Insights & Regulatory Updates
The Impact of Technology on Securities Markets: A Legal Perspective on the SEC’s Report
The SEC’s recent report to Congress on the impact of technological advances in securities markets isn’t merely a catalog of tech developments; it’s an inventory of how these tools alter the market’s fundamental mechanics—and, yes, its regulatory challenges. If the 20th century markets were defined by floor traders, telephone orders, and paper filings, the 21st century has swiftly evolved into a digital arena dominated by algorithms, blockchain, and AI. The upshot? We’re witnessing a market that’s faster, more accessible, and potentially more transparent, but also laden with new regulatory wrinkles. Let’s examine what the SEC has to say about this digital transformation and its implications for legal compliance, investor protection, and, well, market stability.
SEC Charges Three So-Called Market Makers and Nine Individuals in Crypto Crackdown
In a decisive move against market manipulation in the digital asset space, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently announced fraud charges against three entities claiming to be market makers, as well as nine individuals. The charges stem from alleged schemes designed to create a false impression of active trading for various crypto assets offered and sold as securities to retail investors.
DOJ and SEC Crack Down on Market Manipulation: Enforcement Actions Against Short Sellers Signal Increased Scrutiny
In a decisive move against market manipulation, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have launched parallel enforcement actions targeting prominent activist short seller Andrew Left and his firm, Citron Capital LLC. These actions underscore the increased scrutiny short sellers face and highlight the enduring prevalence of "short-and-distort" campaigns—where short sellers spread false or misleading information to drive down a company's stock price for financial gain.