Regulators Handing Out Billions in Fines
Recent statistical data establishes the trend of regulatory bodies increasing the frequency and number of fines. In 2023, FINRA reported a 63% increase in fines, reaching $89 million compared to 54.5 million in 2022. This includes a $24 million fine against one firm. The SEC obtains orders many times larger. In 2023, the SEC obtained orders for $4.9 billion in financial remedies.
Many of these fines were a result of insufficient internal compliance policies. For example, the SEC recently dished out $81 million in fines from 16 different companies for widespread violations of record keeping requirements tied to the use of text messages and other off-channel communications to conduct business.
This trend is likely to continue. The SEC remains committed to maintaining a robust national examination program to ensure that firms are fully complying with rules and regulations as well as their obligations to clients.
Antiquated Tools Result in Noncompliance.
Many organizations face pressing compliance issues due to their failure to regularly update policies and procedures. Antiquated and non-automated compliance programs are prone to failure in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Compliance professionals continued reliance on outdated tools allows violations to slip through the cracks unnoticed and unaddressed.
What’s the best way to move beyond outdated compliance methods to remain compliant and monetarily efficient?