Bloomberg pays $5 million to settle SEC charges regarding fixed-income valuations

Bloomberg pays $5 million to settle SEC charges regarding fixed-income valuations
The agency alleged that from 2016 through last October, the company's BVAL failed to disclosed that valuations could be based on a single data input, rather than other methodologies it presented.
JAN 23, 2023

Bloomberg Finance misled customers about how it valued fixed-income securities, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The SEC alleged that from 2016 through last October, Bloomberg’s BVAL, which provides financial services company with daily price valuations of fixed-income securities, failed to disclose that valuations could be based on a single data input, such as a broker quote, rather than other methodologies it presented. Bloomberg agreed to pay $5 million to settle charges without admitting or denying the charges.

Some customers such as mutual fund providers use BVAL prices to determine the value of bonds held in their fund, the SEC stated. The prices on BVAL can therefore have an impact on the price at which securities are offered or traded.

“Bloomberg has assumed a critical role as a pricing service to participants in the fixed-income markets and it is incumbent on Bloomberg, as well as on other pricing services, to provide accurate information to their customers about their valuation processes,” Osman Nawaz, chief of the SEC enforcement division’s complex financial instruments unit, said in a statement. “This matter underscores that we will hold service providers, such as Bloomberg, accountable for misrepresentations that impact investors.”

The SEC noted that Bloomberg has engaged in remedial efforts to improve BVAL.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.