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SEC Clarifies Application of Federal Securities Laws to Crypto Assets
On March 17, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a formal interpretation providing clarity on the application of federal securities laws to crypto assets and related transactions. This move signifies a substantial step towards defining the regulatory landscape for crypto assets, complementing ongoing legislative efforts in Congress to…
Executive Order Directs SEC Review of Proxy Advisor Regulations
On December 11, 2025, a significant development emerged in the realm of corporate governance as President Trump issued an executive order titled “Protecting American Investors from Foreign-Owned and Politically Motivated Proxy Advisors.”
SEC Division of Examinations Flags Marketing Rule Compliance Shortcomings
On December 16, 2025, the SEC's Division of Examinations issued a Risk Alert shedding light on recurring deficiencies in investment advisers' adherence to the Marketing Rule under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
SEC Cracks Down on RIA for Decade-Long Compliance Lapses
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently initiated administrative proceedings against Rudney Associates, Inc., a California-registered investment adviser, and its principal, Eric A. Rudney, for extensive compliance failures spanning over a decade
SEC Charges Adviser for Causing Fund to Violate Auditor Independence Requirement
On November 21, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) took action against a registered investment adviser, issuing an order instituting and settling cease-and-desist proceedings for causing a registered fund to violate the auditor independence requirement as mandated by Section 30(g) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
SEC Grants Limited Exemptive Relief for Hybrid ETF and Mutual Fund Share Class Structure
On November 17, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued an exemptive order granting Dimensional Fund Advisors permission to operate a registered open-end investment company with both an exchange-traded fund (ETF) share class and one or more traditional mutual fund share classes within the same fund
SEC to Limit Responses to No-Action Requests on Shareholder Proposals
On November 17, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced a temporary policy change impacting the upcoming proxy season. For the period spanning October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, the Division of Corporation Finance will significantly curtail its responses to no-action requests concerning the exclusion of shareholder proposals…
FINRA Fines First Trust Portfolios for Gifts and Entertainment Violations
On October 31, 2025, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) levied significant penalties against First Trust Portfolios L.P., a wholesale distributor of securities, for violations related to gifts, entertainment, and non-cash compensation.
SEC Delays Certain Regulation NMS Compliance Dates
On October 31, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued an order providing temporary exemptive relief from specific compliance dates outlined in Regulation NMS (National Market System).
SEC Greenlights Certain State Trust Companies for Crypto Custody
On September 30, 2025, the SEC's Division of Investment Management offered a significant clarification regarding cryptocurrency custody, issuing a no-action letter that impacts registered investment companies and SEC-registered investment advisers.
What Is Fashion & Luxury Law? | Legal Guide for Fashion, Luxury & Lifestyle Brands
Discover Fashion & Luxury Law—a specialized legal practice helping fashion, luxury, and lifestyle brands protect creative assets, navigate contracts, comply with advertising and sustainability regulations, and expand internationally. Learn when and why specialized legal support matters.
Books & Records Compliance for Solo RIAs | SEC Rule 204-2 Guide
If you’re a solo Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), your success hinges on trust, transparency, and accountability. But none of those can be proven without one thing: documentation.
SEC Sanctions Investment Adviser for Marketing Rule, Books-and-Records, and Compliance Violations
SEC sanctions Meridian Financial for marketing rule violations, faulty books-and-records, and weak annual compliance reviews. Learn what happened, key takeaways for advisers and broker-dealers, and how to proactively ensure your firm stays compliant with current Advisers Act requirements.
SEC Issues No-Action Relief for State Trust Companies as Crypto Custodians
SEC grants no-action relief for state trust companies as crypto custodians, clarifying eligibility for advisers and funds. Learn the conditions, impact on custody diligence, and updated disclosure and governance requirements.
SEC and CFTC Issue Joint Statement on Spot Crypto Asset Trading
SEC and CFTC issue a joint statement on spot crypto asset trading, signaling potential regulated venues for commodities-like crypto products. Explore implications for exchanges, advisers, and brokers, plus what this means for due diligence, disclosures, and market access.
SEC Staff Clarifies Position on Registered Closed-End Funds Investing in Private Funds
SEC staff clarifies stance on registered closed-end funds investing in private funds, removing the 15% cap and accred investor limits. Explore implications for disclosures, suitability, and compliance, plus what changes mean for fund distribution and investor communications.
