Washington D.C., Jan. 24, 2024 New Rules for Investor Protections The Securities and Exchange Commission today adopted new rules and amendments to enhance disclosures and provide additional investor protection in initial public offerings (IPOs) by special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) and in subsequent business combination transactions between SPACs and target […]
Mark J. Astarita
JP Morgan SEC Violation: Confidential Agreements Impede Client Communications
Washington D.C., Jan. 16, 2024 – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken action against J.P. Morgan Securities LLC for their alleged hindrance of clients from reporting potential securities law violations. SEC Charges J.P. Morgan The SEC has officially charged J.P. Morgan with impeding numerous advisory clients and brokerage […]
Understanding What is a Security?
A security is a form of ownership in an entity. While some believe that in order to be a security the instrument must be traded on a market, the legal definition of a security is much broader. The definition is important, because if the instrument is a security, then the federal and state securities laws apply to the purchase and sale of that instrument. We define and explain the different types of securities
$93 Million Real Estate Investment Fraud
Washington D.C., Jan. 3, 2024 — The SEC has recently secured an asset freeze and other urgent measures in response to a suspected $93 million real estate investment scam. The main figure in this scandal is Rishi Kapoor, a Miami-based property developer. This case also implicates Location Ventures LLC, Urbin […]
Mark Cuban Criticizes the SEC; Again
Mark Cuban criticizes the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for not effectively protecting investors. He likens the SEC to “the QuickBooks of Financial Regulation,” suggesting they are more proficient in bookkeeping than in proactive investor protection. Cuban highlights his involvement with Sharesleuth.com, a platform he owns that uncovers fraudulent […]
BarnBridge DAO Agrees to Stop Unregistered Offer and Sale of Structured Finance Crypto Product
Introduction In a recent development, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken action against BarnBridge DAO, a decentralized autonomous organization, and its founders, Tyler Ward and Troy Murray. The charges revolve around the failure to register the offer and sale of structured crypto asset securities known as SMART Yield […]
Still Think Settling with the SEC is the Right Move?
By: Mark J. Astarita, Esq. In the article linked below, the authors believe that the landscape of SEC enforcement is changing. According to this article, entities and individuals facing SEC actions are winning, or not losing as much. Of course, the examples in the article are purely anecdotal, and there […]
SEC Argues against Liu Disgorgement Ruling
On Friday, the Securities and Exchange Commission asked a federal appeals court to reconsider a ruling that it said prevents the agency from clawing back ill-gotten gains in cases in which laws were violated but no victims were harmed. But that is the point of the Supreme Court decision in […]
SEC Issues Staff Report on Accredited Investor Definition
SEO Title: Understanding the Evolving Accredited Investor Definition: A Comprehensive SEC Report Analysis Introduction to the SEC’s Review of Accredited Investors The SEC has released an in-depth staff report concerning the definition of an accredited investor. This action aligns with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act mandates, […]
9 Proven Strategies for Defending an SEC Investigation
Defending an SEC Investigaton Facing an SEC investigation can be a daunting challenge for any individual or organization and defending an SEC investigation takes experience and knowledge. The SEC is a formidable regulatory body with the authority to scrutinize financial activities, and being prepared for such an inquiry is crucial. […]