Insights

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

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.

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By: Patomak Global Partners

CoinDesk: Paul Atkins Weighs in on the Crypto Regulatory Outlook

Patomak’s Paul Atkins joins CoinDesk to talk crypto

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

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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.

The SEC’s Six Month Review of Reg BI and Form CRS

The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority indicated that firms appear to be on the right track with Reg BI and Form CRS compliance, but also offered requirement reminders and observations of industry practices to aid firms in meeting regulatory expectations. Around the rules’ implementation, the SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations and FINRA have been conducting exams to understand and assess how firms are complying with the rules.

When a Penny Saved Becomes a Penny Burned

As firms grapple with market gyrations and declining revenues, many are engaging in the hunt to cut costs. It may sound self-serving for a compliance consultancy to sound the warning against looking for those savings in a firm’s compliance budget, but our caution comes from experience.

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By: Laura Magyar