OTC Link are required to file […]
Ideanomics and Three Executives Settle SEC Charges
SEC Cracks Down on Ideanomics and Executives for Fraudulent Activities The SEC has settled fraud charges against Ideanomics, Inc., its former Chairman and CEO Zheng (Bruno) Wu, and current CEO Alfred Poor, for misleading the public about the company’s financial performance between 2017 and 2019. Key Highlights: Misleading revenue […]
SEC Proposes Joint Data Standards Under the Financial Data Transparency Act of 2022
Streamlining Financial Data: SEC Proposes Joint Data Standards In a significant step towards enhancing financial data transparency, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed joint data standards under the Financial Data Transparency Act of 2022. This move aims to establish technical standards for data submitted to various financial regulatory […]
SEC Charges Founder of Social Media Company “IRL” with $170 Million Fraud
SEC Charges Abraham Shafi with Fraudulent Activities at Get Together Inc. The SEC’s Allegations Against Abraham Shafi The SEC has charged Abraham Shafi, the founder and former CEO of Get Together Inc., a social media startup known as “IRL.” Shafi is accused of defrauding investors by making false and misleading […]