Bettina Eckerle – Eckerle Law

FINRA recently announced that it fined LPL Financial LLC (LPL) $7.5 million for several significant email system failures. The firm was also ordered to create a $1.5 million fund to compensate brokerage customers potentially…more

For startups and entrepreneurs looking to explore crowdfunding opportunities, there is really only one concern: how to attract donors/pledgers (and let’s call them investors for simplicity sake, shall we) for your campaign. A…more

FINRA recently announced that it fined LPL Financial LLC (LPL) $7.5 million for several significant email system failures. The firm was also ordered to create a $1.5 million fund to compensate brokerage customers potentially…more

The SEC continues its efforts to prove that it is up to the task when it comes to adviser oversight. Chairwoman Mary Jo White recently testified before Congress that increasing adviser examinations is a top priority. White…more

SEC recently finalized rules requiring investment advisers, and other entities under its purview to adopt programs to detect red flags and prevent identity theft. The compliance date is November 20, 2013. …more

FINRA is on pace to break its own enforcement records, based on the number of cases filed so far this year. …more

While the financial crisis wreaked havoc on many retirement accounts, it had a significant upside for those tasked with minimizing the damage. Investors actually trust their advisers more today. Fidelity Investment’s “Five…more

Speculation is again growing about when the SEC will complete its rulemaking duties under the JOBS Act. In addition to new crowd funding rules, the agency must still approve rules to eliminate the prohibition against general…more

While everyone is waiting for the SEC, several states are taking their own turn at crafting regulations. Lawmakers have already passed legislation in Kansas and Georgia. North Carolina is the latest state to weigh in. …more

When talking about crowdfunding, there are three main players. They are the issuers, intermediaries, and investors in any deal. In this article, I am talking about equity crowdfunding as envisioned by the JOBS Act. But aside…more

Until the SEC finalizes rules to implement the JOBS Act, private fundraising, i.e. of rounds of financing without registering securities with the SEC, is restricted to accredited investors with a net worth of $1 million or…more

Lawmakers, led by Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., are calling on SEC Chairmen Mary Jo White, to ban what they call “unfair” arbitration agreements. They have specifically asked the SEC to use its authority under Section 921 of the…more

The SEC extended the compliance deadline for certain large trader recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring requirements to November 1 of 2013. The second phase of the implementation was originally scheduled to take effect on May…more

Lawmakers, led by Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., are calling on SEC Chairmen Mary Jo White, to ban what they call “unfair” arbitration agreements. They have specifically asked the SEC to use its authority under Section 921 of the…more

Complex products remain one of FINRA’s top compliance concerns, according to CEO Richard Ketchum. Other areas of interest cited by Ketchum included conflicts of interest and exams. …more