Opinion: If the SEC calls, don’t just call “a lawyer”
When a Fortune 500 company receives an SEC subpoena, they know what to do. When a major bank is contacted by FINRA or the DOJ, they move quickly—and strategically. They don’t just call “a lawyer.” They retain people who live and breathe securities enforcement—attorneys who have either worked inside the SEC or DOJ or trained at elite law firms defending clients in high-stakes regulatory matters. But I see something different play out for smaller companies, startups, founders, and even mid-size financial firms. When they get that same letter or subpoena, they panic. They call the first lawyer they can think of—sometimes a family friend, a generalist litigator, or someone recommended by their insurance panel. And while those lawyers may be talented in other areas, they often have little or no experience with securities enforcement defense.
Gensler Reaffirms SEC's Regulation-By-Enforcement Approach to Crypto Amidst Industry Debate
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler has once again reiterated his commitment to the agency's ongoing regulation-by-enforcement strategy concerning cryptocurrency. Despite criticism from various sectors of the digital asset industry, Gensler maintains that the SEC’s efforts are firmly grounded in decades of legal precedent, and he intends to continue this approach to provide clarity and protection in the rapidly evolving world of digital assets.
Securities Enforcement Forum Central 2024 Recap: SEC Enforcement Trends and Strategic Priorities
The Securities Enforcement Forum Central 2024 delivered high-impact discussions on the future of SEC enforcement. With hundreds of top industry professionals gathered at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago, attendees gained exclusive insights into the SEC’s evolving priorities and key challenges—just days before the agency’s fiscal year-end. Highlights included a keynote with the SEC’s Chicago Regional Director, Tina Diamantopoulos, and panels featuring current and former senior SEC officials. Topics ranged from the implications of SEC v. Jarkesy and increased scrutiny on crypto assets, to insider trading strategies and cooperation credit standards.