MyComplianceOffice Blog

The ASIFMA Compliance Week focused on various relevant topics for Compliance professionals, from culture and accountability to technology and innovation. Industry experts shared their insights during four days of sessions on regulatory enforcement trends, conduct, culture, the future of compliance, and market abuse.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) released a press release stating that three individuals were charged for illegally communicating non-public and material information and using such information to buy shares in a company. The investigation was jointly conducted by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Commercial Affairs Department of the Singapore Police Force.

According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s 2021 Examination Priorities, in the  last five years the number of Registered Investment Advisers the SEC Division of Examinations oversees increased from about 12,000 to more than 13,900, and the assets under management of RIAs increased from approximately $67 trillion to $97 trillion.

Because of the totality of assets managed, RIAs are always going to be a priority for the SEC. Examinations are not going anywhere. The Division has made significant process, staffing and technology updates to keep up with the growth and increase RIA coverage. In 2020, a year where COVID forced a mid-year switch to remote examinations, Division coverage of RIAs was 15%.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates over 58,000 financial services firms and financial markets in the UK. To do this effectively, the authority needs timely and accurate data from firms to identify malpractice and take appropriate action.

This is why the FCA’s reporting requirements exist—to ensure it has the information it needs to perform its role. It’s also why the FCA levies tough penalties on firms that fail to meet their reporting obligations.

The Central Bank of Ireland and other international regulators such as the FCA in the UK and MAS in Singapore have prioritised 'individual accountability for several years. The proposals and now the draft legislation to introduce the Senior Executive Accountability Regime (SEAR) in Ireland are significant steps in that development.