News & Events

At the CFTC a line has been drawn: the regulator will shift away from focusing on “regulating the last crisis” to ensure that they remain relevant in modern markets. Rather than reacting to market innovation, the CFTC sees a role for itself in advancing and promoting innovation. This new viewpoint was prominently discussed in the first public address of Brian Quintenz, newly sworn in as Commissioner of the CFTC. Mr. Quintenz challenged the entire approach undertaken by his predecessors toward regulating the activity of the sector.

In his first address to the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), newly-elected and third-time President Joseph Borg identified key priorities for his upcoming term. He emphasized cooperation between state and federal regulators and highlighted NASAA’s commitment to strengthened enforcement, technology advancement and cybersecurity. 

Testifying at an oversight hearing before the Senate Banking Committee on September 26, 2017, SEC Chairman Jay Clayton addressed concerns over the SEC’s disclosure of a 2016 cyber-security breach involving its own EDGAR system for corporate filings, as well as the massive breach of the Equifax credit reporting agency database that put in jeopardy the personal information of over 140 million Americans. In response to these cyber incidents, the SEC is planning to utilize its new Cyber Unit, and New York State has propsed regulations that would give its Department of Financial Services the power to oversee credit reporting agencies.

Bates Group today introduced Arbitrator Evaluator™ — an essential information source and analytical tool to streamline and enhance the time-consuming process of identifying, ranking, and selecting arbitrators.

This week, Bates Research sits down with experts Alex Russell and Shane Shook to talk about data analytics and regulatory enforcement, the increasingly complex responsibilities of compliance officers, and what firms should be doing to prepare in this changing technological landscape.

Bates Group is proud to introduce our newest Experts: Bill Jannace, Barry Koch, Bob Kopprasch and Jeff Mazer.

We are pleased to share the conclusion of FP Transition's video roundtable series featuring Bates Managing Director David Birnbaum. 

A FINRA arbitration panel recently assessed over $1.5 million in costs, disgorgement and punitive damages against a privately held financial services and investment firm in relation to allegations of senior financial abuse and violations of state and federal securities laws (among other claims). The outcome of this case, together with a new North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) "Pulse Survey" of state securities regulators on the topic of senior financial fraud, and a newly announced National Association of Attorneys General senior financial fraud initiative are the latest chapters in the story of an industry working to address elder and vulnerable clients. Bates Group has been following both the federal and state efforts to help seniors and other vulnerable investors.

On August 28, 2017, the Office of Management and Budget approved the Department of Labor’s (DOL) 18-month Fiduciary Duty Rule (Rule) delay request, extending the Transition Period and applicability of certain requirements and exemptions of the Rule until July 1, 2019.

We are please to share this continuation of FP Transition's video roundtable series featuring Bates Managing Director David Birnbaum. The series will wrap up with Part 3 after Labor Day.

The SEC is not slowing down in its extensive use of sophisticated data analytics to drive enforcement efforts. Last week, the agency brought charges against seven individuals who participated in complex insider trading schemes that netted millions of dollars in illegal profits. The case has garnered significant attention because the defendants were caught by the SEC using data analytics despite the defendants’ use of sophisticated methods and new communications technologies to evade detection. Bates has played a leadership role in the public discussion of the enforcement implications and use of big data analysis by the regulatory agencies. In this post we review some recent enforcement developments and the increasing role of the SEC’s Market Abuse Unit (MAU)’s Analysis and Detection Center (ADC).

Expert Spotlight on Fraud & Forensics Expert Mary-Jo Kranacher, MBA, CPA/CFF, CFE. 

The road to implementation of the Department of Labor’s fiduciary duty rule continues to be bumpy. The latest turn may mark yet another delay of the Rule. Specifically, the requirements of the Rule that took effect on June 9, 2017 may be extended from its original, full compliance date of January 1, 2018 to July 1, 2019. Today we report on the DOL’s recent moves and offer recommendations for financial services firms to consider as they navigate the ongoing regulatory and compliance uncertainty. 

At the SEC, CFTC and FINRA, key personnel changes are finally taking place, and with them some repositioning around new agendas. Today we bring you an update on recent developments and appointments to watch.

Bates Group is pleased to announce the release of this first of three special Roundtable Talks featuring FP Transitions’ Marcus Hagood’s one-on-one interview with Bates Managing Director David Birnbaum to discuss the importance of compliance when it comes to acquisitions, as well as recent regulatory changes.

Bates Group is dedicated to giving back to the communities where we work and live by donating our time and talent. Here we highlight some of the contributions made by members of the Bates team.