Home » Knowledge Center

Legal Risk Management Tips

Strategic Defense Approach to SEC or FINRA Enforcement Actions

There are several approaches a firm can take if they are faced with an investigation or potential enforcement action for failing to meet regulatory requirements. A firm’s approach to allegations or enforcement actions will depend heavily on their existing compliance culture, their history of documentation and recordkeeping, and their ability to demonstrate their commitment to compliance. … Read More

Risk Mitigation: “Charging Order” Protection When Forming LLCs for Business Purposes

Structuring a business strategically plays a major role in optimizing benefits and in protecting the business from potential issues.  Another important facet of strategically structuring a business is to plan for the unexpected and put in place safety nets and contingency plans in the event of a business threat. This is the core principle of risk mitigation. What happens if a business owner is unable or unwilling to pay off a personal debt? Can creditors come after their business assets? It depends.… Read More

Leadership Succession Planning is a Must for Risk Mitigation

Succession planning is an integral part of any business’s long-term objectives toward continuity. It is important to have a comprehensive, frequently reviewed, and updated plan that lays the blueprint for what happens when the head of a business or other key members of the organization are on a planned or unexpected leave of absence. Businesses that do not have a succession plan could face many challenges, especially if the departure of the owner is unexpected. However, for small to midsized firms, the challenges could be crippling. … Read More

Cybersecurity: Attacks, Risk Mitigation, and Regulatory Compliance

In an increasingly digital world, where financial transactions and sensitive information are often stored and transmitted electronically, investment advisers face a growing threat from cyber-attacks. The financial sector is a hot bed of sensitive personal and financial data making it a magnet for cybercriminals. … Read More

Industry Publications

Recent Blog Posts

SEC Releases EXAMS Priorities for 2025

On Oct. 21, 2024 , the US Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) published a press release announcing their 2025 Examination Priorities. Many of the focus areas come as no surprise, as the SEC has diligently alerted industry and investors alike to what their areas of concern have been throughout the year. There are, however, a few areas that registrants may find require an extra review or a deeper dive.… Read More

Private Funds Adviser Charged for Integration Doctrine Violations

The Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) recently charged a Private Funds Adviser for violations of the Registration and Custody rules, specifically as they relate to integration doctrines.

This is the first SEC enforcement action in over ten years against an Investment Adviser for violations against the Integration Doctrine. The Integration Doctrine is set forth in Rule 152 of the Securities Act of 1933 and prevents the separating of single offerings into multiple offerings to take advantage of exemptions that would otherwise not be available if the offering was not divided.… Read More

Policies and Procedures- SEC Priorities and Areas of Scrutiny

As part of any Compliance Program, your Policies and Procedures provide one of the strongest internal controls for what to do, and when. Policies and Procedures are critical for helping to mitigate risk and provide direction to employees on how to comply with the various securities regulations that govern your business. That is why it is so important, prior to year-end, to review and update Policies and Procedures to ensure they are customized to your business practices, with consideration for new regulations and use of technology to help govern your firm.… Read More

Events

Media Mentions

Need Help Navigating Complex Legal Matters for Your Business?

Our experienced team takes a confident, calm, and responsive approach to each client’s situation, strategizing together internally and as an extension of your team to ensure that all the right bases are covered and the proper steps are taken to reach your business objectives.