Legal Insights & Updates

Board members face personal criminal liability for securities fraud even if they did not directly participate. Learn how investigations unfold and what to do.

Most broker-dealer SEC examinations can become criminal traps. Learn why civil violations often lead to DOJ criminal referrals and how to protect your firm.

The SEC can pierce the corporate veil and hold CEOs personally accountable for violations -- even without direct involvement. Learn how and why.

Whistleblowers can file anonymously or confidentially. Learn the differences, which programs allow it, and how an attorney can protect your identity.

All employers are prohibited from retaliating against whistleblowers. Employees who face retaliation may file claims for reinstatement, back pay, and damages.

Family members can face prosecution for insider trading. Each family member charged can face up to $5 million in fines and 20 years imprisonment.

The SEC and FINRA both have authority to impose industry bars. A FINRA bar prohibits all controlling and non-clerical services for securities firms.

FINRA lacks authority to press criminal charges, but investigations can lead to prosecution by the DOJ with potential prison time.

The SEC Whistleblower Program provides strong protections for employees reporting securities violations, including anti-retaliation provisions under Dodd-Frank and SOX.

Criminal insider trading charges carry up to $5 million in fines for individuals and 20 years imprisonment. Learn about the penalties and consequences.