SEC Charges Jeffrey Berkowitz & Others By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 24, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced the latest in a series of cases against microcap companies, officers, and promoters arising out of a joint law enforcement investigation to unearth penny stock schemes with roots in South Florida.  In complaints filed in federal court in Miami, the SEC charged five penny stock promoters... Read More
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/jeff-berkowitz/

Jeffrey Berkowitz & Others Indicted By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

The FBI announced indictments of six individuals today in connection with microcap fraud.  Jeffrey Berkowitz, 57, of Palm Beach County, a stock promoter, was charged by information with conspiracy to engage in a scheme to manipulate the publicly q...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/jeffrey-berkowitz/

Jeffrey Berkowitz & Others Indicted By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

The FBI announced indictments of six individuals today in connection with microcap fraud.  Jeffrey Berkowitz, 57, of Palm Beach County, a stock promoter, was charged by information with conspiracy to engage in a scheme to manipulate the publicly q...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/jeffrey-berkowitz/

Jeffrey Berkowitz & Others Indicted By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

The FBI announced indictments of six individuals today in connection with microcap fraud.  Jeffrey Berkowitz, 57, of Palm Beach County, a stock promoter, was charged by information with conspiracy to engage in a scheme to manipulate the publicly q...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/jeffrey-berkowitz/

SEC Charges Jeff Berkowitz & Others By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

On May 24, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced the latest in a series of cases against microcap companies, officers, and promoters arising out of a joint law enforcement investigation to unearth penny stock schemes with roots in So...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/jeff-berkowitz/

SEC Suspends Andalusian Resorts By: Brenda Hamilton Attorey

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 19, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) announced  the temporary suspension, pursuant to Section 12(k) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), of trading in the ...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/andalusian-resorts/

SEC Charges Four Pension Officials for Regulation SHO Violations By:Brenda Hamilton

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 19, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) announced charges against four former officials at clearing firm Penson Financial Services for their roles in Regulation SHO violations. An SEC investigation found that Penson’s securities lending practices intentionally and systematically violated Rule 204 under Reg. SHO.  The SEC’s Enforcement Division alleges that Penson’s chief... Read More
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/pension-financial/

SEC Announces Charges Against Four Pension Officials for Regulation SHO Violations By:Brenda Hamilton

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 19, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) announced charges against four former officials at clearing firm Penson Financial Services for their roles in Regulation SHO violations.   An SEC in...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/pension-financial/

Rule 506 Offerings FAQ By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog Rule 506 Offerings are the most common of the Regulation D exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).   It has been over 8 months since the Securities and Exchan...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/rule-506-offerings/

Rule 506 Offerings FAQ By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog Rule 506 Offerings are the most common of the Regulation D exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).   It has been over 8 months since the Securities and Exchan...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/rule-506-offerings/

Rule 506 Offerings FAQ By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog Rule 506 Offerings are the most common of the Regulation D exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).   The Jumpstart Our Business Startup Act (the “JOBS Act
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/rule-506-offerings/

SEC Suspends FusionPharm By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 16, 2-014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) announced the temporary suspension, pursuant to Section 12(k) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), of trading in the securities of FusionPharm, Inc. (“FusionPharm”) of Denver, Colorado, at 9:30 a.m. EDT on May 16, 2014, and terminating at 11:59 p.m. EDT on May... Read More
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/fusion-pharm/

SEC Shuts Down FusionPharm By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

On May 16, 2-014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) announced the temporary suspension, pursuant to Section 12(k) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), of trading in the securities of FusionPharm, In...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/fusion-pharm/

SEC Suspends Pingify – PGFY – By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 14, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) announced the temporary suspension, pursuant to Section 12(k) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act ), of trading in the securities of Pingify International, Inc. ( PGFY ), of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada at 9:30 a.m. EDT on May 14, 2014, and terminating at 11:59 p.m.... Read More
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/pgfy/

SEC Suspends Pingify - PGFY - By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 14, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) announced the temporary suspension, pursuant to Section 12(k) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), of trading in the securi...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/pgfy/

SEC Charges Couch Oil & Gas in $10 Million Scheme By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 12, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") filed suit in United States District Court in Dallas, Texas, alleging that, from at least September 2010 through January 2012, Charles O. Couch of Irv...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/couch-oil-gas/

Telexfree Principal Becomes Fugative By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney, Boca Raton Florida

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On Friday, May 9, 2014, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts charged James M. Merrilland Carlos N. Wanzeler with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the alleged TelexFree pyramid scheme ...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/telexfree-indicted/

Principals of Telexfree Indicted By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney, Boca Raton Florida

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On Friday, May 9, 2014, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts charged James M. Merrilland Carlos N. Wanzeler with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the alleged TelexFree pyramid scheme ...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/telexfree-indicted/

