Doug Cornelius on compliance for private equity real estate
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been a political hotspot since it was first proposed in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. The Republican leadership miscalculated in blocking Elizabeth Warren from becoming the first CFPB Director, which allowed her to turn to election as Senator and becoming a much larger political figure. Her replacement … Read more »
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Enforcement Division just issued a report highlighting its priorities for the coming year a look back at enforcement actions that took place during the past year. The Enforcement Division’s Co-Directors Stephanie Avakian and Steven Peikin stated stated five core principles that will guide their enforcement decision-making: focus on the Main Street investor; … Read more »
According to a story by Jean Eaglesham in the Wall Street Journal, at least two employees working for SEC’s Inspector General have filed complaints alleging that he and his senior staff retaliated against them for calling out misconduct within the inspector general’s office. The allegations center on potential time and attendance fraud by a supervisor … Read more »
One of the complaints voiced by private equity firms when put under the scrutiny of the Securities and Exchange Commission was that their fund investors were sophisticated and adept when making their investment choices so there were fewer problems. Some of the actions coming out of fund review has proven that thesis may not be … Read more »
Expenses charged by private equity managers to their portfolio companies and their funds has been on the SEC’s radar since Dodd-Frank. Apollo Management was one of those caught with improper fee calculations last year. One item mentioned was the inappropriate expenses charged to the funds by one of its partners. We got more detail on … Read more »
One of the arguments made by Lynn Tilton in her battle against the administrative law judges of the Securities and Exchange Commission was the inherent unfairness of that judicial system compared to the federal courts. She failed in her battle against the system, but won on the merits. From October 2010 through May 2015, 90 … Read more »
Lynn Tilton and her firm, Patriarch Partners, are known for their high-risk, high-return investments in distressed companies. The Securities and Exchange Commission brought a case against her and the firm claiming that they were using improper valuations, failing to mark down assets when the investment became more distressed. Ms. Tilton chose to fight the charges … Read more »
With Chairman Jay Clayton in place, the Securities and Exchange Commission is now controlled by Republican appointees. Former Chair White came from a litigation and prosecutor background. Chair Clayton comes from a deal-making and capital formation background. I think we can guess the direction of the SEC for the next few years. Beyond the guessing, … Read more »
Earlier this month, the Securities and Exchange Commission released 23 new frequently asked questions (“FAQs”) on Form ADV to provide guidance on recent amendments to Form ADV. Those amendments become effective in October. These new FAQs include guidance on (i) the umbrella registration approach that many private fund sponsors use to register multiple affiliates and … Read more »
The Securities and Exchange Commission has essentially been claiming that its remedy of disgorgement is not subject to a statute of limitations. To the SEC, disgorgement is not punitive but remedial in that it lessens the effects of a violation by restoring the status quo. Charles Kokesh decided to fight back against this position. In the … Read more »