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Treasury Sanctions Five Nicaraguan Officials for Repression

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned five Nicaraguan government officials for their roles in enabling repression. These sanctions target individuals leading key financial, communications, and military agencies within the Nicaraguan government.

Treasury Sanctions Iran's Shadow Fleet and Weapons Networks

The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned over 30 individuals, entities, and vessels involved in illicit Iranian petroleum sales and ballistic missile/advanced conventional weapons programs. This action aims to increase economic pressure on Iran by targeting its revenue streams and weapons capabilities.

Treasury Sanctions Exploit Broker Network for Cyber Tools

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's OFAC designated Sergey Zelenyuk and his company, Operation Zero, along with five associated individuals and entities, for acquiring and distributing stolen U.S. government cyber tools. This is the first action taken under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act.

Treasury Sanctions Sudanese Commanders for Atrocities

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's OFAC sanctioned three commanders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for atrocities in El-Fasher, Sudan. These individuals were involved in ethnic killings, torture, starvation, and sexual violence during the RSF's siege and capture of the city.

Treasury Proposes Severing Swiss Bank MBaer's U.S. Access

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's FinCEN has proposed a rule to sever Swiss bank MBaer's access to the U.S. financial system due to its financial support for illicit actors linked to Russia and Iran. If finalized, U.S. financial institutions would be prohibited from maintaining correspondent accounts for MBaer.

MutualOne Bank Consent Order

The Division of Banks and the FDIC have issued a consent order against MutualOne Bank. The order requires the bank's Board of Directors to ensure their supervision and direction of management are commensurate with the bank's size and risk profile, and to complete an independent assessment of the board and management within 90 days.

SEC Dismisses Civil Enforcement Action Against Vidul Prakash

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has dismissed its civil enforcement action against Vidul Prakash. The dismissal was filed via a joint stipulation with the defendant and is with prejudice, meaning the case cannot be refiled. The SEC cited the facts and circumstances of the case, including evidence developed in discovery, as the basis for its decision.

SEC v. Ofer Abarbanel - Fraud Orchestrator

The SEC announced a final consent judgment against Ofer Abarbanel, the alleged orchestrator of a $100 million fraudulent scheme involving two mutual funds. Abarbanel was permanently enjoined from future violations and ordered to pay disgorgement, offset by amounts already recovered and forfeited in a parallel criminal case.

FINRA Amends Rule 3220 on Gifts to Employees of Others

FINRA has adopted amendments to Rule 3220, increasing the annual gift limit to employees of other firms from $100 to $300. The amendments also codify current guidance and provide for exemptive relief, aiming to modernize rules and promote efficiency without reducing investor protection. Conforming amendments were made to related rules.

ESMA Publishes Q&As on Financial Markets, MiCA, CCPs, and Transparency

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published updated Questions and Answers documents covering various EU financial market regulations. These Q&As provide clarifications on topics including crowdfunding, Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), OTC derivatives, central counterparties (CCPs), and the Transparency Directive.

ESMA Publishes Annual Equity Transparency Calculations

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published its annual transparency calculations for equity and equity-like instruments, effective April 6, 2026. These calculations determine liquidity assessments, relevant markets, large-in-scale thresholds, and tick-size regimes.

SEC Order Directing Third Disbursement of Fair Fund in Computer Sciences Corporation Matter

The SEC has issued an order directing a third disbursement of Fair Funds in the administrative proceeding against Computer Sciences Corporation. Approximately $517,004.73 will be distributed to harmed investors, bringing the total disbursed to 22.23% of their recognized claims.

SEC bars Ofer Ababaneh from investment industry

The SEC has barred Ofer Ababaneh from associating with any investment adviser, investment company, or any other person or entity registered or required to be registered with the Commission. This action follows Ababaneh's guilty plea and sentencing for investment adviser fraud, resulting in a 48-month prison sentence and restitution of $106,000,000.

SEC Revokes LNP R Group Inc. Securities Registration

The SEC has revoked the securities registration of LNP R Group Inc. due to non-compliance with Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act and associated rules. The company failed to file required periodic reports after September 30, 2023. This action is effective February 27, 2026.

SEC Adopts Final Amendments for Holding Foreign Insiders Accountable Act

The SEC has adopted final amendments to rules and forms under the Exchange Act to implement the Holding Foreign Insiders Accountable Act. These amendments require directors and officers of foreign private issuers with U.S. registered equity securities to disclose beneficial ownership and transactions. The rule becomes effective on March 18, 2026.

Edward Jones Consent Order - Retail Minimum Commissions

The Massachusetts Securities Division has entered into a consent order with Edward Jones & Co., L.P. regarding unreasonable commissions charged on certain small principal equity transactions. Edward Jones will pay $11,287,504 nationwide for overcharging on approximately 781,240 transactions over a five-year period.

Massachusetts Securities Division Charges Nantasket Trading and David Markiewicz with Fraud

The Massachusetts Securities Division has filed an administrative complaint against Nantasket Trading, LLC, and David Markiewicz for alleged violations of the Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act. The respondents are accused of misrepresenting the purpose and use of investor funds and diverting them for personal use.

