Key Compliance Considerations for Third-Party Vendor Oversight

FINRA and the SEC focus on protecting clients’ interests by covering all potential risk areas that could harm investors.

One pivotal area for financial firms to consider is their due diligence efforts related to third-party service providers. Third-party service providers are an extension of your firm. Regardless of whether the vendor is deemed critical or non-critical (Read more on this here), if not properly vetted and continuously supervised, weak controls by your vendor can expose your firm, and by extension, your clients to a range of risks.
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Working with Outside Managers: Third-Party Asset Managers or Sub-Advisers – What is the Difference?

Investment advisers understand that selecting a portfolio which meets a client’s goals and objectives is a fiduciary duty. Sometimes, this involves working with outside managers such as sub-advisers or a third-party asset manager (“TPAM”) who have specialized investment management knowledge to further diversify a client’s portfolio investments. … Read More

Risk Mitigation in Incorporating Emerging Tech Trends into Client Portfolios

Just as with many other sectors of the economy, the securities industry has experienced a fast-coming barrage of changes to the business of investing, most of all in emerging technologies.
Investment Advisers may have ignored the changes in technology several years ago, but those who provide investment advisory services can no longer avoid the fact that clients’ portfolio needs have evolved, and they may fail to act in the best interest of their investors should they overlook it. However, there are some important factors to consider when incorporating new types of assets into clients’ portfolios and steps to take to mitigate risks.… Read More

Another Technology Company Settles SEC Charges Over ICO Violations

Blockchain of Things (“BCOT”), a technology company, has agreed to settle charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for conducting an initial coin offering (ICO) without registering it as a securities offering or qualifying for any registration exemptions.  The settlement requires BCOT to agree to a cease and desist order, pay a $250,000 civil fine, return funds to any investors who file a request, and register the tokens as securities.

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