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Posts Tagged ‘Mary Schapiro’

Is the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission Providing Cover for FINRA?

Posted by Larry Doyle on May 6th, 2010 11:03 AM |

The Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission is charged with the following:

… a bipartisan commission that has been given a critical non-partisan mission — to examine the causes of the financial crisis that has gripped the country and to report our findings to the Congress, the President, and the American people.

So far, I would grade the Commission’s work as an F, as in failing . . . as in f@*%ing pathetic. Why so harsh?   (more…)

Sense on Cents Responds to Obama Administration Request for Input

Posted by Larry Doyle on April 14th, 2010 2:34 PM |

President Obama wants input on the reform of the housing finance system. Given my career, I consider myself eminently qualified to give it to him. Despite this request, though, I still think he should focus on job creation (which he highlighted during his State of the Union address).

I welcome giving President Obama, Treasury Secretary Geithner, and the rest of the the White House economic team a very healthy dose of Sense on Cents. (My response is a little lengthy, but it is not everyday the President gives us this opportunity. Out of respect, I owe him my best effort.) I will let you know if they respond with anything more than a form letter, or if they do not respond at all. From the U.S. Treasury today:

(more…)

Erik Sirri and the Costs of a Politicized SEC

Posted by Larry Doyle on March 31st, 2010 6:27 AM |

When the exchange of financial ideas and, more importantly, capital becomes excessively politicized there are very real costs. Although those involved in the politicization process of these markets and exchanges may define the increased intervention of political influences as “in the best interests” of all involved, the supposed near term benefits come with long term costs.

Why do I broach this topic? A former SEC official decided he wanted to talk about the political overtones involved in the SEC’s decision to restrict short-selling in the equity markets in 2008. Bloomberg reports on this bombshell in writing, SEC Lets Politics Spur Short-Sale Decision, Sirri Says:

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s decision to restrict short selling was a political decision rather than one based on evidence, according to a former agency official who says it may set a precedent for future decisions. (more…)

Sense on Cents Calls for Independent Investigation of FINRA

Posted by Larry Doyle on March 27th, 2010 4:51 PM |

PLEASE READ and ENDORSE THIS CALL for an INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION. PLEASE SHARE. Thanks!! LD

I have publicly stated time and again that I believe the Wall Street self-regulatory organization, FINRA, did sit and likely still sits at the nexus of the Wall Street-Washington incest that has brought our nation’s economy to its knees.

Regrettably, we have had no Congressional inquiries into the failures at FINRA. Dare I say, we have had no public pressure from the media to drive a Congressional inquiry.

I am tremendously sickened by Congress not working for America’s citizens interests by investigating FINRA. Please recall that FINRA not only failed to protect investors, but there are strong allegations that FINRA itself participated in some of the greatest frauds on Wall Street via its own internal investment portfolio. Which frauds?

We know they dumped $647 million auction-rate securities in mid-2007 and likely front ran the ARS market while doing it. I unearthed the fact that FINRA owned these ARS in January 2009 when reading FINRA’s 2007 Annual Report. Meanwhile, $150 BILLION held by thousands of investors remains in frozen ARS investments.

There is an outstanding allegation that FINRA invested its own funds in Bernie Madoff. We know they failed to properly regulate and monitor Lehman, Bear Stears, and Merrill Lynch. How much more should Congress need to know?

FINRA needs to be introduced to the American public and investigated by Congress. FINRA has not even received direct focus or attention in Senator Dodd’s proposed Financial Regulatory Reform.

We can sit idly by and allow Wall Street and Congress to dictate to us or we can do something. I choose the latter. I want this post and this site to be the lightning rod to bring attention to how Wall Street’s self-regulation, embodied in FINRA, drove our economy into the ditch.

Please add your support by leaving a comment endorsing this investigation. I intend to keep a focus on this topic until FINRA’s failures are fully exposed and people are held to account. Get your friends and colleagues to do the same. If we can create a groundswell of support, I feel confident I can get some selected media friends to pick this up. From there, I welcome leading this march to Washington.

The American public and American investors deserve nothing else.

Any questions. Please do not hesitate to ask here or write me at senseoncents@aol.com.

Who’s with me?

FINRA must be independently investigated. America needs to learn how the Wall Street cop was not only asleep, but also in bed with the financial industry as Wall Street brought America to the brink of disaster.

LD

Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL): “Frankly, the Banks Own Congress” and You’re Getting Screwed Again

Posted by Larry Doyle on March 24th, 2010 12:22 PM |

I wrote extensively in 2009 as to How Wall Street Bought Washington. Well, it would appear that the purchase and sales agreement between these two entities remains in place.

