Ropes & Gray Hosts Discussions on Trends in Regulation as Part of "Securities Enforcement and Regulation in Chicago" Event

On Tuesday, April 15, the Midwest Chapter of the Association of SEC Alumni partnered with Ropes & Gray to present "Securities Enforcement and Regulation in Chicago," a series of panel discussions designed to enable regulators to address trends in enforcement and regulation. In addition, the event included panels of leading industry experts who shared their perspectives on how to address and mitigate the risks businesses face in a constantly evolving regulatory environment.

As part of a panel designed to address trends in enforcement, Zachary Fardon, U.S. Attorney for Chicago and David Glockner, Director of the Chicago Regional Office for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) discussed current enforcement priorities for the U.S. Department of Justice and the SEC. In addition, these panelists identified the enforcement areas where agencies are seeking to enhance their efforts, including the enforcement of financial crimes. The panel was moderated by government enforcement partner Laura Hoey (Chicago).

As part of a second discussion about trends in investment management, a panel discussed the SEC's current regulatory exam priorities, including how to best engage the SEC upon receiving an SEC examination notice. In addition, the discussion addressed potential liability to the SEC for individuals and entities who are gatekeepers in the regulatory process, such as attorneys, board members, accountants, auditors and other executives. The panel included hedge funds partner Deborah Monson (Chicago); Wendy Fox, chief compliance officer, Ariel Investments LLC; H.J. Willcox, chief compliance officer for AQR Capital Management; and Mary Keefe, Chief Compliance Officer, Nuveen Investments. The panel was moderated by government enforcement partner Eva Carman (New York).

The final discussion addressed industry perspectives on government enforcement featuring a panel of individuals who serve in general counsel positions. The group addressed the impacts of new whistleblower provisions in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the impact of FCPA investigations on executives and companies, and best practices when developing rules to deter insider trading. The panel included Cameron Findlay, senior vice president, general counsel and secretary, Archer Daniels Midland, Thomas Szromba, principal senior counsel, litigation for The Boeing Company; and Mark Tresnowski, managing director and general counsel for Madison Dearborn Partners.