Securities Enforcement & Regulatory Counseling
A recognized national leader in securities enforcement defense and broker-dealer and investment adviser regulatory counseling, McGuireWoods’ SERC team manages securities investigations at every stage. From informal inquiries and routine exams to investigations, litigation and appeals, the team stands at the forefront of developing issues confronting the securities industry.
The group is anchored by former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority attorneys from enforcement, exams and trading and markets, as well as prominent former federal prosecutors.
The team’s experience — spanning government, in-house and private practice — allows us to guide broker-dealers and investment advisers through a range of regulatory and compliance issues. Our lawyers represent corporate clients, as well as broker-dealers and investment advisers, in matters before the U.S. Department of Justice, SEC, FINRA and state securities regulators and attorneys general.
The team has strong relationships with key industry trade associations and collaborates with them on industrywide issues impacting clients.
How We Help
Securities Investigations
- Accounting and financial fraud
- Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and UK Bribery Act
- Financial services
- Internal investigations
- Securities trading
Securities Litigation
- In court and before SEC, DOJ, FINRA and arbitration panels
- Claims under Sections 11, 12 and 10(b)/Rule 10b-5 of the securities laws and derivative actions
Regulatory Counseling
- Compliance programs
- Examinations
- Firm formation and related transactions
- Regulatory advocacy
Representative Matters
- Major financial services clients, including investment banks and fintechs, on counseling and regulatory enforcement investigations related to non-financial regulatory reporting obligations for U.S. broker-dealers and in compliance with requirements such as the Consolidated Audit Trail, electronic blue sheets, SEC Rules 605 and 606, and transaction reporting to FINRA trade facilities;
- Self-directed online trading platform in regulatory matters involving FINRA sweep letter regarding broker-dealers’ use of social media influencers and SEC investigation into cryptocurrency asset trading through its platform;
- Global electronic trading firm and market maker in an investigation led by FINRA and U.S. equities and options exchanges regarding compliance with SEC Rule 15c3-5, the Market Access Rule; and
- Leading financial services company providing wealth management and investment solutions in connection with SEC and FINRA inquiries regarding the adequacy of supervision and anti-money laundering controls following termination of a registered representative for misconduct.
Download a PDF copy of our team brochure.
McGuireWoods’ Securities Enforcement & Regulatory Counseling Practice Group leverages decades of industry experience and regulatory knowledge to deliver strategic, practical and results-driven guidance that helps clients navigate government investigations, enforcement actions and regulatory challenges in the securities industry.
Nationwide ranking for financial services regulation: broker-dealer (compliance and enforcement).
– CHAMBERS USA
Recognized twice as a White Collar Practice Group of the Year.
– LAW360
