Securities Enforcement. Corporate Investigations. Financial Regulation.
Independent analysis of the laws, regulations, investigations, and enforcement actions shaping modern financial markets.
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.
FINRA’s Probe Raises Constitutional Questions Amid Growing Scrutiny of Regulatory Power
A new lawsuit against the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) highlights growing tensions between regulatory enforcement and constitutional protections. On February 15, Francis G. Smith of FGS Financial Inc. filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleging that FINRA violated his due process rights. The lawsuit claims that during a probe into his continuing education compliance, FINRA demanded sworn testimony and warned Smith he could face expulsion from the securities industry if he asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
SEC Crypto Enforcement Pauses in Select Matters; But Uncertainty Remains for Many
While major platforms like Coinbase and Binance breathe easier, countless other crypto market participants remain in the crosshairs of unresolved investigations. These businesses, builders, and innovators face the same murky regulatory waters, the same costly battles, and the same chilling uncertainty that the SEC now seems to acknowledge is problematic. So, why are they still left out in the cold?
Key Insights from FINRA’s 2025 Annual Regulatory Oversight Report
FINRA’s 2025 Annual Regulatory Oversight Report serves as a comprehensive guide to regulatory expectations for broker-dealers. As the financial industry continues to evolve, firms must remain proactive in enhancing their supervisory frameworks, trade surveillance mechanisms, and cybersecurity defenses. The focus on AI, extended-hours trading, RILAs, and third-party risk management signals key areas for heightened scrutiny in the year ahead.
Bondi Pivots Justice Department’s Stance on White Collar Under Trump
The Justice Department is scaling back its enforcement of laws governing foreign lobbying transparency and foreign bribery, according to a memorandum issued by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The shift signals a narrowing of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement scope, moving away from traditional corporate bribery cases and toward investigations tied to transnational criminal organizations.