Initial Observations Regarding Advisers Act Marketing Rule Compliance

With the issuance of the Marketing Rule for Investment Advisers (Rule 206(4)-1) decades of interpretations and guidance were wiped out. We’ve been waiting to see what falls under those seven general prohibitions in the Marketing Rule. We’ve been thirsting for more guidance. We’ve gotten some additional clarification on the performance aspects of marketing. We know … Read more »

A Reminder that Hypothetical Performance Does Not Belong on Your Website

The Securities and Exchange Commission brought actions five investment advisory firms for violations of the Marketing Rule. The firms posted advertisements that included hypothetical performance on their websites. The SEC points out that websites are available to the general public and not “presenting hypothetical performance relevant to the likely financial situation and investment objectives of … Read more »

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!

It survived motions to dismiss, summary judgment and now has survived a jury. The Securities and Exchange enlargement of insider trading, shadow trading, stuck through the case against Matthew Panuwat. The SEC alleged that Mr. Panuwat traded in the stock of Incyte Corporation based on highly confidential information. Incyte was in a similar business to … Read more »

Off-Channel Communications Enforcement Comes to Private Funds

Over the past 2.5 years the Securities and Exchange Commission has charged 60 investment advisory firms and broker-dealers with violations of the record-keeping requirements and collected penalties approaching $2 billion. Those were all broker-dealers, dual-registered investment advisers, or affiliated investment advisers. Broker-dealers have strict communications retention mandates. Investment adviser requirements are not as strict. Private … Read more »