Insights

Prepared Remarks of Paul S. Atkins at the SEC Investor Advisory Committee

Paul Atkins served as a panelist at the SEC’s Investor Advisory Committee hearing on June 10 that focused on market structure.

EU Exports ESG to the United States

As widely reported, the newly confirmed Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC or Commission), Gary Gensler, is expected to put forth proposals around disclosure of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, beginning with climate risk disclosure. While the U.S. is in the early stages of its ESG journey, the European Union (EU) is much further along.

SPAC Outlook Cloudy But the Need for Excellent Disclosure Is Clear

While there is plenty of uncertainty about the specific future of the Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) industry, it is clear that the industry is on the radar in Washington policy circles.

A Customized Compliance Fence Is Worth the Effort and Investment

Regulations already exist, but are firms building out compliance programs to navigate them in a way that meets regulatory expectations while also boosting risk monitoring and the bottom-line?

Patomak Webinar: Financial Services Regulatory and Enforcement Outlook for 2021

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As the Biden Administration nears its 100 day mark and as agency leaders are confirmed in their roles, the new Administration's work of governing is getting underway. Patomak hosted a webinar moderated by Paul Atkins, and featuring former SEC, CFTC, Department of Justice, Department of Treasury, and CFPB officials who shared their expectations for how agencies will operate and how organizations can best prepare.

Fiduciary Duty, Materiality and Shareholder Proposals Discussed & Debated

While Milton Friedman’s essay “The Social Responsibility Of Business Is to Increase Its Profits” was published more than 50 years ago, the topic continues to be debated and sometimes misunderstood today by experts, investors and regulators alike.

CoinDesk: Paul Atkins Weighs in on the Crypto Regulatory Outlook

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Patomak’s Paul Atkins joins CoinDesk to talk crypto

Six Patomak Takeaways Regarding 2021 SEC Division of Examinations Risk Alert on Digital Assets

Patomak expects SEC scrutiny of Digital Assets to grow dramatically in the year ahead, and is well-prepared to help firms respond by applying its deep expertise developing compliance programs, including designing controls, conducting risk assessments, and supporting due diligence to ensure that Digital Asset business activities comply with SEC rules and anti-money laundering (“AML”) regulations.

2020 Enforcement Guidance

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Jill Sommers and Jamila Piracci write that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have all issued 2020 guidance informing market participants about evaluations and determinations by enforcement staff and prosecutors in conjunction with their respective enforcement actions. While the agencies differ in mission, an examination of the guidance finds common themes and approaches.

Patomak’s Paul Atkins Hosts Webinar Featuring Agency Leaders on Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, and the Evolution of a Central Bank Digital Currency

The November 13 discussion examined the pros and cons of blockchain and cryptocurrency and how it intersects with active central bank digital currency pilot programs underway around the globe.