SEC charges ratings agency Morningstar for violating disclosure and internal controls provisions of the securities laws

ion today filed a civil action alleging that former credit ratings agency Morningstar Credit Ratings LLC  violated disclosure and internal controls provisions of the federal securities laws in rating commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS). Credit ratings are used by market participants to help evaluate credit risk, price certain securities, and guide the investment decisions of...
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Accountant committing some type of accounting fraud.

Accounting Fraud and the SEC Whistleblower Program

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regulates the country's stock and options markets. In order to prevent and detect fraud, the SEC relies on individuals to provide information about various types of financial misconduct. Those who provide information concerning financial fraud to the SEC are called whistleblowers. Under the SEC...
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SEC charges Iconix Brand Management Group and 3 former execs with accounting fraud creating fake revenue to meet analyst estimates

The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged brand-management company Iconix Brand Group Inc. and three of its former top executives with fraud. Iconix and two of its former executives have agreed to settle. The SEC’s litigation is proceeding against Iconix’s former CEO. The SEC’s complaint against former Iconix CEO Neil Cole and former Chief Operating Officer Seth...
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