Merrill Lynch in ARS settlement with Virginia

The Virginia State Corporation Commission says Merrill Lynch is paying nearly $1.37 million to settle allegations that investors were misled about the safety of the auction-rate securities market.
APR 01, 2010
The Virginia State Corporation Commission says Merrill Lynch is paying nearly $1.37 million to settle allegations that investors were misled about the safety of the auction-rate securities market. The SCC finalized Virginia's participation in a global settlement involving the firm. Merrill Lynch was required to confirm that it has repurchased auction-rate securities from its clients as part of the settlement. Officials say that auction-rate securities were marketed and sold to investors as safe, liquid, and cash-like investments. But they say the securities were actually long-term investments subject to a complex auction process that failed in early 2008. The settlement stems from a multistate task force of state regulators.

Latest News

Stratos Wealth Holdings closes 11 acquisitions in push for advisory scale
Stratos Wealth Holdings closes 11 acquisitions in push for advisory scale

RIA aggregator adds $4.8 billion in client assets across seven states as demand grows for alternatives to traditional succession models.

Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human
Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

Shareholder sues FS KKR Capital board, alleges NAV and dividend cover-up
Shareholder sues FS KKR Capital board, alleges NAV and dividend cover-up

Shareholder targets FS KKR Capital's directors over alleged portfolio valuation and dividend missteps.

UBS loses $1.2 million arbitration claim linked to variable annuities and margin
UBS loses $1.2 million arbitration claim linked to variable annuities and margin

UBS has a history of costly litigation stemming from the sale of volatile investment products.

'We are monitoring the situation,' SEC says of private funds
'We are monitoring the situation,' SEC says of private funds

New director David Woodcock puts firms on notice over fees, conflicts, and liquidity risk as private credit shows signs of stress.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline