SEC charges broker-dealer for failure to protect against insider trading by employees

Abstract

Purpose – To alert broker-dealers to Securities and Exchange Commission charges brought against a broker-dealer for ineffective controls over employee use of confidential information and to provide guidance regarding development and implementation of controls to protect against improper use of material non-public information by employees. Design/methodology/approach – Reviews Securities and Exchange Commission settlement order with broker-dealer for violations of securities laws for failure to adequately prevent insider trading by employees and provides guidance for implementing control to prevent insider trading. Findings – The Securities and Exchange Commission’s charges are the first to be brought against a broker-dealer for failure to adequately protect against insider trading. A broker used a customer’s confidential information regarding an impending acquisition by a private equity firm to purchase stock in the target company. The broker-dealer settled charges of violations of the federal securities laws for failing to adequately establish, maintain, and enforce policies and procedures to protect against insider trading by employees with access to confidential client information. Originality/value – Practical guidance regarding internal controls at broker-dealers from experienced securities litigation and regulation lawyers.