SEC Enforcement Division Targets Financial Executives

In its 2017 fiscal report, the SEC’s Enforcement Division cites individual accountability as one of its core enforcement principles.  The report expresses the Enforcement Division’s view that “individual accountability more effectively deters wrongdoing.”  Since Chairman Clayton took office, the SEC has charged an individual in more than 80% of standalone enforcement actions.  The report notes that it can be more expensive to pursue individuals, but “that price is worth paying.”  The report notes a modest decrease in filed enforcement actions and recoveries since 2016: 754 vs. 784 cases (excluding municipal cases) and $3.8 Billion vs. $4 Billion in total money ordered.

OUR TAKE:  “Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t after you.” (Joseph Heller)  The data and the explanation imply that the SEC will prioritize prosecuting individuals, even if the money ordered is smaller than in institutional actions, because of the fear and deterrent effect.  If financial executives need another reason to engage a best-in-class compliance program, how about protecting yourselves from a career-ending enforcement action?