Massachusetts Securities Enforcement Action - Ideal Financial Services

The Massachusetts Securities Division has initiated an enforcement action against Ideal Financial Services. The action appears to involve allegations of fraud and the misappropriation of assets, with specific details to be outlined in the full document.

Massachusetts Securities Division Consent Order against John W. Sullivan

The Massachusetts Securities Division has issued a consent order against John W. Sullivan, Javelin Securities, LLC, and Ozone Capital Markets, LLC for violations of the Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act. The violations include failure to make proper disclosures, inadequate supervision of a barred individual, and improper record-keeping. The order settles the investigation with prejudice.

Massachusetts Securities Division v. Jose Encarnacion - Securities Fraud

The Massachusetts Securities Division has filed an administrative complaint against Jose Encarnacion and Trinity Estate Investments & Development LLC for alleged violations of the Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act. The complaint alleges fraudulent misrepresentation in the offering and sale of unregistered securities, primarily targeting immigrant communities.

Colorado Securities Board Composition and Duties

The Colorado Securities Board has updated its public notice regarding the composition, duties, and current members of the Securities Board. The notice outlines the required qualifications for board members, their advisory role to the Securities Commissioner, and lists the current appointees with their professional backgrounds.

Colorado Securities Act, Municipal Bond Supervision Act, Commodity Code

This document provides links to various Colorado statutes and rules related to securities, municipal bonds, and commodities. It includes the Colorado Securities Act, the Municipal Bond Supervision Act, and the Colorado Commodity Code, along with their respective regulations. The page also links to federal SEC laws and information on protecting vulnerable adults from financial exploitation.

Eric Gemelli Barred from Securities Sales in Colorado for 10 Years

The Colorado Securities Commissioner has barred Eric Gemelli and his company, Market4Caster, LLC, from selling securities in Colorado for 10 years. Gemelli admitted to unlicensed sales of over $3 million in unregistered securities, violating the Colorado Securities Act.

Colorado Adopts Rules Extending Licensing Exam Validity

The Colorado Division of Securities has adopted new rules extending the validity of licensing exams for sales representatives and investment adviser representatives (IARs) up to five years. These rules, effective January 14, 2026, incorporate FINRA's MQP and NASAA's EVEP, allowing individuals to maintain qualifications by meeting specific criteria and completing annual continuing education.

Colorado Division of Securities Enforcement Actions

The Colorado Division of Securities has published a list of its recent enforcement actions. These actions are taken against individuals and entities violating securities laws and regulations within the state. The list provides access to specific case details and outcomes.

Stifel Nicolaus & Company - Texas Securities Board Consent Order

The Texas State Securities Board (TSSB) has issued a consent order against Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc. for charging unreasonable commissions on approximately 45,352 equity transactions nationwide over five years, totaling over $885,480. Stifel agreed to the order, settling a coordinated investigation with multiple states.

RBC Capital Markets Fined and Reprimanded by Texas Securities Board

The Texas State Securities Board (TSSB) issued a disciplinary order against RBC Capital Markets, LLC, fining and reprimanding the firm for charging unreasonable commissions on equity transactions. The order resolves investigations by a multi-state group of regulators.

Logan Cox Reprimanded for Investment Adviser Registration

The Texas State Securities Board has issued a disciplinary order against Logan Cox, an investment adviser representative and agent. Cox consented to the order, which reprimands him for failing to give appropriate weight to certain costs associated with an alternative investment recommendation, violating Regulation Best Interest.

Texas Emergency Cease and Desist Order Against TEXITcoin

The Texas State Securities Board has issued an Emergency Cease and Desist Order against TEXITcoin, MineTXC, Blockchain Mint, and Robert J. Gray. The order alleges violations of Texas securities laws related to the unregistered offering and sale of cryptocurrency.

Cease and Desist Order Against J. Davenport Advisors

The Connecticut Department of Banking has issued a Cease and Desist Order and Notice of Intent to Fine against J. Davenport Advisors, LLC and its principal, John F. Davenport. The order stems from alleged violations of the Connecticut Uniform Securities Act and its regulations discovered during examinations and investigations.

Block, Inc. Consent Order with NY DFS

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) has entered into a consent order with Block, Inc. (formerly Square, Inc.) resolving an enforcement investigation into deficiencies in its Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML) program and violations of consumer protection regulations. Block will pay a penalty to resolve these matters.

NY DFS Consent Order to Roach & Murtha

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued a consent order to Roach & Murtha, Attorneys at Law, P.C. The order addresses violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) related to debt collection practices between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. The firm failed to conduct meaningful attorney review, used deceptive representations, and employed unfair means to collect consumer debts.

Wise US Inc. Consent Order with Multiple States

Wise US Inc. has entered into a Consent Order with six states (California, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts) following a multi-state examination. The examination identified deficiencies in Wise's Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (BSA/AML/CFT) program, including issues with independent reviews, suspicious activity reporting, and transaction monitoring.

NY DFS Consent Order to Paxos Trust Company

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued a consent order to Paxos Trust Company, LLC. The order resolves findings that Paxos failed to conduct proper due diligence on Binance and maintain effective anti-money laundering programs, as required by a 2020 letter agreement.