RIA Form ADV Explained: What Every Investment Adviser Needs to Know in 2025
Master the essentials of Form ADV filing in 2025 with this comprehensive guide for investment advisers. Understand each ADV part, filing deadlines, and how to avoid compliance pitfalls with expert help from LawVisory.
What is Required to Register as an RIA in 2025?
Learn everything required to register as an RIA in 2025 with our complete guide to SEC and state investment adviser registration.
What RIAs Need to Know About M&A, Conflicts, and Retail Investor Protection
Learn how M&A, conflicts of interest, retail investor protection, and fiduciary duties shape the SEC’s 2026 exam priorities for RIAs. Key risks, insights, and steps to prepare.
Navigating the SEC’s 2026 Examination Priorities: What Advisers and Firms Need to Know
Navigate the SEC’s 2026 Examination Priorities with a clear guide to fiduciary duties, compliance programs, cybersecurity, AML, and emerging tech risks for RIAs and firms.
5 Gaps in RIA and Broker-Dealer Privacy Policies That Could Fail a Regulation S-P Exam
Most RIAs and broker-dealers have privacy policy gaps that could fail a Regulation S-P exam. Learn the 5 common weaknesses — incident response, vendor oversight, breach notification, safeguards, and evidence documentation — and get actionable steps to stay compliant before 2025/2026
Do You Have a Privacy Policy That Truly Protects Your Firm, Your Supervised Persons, and Your Clients?
Every RIA and broker-dealer has a privacy policy. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most policies don’t actually protect the firm, its supervised persons, or its clients from a breach.
Business Continuity Planning for Financial Advisors | BCP Guide
Running a successful financial advisory firm means planning for the unexpected — not just for your clients’ futures, but for your own business’s resilience.
FINRA Rule 4370 Business Continuity Planning (BCP) Requirements Explained
To safeguard against disruptions, FINRA’s Rule 4370 mandates that member firms develop and maintain comprehensive Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) and emergency contact protocols.
Navigating Business Continuity Planning (BCP): Ensuring Resilience in the Face of Disruption
Business Continuity Planning (BCP) serves as the backbone for resilience, especially for financial firms regulated by bodies like FINRA. Understanding and implementing a robust BCP is essential to protect customer interests, maintain regulatory compliance, and safeguard operational integrity.
NASAA Model Rules Explained for Solo RIAs | Compliance Guide
Launching a solo Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) firm is a bold move—but with independence comes responsibility. Chief among them? Compliance. And one of the most important frameworks guiding state-level compliance is the NASAA Model Rules, developed by the North American Securities Administrators Association.
Compliance Calendar for Solo RIAs | Stay Audit-Ready Year-Round
For solo Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs), compliance isn’t just a box to check—it’s a constant balancing act between regulatory obligations and growing your business. Without a structured system, even the most diligent adviser can miss a filing deadline or overlook a critical review. That’s where a well-designed compliance calendar becomes…
Navigating New CFTC Guidance on Voluntary Carbon Credits: What Market Players Need to Know
Navigate the CFTC’s new guidance on voluntary carbon credits: ensure quality, transparency, and compliance for VCC derivatives with robust verification and governance.
Treasury Postpones Investment Adviser AML Rule: What It Means for the Industry
Discover the implications of the Treasury's postponement of the Investment Adviser AML Rule to 2028. Learn how this delay affects compliance, regulatory reviews, and what investment advisers should do to prepare for upcoming changes in anti-money laundering regulations.
Unlocking the SEC’s Updated 2025 Marketing Rule FAQs: What Investment Advisers Need to Know
Unlock the SEC’s updated 2025 Marketing Rule FAQs—discover how investment advisers can simplify extracted performance presentations, enhance marketing flexibility, and ensure compliance with the latest SEC guidance.
SEC’s New No-Action Letter Eases Accredited Investor Verification Under Rule 506(c)
Learn how the SEC’s new no-action letter eases accredited investor verification under Rule 506(c), offering investment advisers greater flexibility, cost savings, and simplified compliance for private offerings and general solicitation.
SEC Fines Investment Advisers Over $63M for Off-Channel Communications Violations
The SEC charged 12 firms for using unauthorized messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal for business communications. Learn how to avoid costly record keeping violations.
