
FINRA’s Latest Reg BI Fine Shows Why ‘Boilerplate’ Policies No Longer Work
FINRA’s $25k fine proves FINRA Reg BI boilerplate policies are a regulatory target. This article breaks down the Alexander Investment Services case and explains why your firm needs specific, not generic, supervisory procedures to avoid sanctions.

When Marketing Meets Compliance: Lessons from the SEC’s First Marketing Rule Case
The SEC’s Marketing Rule case against Meridian shows why advisers must verify claims and maintain strong compliance controls.

SEC’s Spring 2025 Regulatory Agenda: Familiar Themes, Expansive Scope
The SEC’s Spring 2025 regulatory agenda outlines priorities across crypto oversight, disclosure simplification, private market access, and rule revisions.

SEC Enforcement Update: Lessons on Compensation-Driven Conflicts
The SEC’s latest enforcement actions highlight the risks of compensation-driven conflicts and inconsistent disclosures.

SEC Action Highlights Compliance Risks in Fee and Expense Practices
The SEC charged a private equity adviser for breaching its fiduciary duties due to improper fee and expense practices.

FinCEN Delays AML Rule for Investment Advisers Until 2028, With Revisions Likely
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has postponed its AML rule for investment advisers until 2028 and may revise key elements.

Think Before You “Fix” It: CCO Missteps That Led to Personal Fines and Bars
Recent SEC enforcement actions against two Chief Compliance Officers (CCOs) serve as a stark reminder that CCOs can be held personally liable for misleading regulators during an examination.

SEC Phishing—What’s happening — Who’s being targeted
SEC phishing scam targets small RIAs using fake emails from David Bottom. Learn how to spot red flags and protect your firm from pretexting attacks.

New FinCEN AML Rule Brings Investment Advisers Under Bank-Like Scrutiny
In a major regulatory shift, FinCEN has finalized its AML rule for investment advisers, aligning them with bank-level compliance under the Bank Secrecy Act.

The SEC Walks Back 14 proposals – But Stay Alert
SEC withdraws 14 major rule proposals, signaling a regulatory shift—but firms shouldn’t assume reduced oversight.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins Sets Pro-Innovation Tone in First Public Remarks
SEC Chair Paul Atkins outlines a pro-innovation agenda, highlighting market access, fintech integration, and clearer crypto regulation.

Top Compliance Program Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) (Part 3 of a three-part series)
By addressing the common pitfalls discussed in this article, firms can strengthen their compliance infrastructure and better demonstrate their commitment to regulatory responsibility.