SEC Enforcement Action Targets Discord-Based Investment Fraud The SEC charged Canadian citizen Nathan Gauvin and three related entities with orchestrating fraudulent investment schemes that targeted retail investors across the United States and abroad. According to the SEC’s complaint, Gauvin used Discord servers and other online communications to promote false investment […]
Tag: SEC Enforcement
9 Proven Strategies for Defending an SEC Investigation
In today’s complex regulatory environment, facing an SEC investigation can pose an existential threat for public companies. It also affects private funds, investment advisers, and broker-dealers. The key to mounting a resilient defense lies in early action, clear strategy, and rigorous discipline. I am a securities attorney specializing in regulatory investigations. I’ve outlined nine essential steps to help you defend against SEC scrutiny. These steps will protect your reputation and ensure business continuity.
What Triggers an SEC Investigation
The SEC’s enforcement division investigates potential violations of securities laws and regulations. Several triggers can lead to an SEC investigation: Tips and Complaints: The SEC often receives tips and complaints from whistleblowers, investors, industry insiders, or the public. If these tips suggest potential securities law violations, the SEC may investigate. Market […]
SEC Subpoenas – Tips for Responding – 2025
How you respond to an SEC subpoena makes a difference. Tips from an experienced securities attorney.
Time to Update the SEC’s Wells Process
We have written about the SEC’s Wells process in the past. A Wells Notice is a notice from a regulator that it intends to bring enforcement proceeding against the recipient, and offering the opportunity to argue against those charges. In my article Responding to a Wells Notice, I examined the […]
Insider Trading Settlement in Blue Apron Stock
The SEC has announced the settlement of an insider trading investigation with David J. Minson in the securities of Blue Apron Holdings, Inc. based on material nonpublic information that Minson misappropriated from an immediate family member, a senior executive at Blue Apron(the “Blue Apron Executive”). According to the settlement document, […]
SEC Names Judge Margaret Ryan as Director of the Division of Enforcement
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Judge Margaret “Meg” Ryan has been named Director of the Division of Enforcement, effective Sept. 2, 2025. Acting Director of Enforcement Sam Waldon will return to his previous role as Chief Counsel for the Division. From the Press Release: “I am thrilled […]
SEC Charges Water Machine Manufacturer and Portfolio Manager in $275 Million Fraud Scheme
$275 Million Fraud Case The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed charges against Ryan Wear, founder of Water Station Management LLC and Creative Technologies, Inc., for orchestrating two Ponzi-like schemes that defrauded investors out of more than $275 million. Alongside Wear, portfolio manager Jordan Chirico faces charges for […]
SEC Charges Three Arizona Individuals with Defrauding Investors in $284 Million Municipal Bond Offering That Financed Sports Complex
False Revenue Projections at Heart of $284 Million Bond Fraud The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed charges against Randall “Randy” Miller, Chad Miller, and Jeffrey De Laveaga, accusing them of orchestrating a deceptive municipal bond scheme involving fabricated financial documents. The scheme allegedly misled investors in two […]
SEC Charges Investment Adviser and Two Officers for Misuse of Fund and Portfolio Company Assets
SEC Takes Action Against Investment Adviser and Executives Over Misappropriation of Assets Washington, D.C., March 7, 2025 – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced settled charges against registered investment adviser Momentum Advisors LLC, along with its former managing partner Allan J. Boomer and former chief operating officer Tiffany […]
