Congress Enacts M&A Broker But What About George Babbitt?

Those who made it to page 1,080 of H.R. 2617 (the "Consolidated Appropriations Act") will know that Congress has amended Section 15(b) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 to exempt "M&A Brokers" from the requirement to register as brokers...

Is The End Of FINRA Drawing Nigh?

AThe Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, aka FINRA, is a non-profit Delaware corporation.  It was formed in 2007 by the combination of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and the regulatory arm of the New York Stock Exchange,...

Unlicensed Broker-Dealers And Investment Advisers Face Treble Damages

In Yokell v. Draper, 2018 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 117427, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley wrote that "California Code of Civil Procedure section 1029.8 provides a private right of action for persons harmed by "[unlicensed persons who cause...

SEC Passes Preemption Question To The Courts

Yesterday, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved Regulation Best Interest.  According to the SEC's announcement, this new regulation will require brokers "to act in the best interest of a retail customer when making a recommendation of any...

Is Nevada's Broker-Dealer Fiduciary Standard Constitutional?

Recently, I wrote about the Nevada Secretary of State's proposal to adopt regulations implementing legislation that imposes a fiduciary standard on brokers.  See Nevada Secretary Of State Unveils Proposed Broker-Dealer Fiduciary Rules.  This rule...

Will "Best Interest" Preempt Fiduciary Duties?

Last month, the Securities and Exchange Commission proposed to established a standard of conduct for broker-dealers when making a recommendation of any securities transaction or investment strategy involving securities to a retail customer.  If...

Does George Babbitt Need a Broker-Dealer License (Part IV)

Today's post picks up where I left of more than seven years ago with the question of whether a licensed real estate broker must be licensed as a broker-dealer under the California Corporate Securities Law of 1968.  See Does George Babbitt Need a...

Another Foolish Inconsistency - This Time For Broker-Dealers

Yesterday's post chided Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC for its inconsistent positions on majority rule.  Today's post tackles a foolish inconsistency in the California Codes.  Section 25217(c) of the California Corporations Code provides:

BrokerCheck - FINRA's Dread Permanent Record

Many a school child has received the awful warning to be careful lest some offense be entered on his or her "permanent record".  As required by statute (15 U.S.C. § 78o-3(i)), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (aka FINRA) has...

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