Regulatory Defense

While it may not be surprising that the financial industry is one of the most heavily regulated sectors of business, we are in a period of heightened scrutiny by FINRA, the SEC, and state regulators due to unfathomable abuses that have occurred in the financial industry over the last decade. The regulators are more active than ever in pursuing examinations, investigations, and enforcement actions, and these efforts are also more exhaustive, with regulators unwilling to tolerate even the most minor transgressions. As a result, most Broker-Dealers and Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) will, at some point, be subject to compliance examination and other inquiries made by the SEC, FINRA, DOJ, and state regulators. Professionals who are subject to an investigation or enforcement action not only face a stressful distraction from their business, but also face serious potential consequences, including financial penalties, suspension, and permanent bar from the industry. Furthermore, any findings against a regulated person by a regulator may be reportable and publicly available on the individual’s CRD / ADV Part 2B and can be devastating to an individual’s career.

Our team has the knowledge, experience, and expertise to guide our clients successfully through examinations, investigations, and enforcement actions to achieve the best possible outcome, including obtaining favorable settlements and defending actions through full hearings / cases. Our regulatory defense practice includes representing and defending Broker-Dealers, Registered Representatives, RIAs, and Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs) in all aspects of the regulatory space.