A recent press release highlights developments on Senator Chris Dodd’s proposed Financial Regulatory Reform along with a recent assessment by Washington insider and Illinois Senator Richard Durbin.

DEMOCRATIC FINANCIAL REFORM BILL EXITED SENATE BANKING COMMITTEE WITHOUT RESTORING KEY INVESTOR LEGAL RIGHT TO HOLD KNOWING AIDERS AND ABETTORS OF FRAUD ACCOUNTABLE (more…)

FINRA’s Enforcement Chief, Susan Merrill, Has Some Set of Balls

Posted by Larry Doyle on March 19th, 2010 7:36 AM |

I have grown accustomed to some truly shocking developments and resulting statements throughout the course of our economic crisis. That said, the statement I read late last night from the soon to depart Chief of Enforcement at FINRA, Susan Merrill, left me absolutely aghast.

As reported by the financial industry newsletter, Investment News, Ms. Merrill said she was,

“especially proud of the actions we brought regarding auction-rate securities….as well as vigorous actions to shut down Ponzi schemers.”

Wow. With that reflective comment on her FINRA tenure, Ms. Merrill must believe people do not read these comments, they have no understanding of their context, or America is simply stupid.

Well, Ms. Merrill, I do read these comments. I do have an understanding of their context. I would like to think I am not stupid, and I welcome sharing my reaction with the American public.

In my opinion, you have some set of balls. (more…)

FINRA’s Enforcement Chief, Susan Merrill, Quits; How About a Subpoena?

Posted by Larry Doyle on March 18th, 2010 10:52 AM |

Will Susan Merrill provide America with a window into the scams perpetrated by Wall Street on the American investing public? Who is Susan Merrill? Let’s navigate.

Those charged with protecting the public interest must be held to an appropriate standard. In order to promote public trust, these organizations and their executives must be held to account. If need be, that accounting should include legal discovery and, if warranted, a subpoena as well.

Susan Merrill, the head of enforcement of Wall Street’s self-regulatory organization, FINRA, is stepping down after having occupied this role for three years. Think she knows some things that the American public would like to know? No doubt.

In fact, in my opinion, Ms. Merrill most likely has a wealth of information that American investors (those she was charged to protect) and the American public at large DESERVE to know. (more…)

FINRA Immunity Without Transparency Is “A License to Steal”

Posted by Larry Doyle on March 2nd, 2010 10:40 AM |

Judge Jed Rakoff’s ruling to dismiss the complaint by Standard Investment Chartered v FINRA based on the regulator having absolute immunity generated a consistent response from readers and colleagues. What is the theme of that response?

A comment by Bill, a loyal Sense on Cents reader, seems to sum it up best:

Interesting that FINRA has the benefit of a quasi governmental entity, i. e. immunity, but not the customary burden of a governmental entity–transparency. Otherwise known as a license to steal. (more…)

Judge Rakoff Dismisses Suit Against Mary Schapiro and FINRA Under Absolute Immunity

Posted by Larry Doyle on March 1st, 2010 5:49 PM |

America should be reviled when those charged with upholding the law overseeing our markets are not held to that standard themselves.

Today is a very dark day for those in our country who cherish the virtues of truth, transparency, and integrity.

Why am I despondent? This afternoon, Judge Jed Rakoff issued a ruling dismissing the lawsuit brought on behalf of Standard Investment Chartered against Mary Schapiro and other FINRA executives. What is the basis for Judge Rakoff’s dismissal? He allowed the defense the cover of absolute immunity in the merger of the NASD with NYSE Regulation to form FINRA. (more…)

Markopolos on SEC: “A Bunch of Idiots”

Posted by Larry Doyle on February 28th, 2010 12:23 PM |

Harry Markopolos has become a household name in the realm of financial regulatory oversight. Harry earned his stripes for his dogged pursuit of the Madoff scam, especially in light of the lack of support from the SEC.

Harry characterized the SEC as incompetent during his initial Congressional testimony addressing the Madoff scam early last year. During that testimony, Harry characterized FINRA as “in bed with the industry.”

Who in America did not view Harry as a hero for his determination and drive in exposing the Madoff scam?

In light of Harry’s work over the years, I was somewhat befuddled by Harry’s excessively complimentary remarks directed toward Mary Schapiro last fall during Congressional testimony highlighting SEC Inspector General’s David Kotz’ review of the SEC’s handling of the Madoff affair. Harry seemed to lose his disdain for Mary and the SEC.

Well, Harry has regained his edge and his contempt for the SEC. (more…)






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