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SEC Speech Emphasizes Cooperation and Importance of Compliance Programs

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Last month, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Chairwoman Mary Jo White caused a stir within the advisory industry when she issued a speech stating that the SEC will begin zeroing in on “minor infractions” of investment advisers.  This past week, Ms. White spoke at the National Society of Compliance Professionals (“NSCP”)National Membership Meeting focusing on how the SEC will approach compliance officers.  Ms. White stated that she envisions the SEC to work with compliance officers “to support [compliance officer’s] efforts to create a comprehensive compliance environment within [their] firms,” and that the SEC is “far more interested in helping [compliance officers] succeed before an examination, than we are in catching…a violation in the course of an examination.”Ms. White gave examples of how the SEC is trying to support compliance officers.  One method mentioned the SEC conducting in-person meetings with compliance officers and other senior officials of a firm.  These meetings will be used to help identify whether sufficient resources are being provided to compliance personnel, as well as to identify whether compliance is “woven into the fabric of the firm” to  allow for an open-dialogue to help promote the roles of compliance officers within the company.Another method discussed was the SEC’s initiative to use its website to highlight practices, policies and procedures that may be subject to additional scrutiny, as a means of allowing compliance officers to better focus their efforts and resources in areas of need.Ms. White also highlighted the agency’s new Risk Analysis Examination (“RAE initiative”).  This type of examination done by the SEC uses “quantitative analytics” enabling the SEC to analyze the metrics of a business to detect and inform compliance officers of activities, trends and issues within a firm which may have otherwise been unknown, allowing compliance officers to stay abreast of possible areas of need within the firm. Ms. White also was quick to point out recent enforcement actions of the SEC against advisory firms and compliance officers.  She stressed the importance for firms to create, monitor, test and update their compliance programs, and that failure to do so may result in penalties against firms and their officers.  As such, it is critical for financial firms to design compliance programs that are customized to its particular needs, which includes effective means of enforcing and monitoring such programs. For further information on this, or other related topics, please contact us at [email protected] or (619) 298-2880.

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Jacko Law Group provides tailored legal services and effective strategies for success, delivering exemplary solutions to complex legal and regulatory challenges to ensure that both business efforts and compliance obligations are satisfied.

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Dharmi is an excellent securities lawyer who understands the law as it pertains to these cases. She is extremely proactive and represents her clients well. I highly recommend Jacko and Dharmi.
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Danielle Martin
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I’ve had the privilege of working closely with this firm in my role as Chief Compliance Officer and I can confidently say they are an exceptional compliance partner. Their depth of experience is immediately evidentand they bring a level of practical knowledge. What I truly enjoy is their ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into plain English, often using real, everyday examples that make implementation far more manageable. They are also incredibly responsive and reliable. In a field where timing matters, their prompt communication and thoughtful guidance have been invaluable. If you’re looking for a compliance attorney who combines expertise, clarity, and professionalism, I highly recommend them.
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Curt Rocca
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Michelle and the team at Jacko Law Group have helped guide through a variety of critical circumstances as we ventured through the uncharted and unfamiliar territory of becoming and successfully operating as an RIA. I have particularly appreciated Michelle's personal involvement and genuine caring about us and our organization. She has been responsive and her counsel has been consistently on-point and helpful. She artfully guided us through our initial filing process and first SEC exam process - which went very well. Very grateful to Michelle and her team.
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Michelle and her team were excellent to work with, front to back. They helped me to understand the challenges ahead and were always proactive in their consultation through every step of my transition. JLG truly know the wealth management industry very well and did a great job of understanding the challenges unique to my business. Without them, I can confidently say I would not have felt as comfortable through the transition as I did. Fortunately, that's not something that stops there - Michelle and her team have kept in touch to ensure that I'm on top of certain administrative issues, trends, and simply showing me that they care about my business and success. I look forward to continuing to work with them for many years to come.
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Dharmi Mehta was extremely helpful when my business partner and I transitioned to a new RIA firm. She and her staff were all very professional. Her guidance during our transition was invaluable. I highly recommend Dharmi and Jacko Law Group.
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Dharmi and Amandeep were a delight to work with. They assisted me with a claim and stuck with me the entire way through. Dharmi's advice was invaluable, and I was most impressed by her clear and professional communication. From beginning-to-end, both Dharmi and Amandeep kept me well informed. Their entire team are proud of their work and rightfully so. Thank you!
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My mentor once told me that a good attorney is worth their weight in gold — and that couldn't be more true of Michelle and Amanda. Their expertise, professionalism, and responsiveness were top notch every step of the way. It's rare to find legal partners who are not only sharp and thorough, but also genuinely invested in your success. I’m grateful for their guidance and highly recommend them to anyone seeking trusted legal counsel.
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everistus etafo
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It is my great Privilege to share my Review of what Atty Dharmi Mehta of Jacko Law Group did for me and by extension for my family. From the first time complimentary conversation we had having spoken to several other Lawyers ,l knew she was the right person for the Job .Because of her background as a former RR ,she was professional,kind, Empathetic,listened and was focused on fighting for me. From a potential of been terminated with cause ,l was able to walk away with a clean U5 with a validation that l did nothing wrong except what was in the best Interest of my clients. I hope nobody ever has to go through what l have Experienced, but if you do ,you want Dharmi Mehta beside you .Rest assured your service Deserve 10 stars but this forum only allows 5. Me and my family are forever grateful and will make sure that any RR who needs an advocate will know about you . Everistus Etafo
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Karen Althaus
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I have worked with Jacko Law Group for 2 different business situations that necessitated an attorney. In both cases, the team was very thorough & competent. Their attention to our situation and the extra effort they put into our case(s) was very much appreciated. I would highly recommend Jacko Law Group!