Former fund CEO agrees to pay $5.5 million over fraud charge

Former fund CEO agrees to pay $5.5 million over fraud charge
The SEC charged Robert Press, the former CEO of TCA Fund Management, and Donna Silverman, its former chief portfolio manager, with inflating net asset values.
SEP 30, 2021

After charging Robert D. Press, former CEO of the advisory firm TCA Fund Management Group, and Donna M. Silverman, its former chief portfolio manager, for their roles in a scheme to artificially inflate the net asset values and performance results of several funds managed by TCA, the Securities and Exchange Commission settled with the two.

Without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings, Press agreed to be barred from the securities industry and to pay disgorgement of overcharged management and performance fees he received of $4,409,546 plus prejudgment interest of $755,178, and a penalty of $292,570.

Silverman agreed to limitations on acting in a director or officer capacity in the securities industry, but has the right to reapply after three years; she will pay a penalty of $50,000.

The SEC charged that, through Press’s actions, TCA fraudulently inflated the net asset values and performance of the company's funds by recording nonbinding transactions and fraudulent investment banking fees on the funds’ books and records, which showed the funds as always having positive monthly returns.

In fact, without those false transactions, the TCA funds would have had at least 34 months of negative returns since their inception, the SEC said.

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.