REGULATORY AGENCY | SEC

A regulatory agency (also regulatory authority, regulatory body or regulator) is a public authority or government agency responsible for exercising autonomous authority over some area of human activity in a regulatory or supervisory capacity. An independent regulatory agency is a regulatory agency that is independent from other branches or arms of the government.

Regulatory agencies deal in the area of administrative law—regulation or rulemaking (codifying and enforcing rules and regulations and imposing supervision or oversight for the benefit of the public at large). The existence of independent regulatory agencies is justified by the complexity of certain regulatory and supervisory tasks that require expertise, the need for rapid implementation of public authority in certain sectors, and the drawbacks of political interference. Some independent regulatory agencies perform investigations or audits, and some are authorized to fine the relevant parties and order certain measures.

Regulatory agencies are usually a part of the executive branch of the government, or they have statutory authority to perform their functions with oversight from the legislative branch. Their actions are generally open to legal review. Regulatory authorities are commonly set up to enforce standards and safety, or to oversee use of public goods and regulate commerce.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (frequently abbreviated SEC) is a federal agency which holds primary responsibility for enforcing the federal securities laws and regulating the securities industry, the nation's stock and options exchanges, and other electronic securities markets in the United States.

Ex-hedge fund manager pleads guilty to insider trading charges

Former hedge fund manager Donald Longueuil has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and securities fraud charges arising from an insider trading scheme in which he obtained and traded on material, non-public information, Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said.

Google clears Justice Dept. hurdle in ITA buy; FTC antitrust action in focus

The U.S. Justice Department approved Google's planned acquisition of online travel software firm ITA, but it made the technology giant agree to several conditions and concessions. Even as the Justice Department concluded its months-long review of Google's purchase of Massachusetts-based ITA, the focus now has turned to the possibility of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiating an expansive antitrust investigation into Google to see if the company is stifling competition and getting i...

Courtroom showdown in Galleon trading probe

A sweeping insider trading case that shook the hedge fund world is finally set for trial, with onetime billionaire Raj Rajaratnam fighting to stay out of prison in a courtroom drama over corporate secrets, tapped telephones and friends-turned-government witnesses.

Goldman's Blankfein to testify at Galleon insider trading

Goldman Sachs Group Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein has agreed to testify for the U.S. government at the upcoming trial of Galleon hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

UN adviser Rajat Gupta had role in insider-trading case: SEC

Rajat Gupta, former McKinsey’s chief and currently special adviser to the secretary-general of the United Nations on management reforms, has been accused by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of having role in a major hedge fund insider-trading case.

SEC scanning bank loan practices: report

U.S. securities regulator is seeking information from an unknown number of regional and community banks that have restructured troubled loans in order to make them appear healthier than they really are, the Wall Street Journal said, citing people familiar with the situation.

Taiwan AIG unit bidders set to face regulators

Shareholders of two of the firms in a consortium buying U.S. insurer AIG's Taiwan unit approved the $2.16 billion bid on Wednesday, setting the scene for what is expected to be a tough battle with regulators.

SEC charges ex-Goldman director Rajat Gupta in insider case

Former Goldman Sachs Group Inc director Rajat Gupta leaked secret details to Galleon Group hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam about Warren Buffett's plan to invest $5 billion in the Wall Street bank at the height of the financial crisis, a U.S. securities regulator charged.

Analysis: U.S. immigration probe fears weigh on Chipotle

An investigation by U.S. immigration officials into illegal unemployment at Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (CMG.N) is making some investors nervous and could have implications for the fast-food industry as a whole. Chipotle, based in Denver, is one of the highest-profile employers to come under the scrutiny of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in recent years.

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Freddie Mac exec facing possible SEC charges

A top Freddie Mac executive received notice the government may file charges against him for allegedly violating securities laws in the years leading up to the housing bust, according to a regulatory filing released on Thursday.

Federal Trade Commission to inspect Apple In-App buys

The Federal Trade Commission will probe into Apple's marketing of in-app purchases in games for children such as Smurfs' Village, after it received a complaint from a U.S. legislator, according to the Washington Post.
China decries U.S. "obstruction" after Huawei drops bid

China decries U.S. obstruction after Huawei drops bid

China's Commerce Ministry said Chinese businesses faced damaging obstruction in efforts to invest in the United States after China's Huawei pulled out of bidding for U.S. company 3Leaf's assets following pressure from a Washington panel.
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