SEC Charges Investment Adviser for Misleading AML Compliance Claims
The SEC has charged Navy Capital Green Management for misrepresenting AML procedures and violating compliance laws. Learn what this means for investment advisers and how to avoid similar pitfalls.
Navigating the SEC’s 2025 Names Rule FAQs: What Investment Advisers Need to Know
Stay ahead of SEC regulations with our detailed guide to the 2025 Names Rule FAQs. Learn how investment advisers can ensure compliance with the 80% investment policy, navigate municipal fund nuances, and update disclosures to avoid regulatory risks.
How the SEC’s New Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit is Changing the Game for Investment Advisers
Discover how the SEC’s new Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU) is redefining cyber security and fraud enforcement for investment advisers. Learn what steps to take for compliance and protecting clients in 2025.
SEC Staff Provides Crucial Disclosure Guidance for Crypto Asset Offerings and Registrations
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The SEC’s Game-Changing Update: Simplifying SEC Rule 506(c) for Capital Raisers
Discover how the SEC's recent update on Rule 506(c) revolutionizes capital raising for issuers. Learn about new verification methods, reduced compliance burdens, and strategies to leverage this game-changing regulation for your fundraising success.
Regulatory Landscape for AI-Driven Securities Promotion
Discover the regulatory landscape for AI-driven securities promotion, focusing on compliance for broker-dealers. Explore key considerations, including communications, supervision, vendor management, and record keeping to navigate the evolving financial sector effectively.
The SEC Bows Out: No Appeal on Private Fund Advisers Rule Ruling
In a surprising decision, the SEC will not appeal the Fifth Circuit Court's ruling vacating the Private Fund Advisers Rule. Explore the implications for private fund regulation, investor protections, and the future of the investment landscape in our analysis.
Texas Federal Courts Strike Down DOL’s Retirement Security Rule: What You Need to Know
Discover how the Texas Federal Courts' recent ruling against the DOL's Retirement Security Rule impacts retirement planning and fiduciary responsibilities.
SEC’s Transformative Amendments to Forms N-Port and N-CEN: A Boost for Transparency and Liquidity Management
Discover how the SEC's amendments to Forms N-PORT and N-CEN enhance transparency and liquidity management in the investment industry.
SEC’s Latest Amendments to Regulation NMS: Navigating the Future of Equity Markets
Explore the SEC's groundbreaking amendments to Regulation NMS that will transform equity markets.
SEC Cracks Down: Nine Investment Advisers Charged for Marketing Rule Violations
The SEC has charged nine investment advisers with violating the Marketing Rule by using misleading advertisements.
SEC Cracks Down on Investment Advisers: Violating Whistle blower Protections
The SEC has taken action against three investment advisers for violating whistle blower protection rules, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in the finance sector.
SEC Adopts EDGAR Next: Enhancing Security and Streamlining Filings
The SEC's recent amendments to the EDGAR system usher in a new era of security and efficiency for financial filings. Discover how individualized user credentials, a new dashboard, and API integration will enhance your filing experience.
FINRA’s Proposed Rule Change: A New Era for Residential Supervisory Locations
Explore FINRA's proposed rule change for Residential Supervisory Locations (RSLs) that simplifies reporting and enhances compliance for firms. Learn how these changes adapt to remote work trends and what firms need to do to prepare.
Expert Tips for Maintaining SEC Compliance: Why Outsourcing to Industry Veterans is Key
Discover how outsourcing your SEC compliance to experts with extensive SEC, legal and regulatory experience can help your RIA stay compliant and focused on client success. Explore the benefits of our fractionalized Chief Compliance Officers and/or Chief Legal Officer services.
Top 5 Compliance Challenges Faced by RIAs in 2024: Navigating SEC Regulations
Discover the top 5 compliance challenges Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) face in 2024, focusing on SEC regulations, updates, and amendments. Stay ahead with expert insights on maintaining compliance.
Navigating the SEC Marketing Rule: Your Comprehensive Guide to Compliance
Discover how to navigate the SEC Marketing Rule and enhance your compliance through expert partnership with LawVisory. Gain insights from SEC Risk Alerts and elevate your marketing strategy.
Understanding SEC Investment Adviser Registration Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore the SEC investment adviser registration requirements, exceptions, compliance best practices, and tips for success in understanding this critical aspect of financial advisory.