Healthplex Inc. Consent Order with NY DFS

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued a consent order against Healthplex, Inc. for violations of the state's Cybersecurity Regulation. Healthplex will pay a penalty and must implement corrective actions to comply with data protection and multi-factor authentication requirements.

Wunderpetz LLC Consent Order - Unregistered Franchises

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions entered a Consent Order against Wunderpetz, LLC for offering unregistered franchises. The company was ordered to pay $500 in investigative costs and cease and desist from further violations.

Washington State DFI Final Order against Isaac Mayanja & Associates

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions entered a Final Order against Isaac Mayanja & Associates and Isaac Nsejjere Mayanja, revoking their registration and imposing a $62,000 fine. The order stems from false filings, failure to disclose, and impeding an examination.

Washington State DFI v. Anguluri, Innovative Investing Group - Statement of Charges

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities issued a Statement of Charges against Prasad Anguluri and Innovative Investing Group Inc. for operating an unregistered investment adviser business and misleading investigators, seeking fines, disgorgement, and a cease and desist order.

Peterson Wealth Management LLC and Bryce Peterson - Consent Order

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions entered a Consent Order against Peterson Wealth Management LLC and Bryce Peterson for violating the Securities Act by acting as unregistered investment advisers and exceeding de minimis clientele limits. The order includes a $15,000 fine, disgorgement, and investigative costs.

Washington State DFI v. iCap Enterprises - Securities Fraud

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has issued a Statement of Charges against iCap Enterprises, Inc., Chris Christensen, Jim Christensen, and 10 other related parties for alleged securities fraud. The action seeks to impose fines, costs, and cease and desist orders for operating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded over 1,800 investors out of at least $250 million.

SEC v. Fernando Passos - Fraud Enforcement Action

The SEC announced a final consent judgment against Fernando Passos, former executive vice president of IRB Brasil Resseguros S.A., for fraud. Passos is permanently enjoined from violating antifraud provisions, barred from serving as an officer or director of a public company, and ordered to pay a $500,000 civil penalty.

Texas DOB Enforcement Orders Update

The Texas Department of Banking has updated its Enforcement Orders page, adding new entries for various financial services, including Money Services Businesses, Perpetual Care Cemeteries, and Private Child Support Enforcement Agencies. Notable additions include specific revocation and cease and desist orders.

FCA CEO Speech: UK Wholesale Finance Renaissance

FCA chief executive Nikhil Rathi delivered a speech on the future of UK wholesale finance, emphasizing the UK's role as a global trading hub and the FCA's commitment to market integrity and reform. The speech, delivered at the Goldman Sachs EMEA Head of Trading conference, highlighted opportunities for growth and the need for the UK financial sector to adapt at market speed.

SEC Bars Ricardi Celicourt for Unregistered Broker Activities

The SEC has barred Ricardi Celicourt from association with any broker or dealer and from participating in any penny stock offering. This action follows findings that Celicourt acted as an unregistered broker, facilitating the sale of unregistered securities for Royal Bengal Logistics, Inc. and receiving over $517,000 in compensation.

ESMA Supervisory Briefing on Algorithmic Trading

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued a supervisory briefing to support consistent supervision of algorithmic trading across the EU. The briefing provides National Competent Authorities with tools and clarified expectations for supervising firms engaged in algorithmic trading under MiFID II, including considerations for AI.

ESMA Consults on EMIR 3 Post-Trade Risk Reduction Services

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has launched a consultation on the requirements for post-trade risk reduction (PTRR) services under EMIR 3. The consultation seeks feedback on draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) that define conditions for PTRR services to benefit from a clearing obligation exemption.

Texas Banking Commissioner Cease and Desist Order

The Texas Banking Commissioner has issued an emergency cease and desist order against Child Support Services, Inc., Child Support Services of Atlanta, Inc., and Stuart Clay Cole. The order stems from allegations of operating as an unregistered private child support enforcement agency and engaging in deceptive practices, including mail fraud.

Order Revokes Registration for Empire CSR L.P. Child Support Resources

The Texas Department of Banking has revoked the registration of Empire CSR L.P. d/b/a Child Support Resources. The agency's surety bond lapsed, its owner died, and attempts to contact the firm were unsuccessful, leading to the revocation.

SEC v. Tai Mo Shan Limited - Cease-and-Desist Order and $123M Penalty

The SEC has extended the deadline for the Division of Enforcement to submit a Proposed Plan of Distribution for the Fair Fund established in the cease-and-desist order against Tai Mo Shan Limited. The order requires Tai Mo Shan to pay a total of $123,095,287.00 in disgorgement, interest, and penalties for unregistered securities offerings.

SEC Reinstates Accountant Joseph Jennings, CPA After Suspension

The SEC has issued an order reinstating Joseph Jennings, CPA, to practice before the Commission as an accountant. Jennings was suspended in 2018 for insider trading violations related to the H.J. Heinz Company and Kraft Foods Group, Inc. merger.