Raising Capital 101 By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog A private or public company can raise capital in a variety of ways. Traditional sources of capital for companies include loans from financial institutions such as a bank, or from friends and family as well as receivable f...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/raising-capital-attorney/

Astrologer Stock Broker, Gurudeo Persaud Barred by SEC By: Brenda Hamilton Florida Securities Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 9, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) announced that public administrative proceedings were instituted pursuant to Section 15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchan...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/gurudeo-persaud/

Astrologer Stock Broker, Gurudeo Persaud Barred by SEC By: Brenda Hamilton Florida Securities Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 9, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) announced that public administrative proceedings were instituted pursuant to Section 15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchan...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/gurudeo-persaud/

SEC Disclosures for Smaller Reporting Companies By: Brenda Hamilton Florida Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog The SEC Disclosure rules allow smaller reporting companies to provide less comprehensive disclosures in their reports and filings so that compliance with the SEC's disclosure requirements is  less burdensome. These red...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/sec-disclosures/

SEC Disclosures for Smaller Reporting Companies By: Brenda Hamilton Florida Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog The SEC Disclosure rules allow smaller reporting companies to provide less comprehensive disclosures in their reports and filings so that compliance with the SEC's disclosure requirements is  less burdensome. These red...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/sec-disclosures/

The Direct Public Offering Solution l By: Brenda Hamilton Florida Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog The direct public offering ("Direct Public Offering") has become the premier method used in going public transactions. A Direct Public Offering allows a company to publicly offer and sell unrestricted securities directly ...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/direct-public-offering-2014/

SEC Investigations 101 l Posted by Brenda Hamilton – Florida Attorney

Securities Law 101 Blog Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) investigations can result from a variety of mfactors. SEC investigations can be triggered in matters ways, including during the SEC s routine review of SEC reports and schedules, routine inspections by FINRA of clearing houses and/or brokerage firms, reports and tips from investors or whistleblowers, referrals from other government agencies, news reports and the media, and... Read More
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/sec-investigation/

SEC Investigations 101 l Posted by Brenda Hamilton - Florida Attorney

[caption id="attachment_7189" align="alignleft" width="199"] Ask Securities Lawyer 101 l SEC Enforcement[/caption] Securities Law 101 Blog Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) investigations can result from a variety of mfactors. SEC ...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/sec-investigation/

SEC Issues Trading Suspension of IMDS By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May  8, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) deems it necessary and appropriate for the protection of investors that public administrative proceedings be, and be instituted pursuant to Section 12(j) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) against Imaging Diagnostic Systems, Inc. (“IMDS”).    The SEC also announced the temporary suspension, pursuant... Read More
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/imds/

SEC Institutes Proceeding Against IMDS By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May  8, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) deems it necessary and appropriate for the protection of investors that public administrative proceedings be, and be instituted pursuant...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/imds/

SEC Registration Statement Q & A l By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog SEC registration statements are the most efficient and reliable method for a private company to obtain public company status. Using a registration statement, companies provide transparency to investors and avoid the risks...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/sec-registration-statement-2/

Regulation A l The Colossal Exemption l Securities Lawyer 101

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On December 18, 2013, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") voted to propose rules impacting Regulation A . The rules are mandated by the 2012 Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act and designed to encourage ...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/regulation-a-proposals/

SEC Suspends Cannabusiness Group – By:Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 7, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC ) announced the temporary suspension, pursuant to Section 12(k) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), of trading of the securities of Cannabusiness Group, Inc. (“CBGI”), of Irvine, California at 9:30 a.m. EDT on May 7, 2014, and terminating at 11:59 p.m. EDT... Read More
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/cannabusiness/

SEC Suspends Cannabusiness Group - By:Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 7, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") announced the temporary suspension, pursuant to Section 12(k) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), of trading of the secu...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/cannabusiness/

Market Makers 101 By: Brenda Hamilton

The Role of Market Makers in Going Public Transactions Securities Lawyer 101 Blog  Market makers play a critical role in the going public process. The last step in  a going public transactions is for the soon-to-be-public company to locate its s...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/market-maker-211/

Going Public Law – Posted by Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog A private company going public is subject to three federal securities laws, each with its own unique requirements.  The three laws are the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (”Sarbanes-Oxley”).In addition to the federal securities laws, companies going public are subject to... Read More
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/going-public-laws/

Going Public Law - Posted by Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog A private company going public is subject to three federal securities laws, each with its own unique requirements.  The three laws are the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), the Securities Exchange Act of...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/going-public-law-2/

SEC Charges Toronto Consultant and Four Others in China Reverse Merger Schemes

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 5, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission charged a Toronto-based consultant and four associates with conducting illegal reverse merger schemes to bring a pair of China-based companies into the U.S. markets so they could manipulate trading and reap millions of dollars in illicit profits. Reverse mergers are commonly used as vehicles to evade the... Read More
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/china-reverse-merger/

