Securities Enforcement. Corporate Investigations. Financial Regulation.

Independent analysis of the laws, regulations, investigations, and enforcement actions shaping modern financial markets.

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GESMER UPDEGROVE

BRAEDEN ANDERSON

Braeden is one of the top securities lawyers in the country and was recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America in the Financial Services Regulation Law and Securities Regulation categories. This honor is awarded to only the top 2% of attorneys in the United States and is based on a comprehensive peer-review survey.

Braeden helped lead Gesmer Updegrove to recognition in The Legal 500 United States for Corporate Investigations & White Collar Crime, Tier 3, and Finance: Fintech, Tier 4.

Braeden is active in the U.S. securities enforcement community through Securities Docket, where he has served on the 2025 and 2026 Advisory Boards and contributed video commentary through the Weekly Update.

Braeden was named the #1 United States author in FinTech in Mondaq’s Spring 2025 Thought Leadership Awards, reflecting the national reach and influence of his writing on fintech, securities regulation, and digital asset policy.

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The Impact of Technology on Securities Markets: A Legal Perspective on the SEC’s Report

The SEC’s recent report to Congress on the impact of technological advances in securities markets isn’t merely a catalog of tech developments; it’s an inventory of how these tools alter the market’s fundamental mechanics—and, yes, its regulatory challenges. If the 20th century markets were defined by floor traders, telephone orders, and paper filings, the 21st century has swiftly evolved into a digital arena dominated by algorithms, blockchain, and AI. The upshot? We’re witnessing a market that’s faster, more accessible, and potentially more transparent, but also laden with new regulatory wrinkles. Let’s examine what the SEC has to say about this digital transformation and its implications for legal compliance, investor protection, and, well, market stability.

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15 Essential Legal and Financial Considerations for Entrepreneurs and Start-Ups

Embarking on a new business venture is exhilarating, but success in today’s competitive market requires more than just a great idea. Laying the right legal and financial groundwork from the outset can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving. From choosing the ideal business structure to safeguarding your intellectual property, the right decisions early on protect your assets, attract investors, and set your business on a path to sustainable growth. Here’s a roadmap of 15 critical legal and financial considerations that every entrepreneur should prioritize to create a solid foundation and inspire confidence in stakeholders.

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Under the Radar: SEC Penalizes Adviser for Weak MNPI Controls in CLO Trades

Managing MNPI risk is no longer just about avoiding direct trades on inside information; it’s about creating robust, tailored safeguards that address the way MNPI can impact related investments, particularly in intricate vehicles like CLOs. With the SEC placing renewed focus on MNPI in credit markets, now is the time to ensure your compliance protocols are more than just routine. This article unpacks the SEC’s action against Sound Point and provides essential takeaways for investment advisers on avoiding similar pitfalls.

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Companies Seeking Capital—Be Wary of “Consultants” and “Finders”

For smaller companies and startups seeking to raise capital, encountering consultants or “finders” who promise to connect them with potential investors is common. While these individuals may offer valuable introductions, companies must carefully consider the legal framework surrounding these services. Engaging unregistered individuals in capital-raising activities can lead to regulatory and legal consequences that can jeopardize the success of the funding round and the company’s future growth. However, a legally compliant path exists for certain “finders” to operate without triggering registration as a broker-dealer.

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Trillium Capital Manager Sentenced to Prison for Securities Fraud in Getty Images Scheme

A Massachusetts-based venture capitalist, Robert Scott Murray, was sentenced today in Boston’s federal court for orchestrating a securities fraud scheme designed to inflate the trading price of Getty Images Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GETY). Murray, 61, will serve 10 months in prison and two years of supervised release, as ordered by U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper. Additionally, he faces forfeiture of $227,543 in illicit gains. Murray, who pleaded guilty in June 2024 to one count of securities fraud, had previously led several public companies, including Stream Global Services and 3Com, before founding and managing Trillium Capital LLC.

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