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HomeWho’s Minding the Store at the SEC?
Posted by Larry Doyle on May 1st, 2012 6:33 AM |
The folks at the SEC could not possibly still be tuning in to porn, could they?
Do you think that any SEC lawyers are once again blowing the cover of whistleblowers?
Would we know if the SEC is complying with the Freedom of Information Act?
While many in Washington and America might think these issues begin and end at the desk of the SEC chair, Mary Schapiro, the simple fact is the real oversight of this organization falls under the purview of the SEC’s Inspector General. Really? Oh yeah!! How so? (more…)
Please Sign Petition re: Peter Sivere – George Demos
Posted by Larry Doyle on March 8th, 2012 10:10 AM |
Aside from my hope that readers would care enough to share my writing and passion for the Sense on Cents virtues of truth, transparency, and integrity I do not believe I ask for much if anything from those who come here.
Well, today I am asking.
How might you help?
More than you may ever fully know or appreciate. (more…)
Will Whistleblower Protections Suffer at Hands of Rep. Michael Grimm “Reaper” (R-NY)?
Posted by Larry Doyle on February 7th, 2012 11:14 AM |
Representative Michael Grimm (R-NY) was ceremoniously inducted into the Sense on Cents Hall of Shame in May 2011. Not that I ever believed there was reason to doubt his induction, but recently I witnessed further reason to cement his status in the elevated ranks of shame.
As regular readers are fully aware, I write passionately about pursuing the truth while promoting investor education and investor protection. The history of the last few years has shown that the financial services industry has not exactly shared our passion.
Who has shared the passion and took very real professional risk in the process? Numerous and sundry whistleblowers. (more…)
Book Review: Reckless Endangerment: A Wall Street-Washington Incestuous Legacy and A MUST READ
Posted by Larry Doyle on January 21st, 2012 3:33 PM |
Years from now when people study what led to the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression, they will have plenty of material to review. This is good.
Unlike our current era in which we clearly failed to learn from past crises, I hope future generations will not only study what led to our current crisis but then actually do something so it is not repeated. We have yet to begin that process.
On that note, let’s start right now to save our collective future. How so?
If we are to save our future, then let’s be brutally honest about our past and our present. (more…)
Can Whistleblowers ‘Cross-Examine’ the SEC? Part II
Posted by Larry Doyle on January 10th, 2012 6:37 PM |
My commentary the other day entitled Can Whistleblowers ‘Cross-Examine’ the SEC? received a fair bit of attention and some rather interesting comments. In light of the very fluid developments within the realm of financial regulation, I strongly recommend that post.
The primary concern I raised within that commentary – and hence the title – was that a key panel at the upcoming 39th Annual Securities Regulation Institute consists solely of industry insiders. Why might that be such a concern?
Well, one of the main critiques of our financial regulatory system made by many, including Harry Markopolos, has been the revolving door between our regulators and the industry.
Why is a revolving door such a concern? Stick with me here. (more…)
Can Whistleblowers ‘Cross-Examine’ the SEC?
Posted by Larry Doyle on January 9th, 2012 7:09 AM |
Later this month, Northwestern Law will be hosting its 39th Annual Securities Regulation Institute in Coronado, California. In light of everything that has occurred on Wall Street and in Washington, one might think this could be a lively conference as it looks to provide:
A timely analysis of recent laws and developments in the corporate and securities law fields presented by senior SEC officials and leading practitioners.
While reviewing the conference invitation, I am particularly intrigued by one workshop to be held on Friday morning, January 20th. What is this workshop? Who is involved? Why am I so intrigued? Please stick with me here as we preemptively try to connect some dots.
Judge Rakoff: “Truth is Confined to Secretive, Fearful Whispers”
Posted by Larry Doyle on November 28th, 2011 6:53 PM |
Many participants in our financial markets and political circles clearly have little interest in allowing a full exposition of facts and figures on a wide array of topics. Why let those trifling principles get in the way of maximizing profits and currying favor for political gain, right?
“That’s not how we roll” here at Sense on Cents. Truth, transparency, and integrity are ALWAYS the order of the day.
Our prized virtues may not be embraced in our nation and the world at large, but that does not mean we should or will ever forsake them. (more…)
Is Jon Corzine “Too Big to Be Indicted”? Part III
Posted by Larry Doyle on November 22nd, 2011 4:29 PM |
This commentary runs a little long, but I exhort you to read it in its entirety as it captures the sentiments of readers who are extremely close to or actually “in the MF arena.” Their messages are filled with real pain and anguish which is not found in the media. This is reality. I hope you will want to share this post with your friends. LD
As if $600 million in missing customer funds were not enough, recent news emanating from the debacle that defines the bankruptcy of MF Global puts the estimated misappropriation of customer funds at a cool $1.2 billion. Yes, billion with a B!
Those involved in the markets would easily ascertain that those manning the MF Global ship redirected these customer funds in an attempt to save the ship as it was going down. The customers themselves remain in a state of shock and bewilderment as to how this reality might ever have come to pass.
Meanwhile, the outrage in America burns while the lack of trust and confidence in the markets, the market makers, and those charged with protecting investors grows stronger by the day.
You don’t believe me? Read on and chew on these messages I recently received from people “in the arena”: (more…)
SEC and FINRA “Accountability Is Impossible Without Transparency”
Posted by Larry Doyle on June 17th, 2011 6:46 AM |
“Good corporate governance is a system in which those who manage a company — that is, officers and directors — are effectively held accountable for their decisions and performance. But accountability is impossible without transparency.”
Truer words were never spoken. The above statement very succinctly highlights a cornerstone principle of Sense on Cents. Whomever issued this proclamation would certainly seem to be a strong candidate for the Sense on Cents Hall of Fame. Regrettably not.
Our current SEC chair Mary Schapiro offered those pearls of wisdom in December 2009 and the Washington Post concluded its commentary SEC Tightens Rules On Investment Advisers, Corporate Transparency with that quote from Ms. Schapiro. If only Mary would practice what she preached. (more…)
What’s Really Going on at the SEC?
Posted by Larry Doyle on March 10th, 2011 9:44 AM |
How do you view the local cops on the beat within your hometown? I recall fondly looking up to the ‘men in blue’ as a young boy in Boston. The general admiration and respect for our law enforcement back then certainly did not mean that there were not improprieties occurring. We should not be that naive. That said, the institution of law enforcement itself definitely commanded respect. Can we say the same for those enforcing financial regulations today? Regrettably the record over the last number of years shows significant shortcomings.
These shortcomings at the SEC were supposed to change under the leadership of Mary Schapiro. (more…)
