Tr?id=566623520170033&ev=PageView&noscript=1

These Two State Regulators Serve as Financial Markets’ Primary First Responders

Posted on April 26th, 2023 at 1:35 PM
These Two State Regulators Serve as Financial Markets’ Primary First Responders

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

Two state securities regulators frequently stand out as “First Responders.” 

While the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic’s tumble has sent shockwaves across financial markets, a Massachusetts-based securities regulator was among the first to initiate an investigation of First Republic. 

Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin launched an investigation into potential inside trading at First Republic, which has branch offices in Massachusetts. Galvin cited his concerns regarding allegedly risky lending and business practices employed by First Republic. Also, Galvin noted that First Republic’s receipt of $30 billion from several large banks does not serve to ease concerns. Galvin’s First Republic investigation is an example of how state regulators can serve as first responders to potential investor harm before the SEC or FINRA become involved.

Another prominent state regulator is the director of the Alabama Securities Commission, Joseph Borg, who previously served as president of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). According to Borg in a recent interview, “We’re usually the first ones on the scene when it comes to retail investors. We see [malfeasance] from the ground level. That doesn’t mean we understand all the nuances. But we see there are issues and we can bring them to the forefront and where needed combine the resources of the 53 U.S. jurisdictions.” State securities regulators, such as Borg, were instrumental in designing a plan to strengthen Robinhood’s customer support after the company agreed to a $10.2 million settlement with federal regulators in 2022. “We wanted to make sure they’re progressing on their improvements rather than issuing an order first”, Borg said. While Borg is expected to retire next month, Amanda Senn is set to serve as Borg’s successor.

 

Eccleston Law LLC represents financial advisors and investors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory and disciplinary matters.

  

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next
Quotes Bigger

If the regulators are after you, and are trying to make a case against you, and you are going to contest their allegations against you, make sure you have the best securities industry defense lawyers, Eccleston Law Firm. My case was spun into a combination of penalties including fines, cash settlements, CE courses and suspension. They were the best I have seen in action. When all was said and done, they had done their magic, my situation was negotiated and settled with a simple "letter of caution" and a case closed without action. It is the most important legal business decision you will ever make, make it Eccleston Law.

Rick R.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

1777663103 Law
May 1, 2026
Former Texas Advisor Pleads Guilty in Multi-Million Dollar Ponzi Scheme

A former financial advisor and media personality in San Antonio has admitted to defrauding clients in a large-scale Ponzi scheme involving hundreds of investors and millions of dollars, according to reporting by Financial Advisor News.

1777565671 Law
April 30, 2026
SEC Charges Adviser's Estate and Firm in Alleged $1.68 Million Client Fund Misappropriation Scheme

The Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a civil enforcement action against the estate of former investment adviser John R.

1777479103 Law
April 29, 2026
Hightower Advisors Faces Class Action Over Alleged Data Breach

Hightower Holding LLC is facing a class action lawsuit alleging that the firm failed to protect sensitive personal information following a data breach affecting thousands of individuals, according to reporting by Financial Advisor News.