SEC Charges Toronto Consultant and Four Others in China Reverse Merger Schemes

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 5, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission charged a Toronto-based consultant and four associates with conducting illegal reverse merger schemes to bring a pair of China-based companies into the U.S. markets ...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/china-reverse-merger/

Securities Lawyers Gone Wild l Allen Ross Smith Charged

Posted by Brenda Hamilton Attorney Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 2, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) charged Florida lawyer Allen Ross Smith with fraud in connection with his role in in an advance fee investment scam run...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/allen-ross-smith/

The Bank Secrecy Act 101 By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog Posted By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney The Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) requires financial institutions in the United States to assist U.S. government agencies to detect and prevent money laundering activity. The Act’s reg...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/bank-secrecy/

SEC Issues Partial Stay of Conflict Minerals Rules By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog On May 2, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission  issued an order staying the effective date for compliance with the portions of the Conflict Minerals Rules specifically Exchange Act Rule 13p-1 and Form SD that wo...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/conflict-minerals/

OTC Pink Current Q & A l By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog Companies quoted with the OTC Pink tier are assigned to one of three tiers by the OTCMarkets based upon the amount of disclosure provided to the public.  The OTC Pink Current tier is the highest of these tiers, created ...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/otc-pink-current-tier/

OTC Pink Current Q & A By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog Companies quoted with the OTC Pink tier are assigned to one of three tiers by the OTCMarkets based upon the amount of disclosure provided to the public.  The OTC Pink Current tier is the highest of these tiers, created ...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/otc-pink-current-tier/

FINRA Members to Investigate FINRA U-4 Applicants

FINRA approved new rules that require member firms to verify the accuracy of information provided by prospective applicants on FINRA U-4 applications.  Additionally, FINRA will review public financial records for all registered representatives that have not been fingerprinted in the prior 5 years.  

FINRA Addresses Market Maker Payments For Form 211

Securites Lawyer Blog Posted by Brenda Hamilton, Attorney On March 13, 214, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC" or "Commission") a proposed rule change that will impact Form...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/form-211/

FINRA Addresses Market Maker Payments For Form 211

Securites Lawyer Blog Posted by Brenda Hamilton, Attorney On March 13, 214, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC" or "Commission") a proposed rule change that will impact Form...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/form-211/

FINRA Addresses Market Maker Payments For Form 211

Securites Lawyer Blog Posted by Brenda Hamilton, Attorney On March 13, 214, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC" or "Commission") a proposed rule change that will impac...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/form-211/

Forex Scams 101 l Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) warn that off-exchange forex trading is at best extremely risky, and at worst, outright fraud.  Forex sc...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/forex-scams/

SEC Integration of Public & Private Offerings By: Brenda Hamilton Attorney

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog Issuers often need to raise funds during their going public transactions to offset legal and accounting costs.  The SEC integration rule addresses the circumstances under which an issuer can raise capital privately while ...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/sec-integration/

FINRA Members to Investigate FINRA U-4 Applicants

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog FINRA approved a new rule that require member firms to verify the accuracy of information provided by prospective applicants on FINRA U-4 applications.  Additionally, FINRA will review public financial records for all re...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/finra-u-4/

FINRA Members to Investigate U-4 Applicants

Securities Lawyer 101 Blog FINRA approved a new rule that require member firms to verify the accuracy of information provided by prospective applicants on Form U4.  Additionally, FINRA will review public financial records for all registered repres...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/finra-u4/

New OTCMarkets Rules for OTCQB Companies Take Effect: By Brenda Hamilton Attorney

OTC Pink Paper Series Posted by Brenda Hamilton Attorney On May 1, 2014, OTCMarkets' new rules for OTCQB stocks were implemented, as promised.  The changes were announced a month ago, taking many issuers and investors by surprise adding signific...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/otcmarkets-rules/

Fund Manager Brian Callahan Pleads Guilty In $96 Million Ponzi Scheme

On April 29, 2014, Brian Callahan pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud for operating a $96 million Ponzi scheme through his various

Securities Lawyers Gone Wild l Three-Time Felon & Lawyer Indicted

On

April 6, 2014, Texas attorney Richard Plato was  indicted  for mail fraud and securities fraud.

Plato is a disbarred attorney who has been convicted in three separate criminal cases, including money laundering and wire fraud in the collapse of a large Florida insurer.  

The indictment of Plato by a Texas grand jury is for seven counts of mail fraud and two counts of securities fraud. Richard Plato, the owner of Momentum Production Corp. of Baytown, allegedly

SEC Charges Barry Bekkedam In Connection with Banyon Fund By:Brenda Hamilton

Posted by Brenda Hamilton Attorney The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has filed securities fraud charges against Barry R. Bekkedam, of Hobe Sound, Florida. Bekkedam is the former owner, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Ballam...
http://www.securitieslawyer101.com/barry-bekkedam/