FiSolve Weekly News Digest: January 2, 2026

Here is what we are reading in the news this week...

SEC Charges Three Purported Crypto Asset Trading Platforms and Four Investment Clubs with Scheme That Targeted Retail Investors on Social Media

The Securities and Exchange Commission filed charges against a number of purported crypto asset trading platforms and investment clubs alleging they defrauded retail investors out of more than $14 million in an elaborate investment confidence scam.  The SEC seeks permanent injunctions and civil penalties against all defendants, and disgorgement with prejudgment interest against the trading platforms.  Read more here.

FINRA Orders Firm to Pay $4.6 Million in Restitution for Overcollection of Fees, Retention of Surplus Interest

FINRA has ordered a financial services firm to pay $4.6 million in restitution to customers impacted by the firm’s inaccurate representation of how it calculated its fees and its retention of undisclosed, surplus interest.  The fees and surplus interest were earned from customers’ funds in the firm’s bank deposit program between April 2018 and September 2022.  The firm was also fined $550,000 for the violations.  FINRA found the firm provided customers with inaccurate disclosures about how it calculated per-account fees for customers enrolled in its bank deposit program.  Rather than using a formula tied to the Federal Funds Target rate, as stated in the disclosures, the firm first determined customer yields based on factors such as the rates paid by its competitors and retained the remaining interest paid by the participating banks, less other administrative fees, as its fee.  Over the entire relevant period, the firm collected more than $3 million in aggregate fees beyond what the disclosed formula would have yielded.  Read more here.

Workplace Culture Found to be Determining

Factor in Workplace Retention

A study by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US 2025 Generation Study) of more than 5,000 full-time workers in white-collar jobs finds a vast majority of professionals, across all generations, say culture impacts their decision to stay with their employer.  Ninety-four percent of US professionals say culture impacts their intent to stay at their current company, in line with 92% in 2022.  Sixty percent say it influences their decision to stay “a great deal” or “a lot,” in line with the 59% rating in 2022.  The study also finds that while professionals want flexibility, generations disagree about how to define it.  For example, one in five Gen Z respondents say it means getting to take personal days or time off without negative impacts, while a plurality of Gen X respondents define flexibility as the ability to schedule for personal or family needs.  Read more here.

Michael Selig Sworn In as 16th CFTC Chairman

Michael S. Selig was sworn in today to serve as the 16th Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.  Chairman Selig was nominated by President Donald J. Trump to the post on October 27, 2025, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 18, 2025.  In opening remarks, Chairman Selig discussed the importance of innovation in the financial markets, stating the United States finds itself at a “unique moment as a wide range of novel technologies, products, and platforms are emerging, retail participation in the commodity markets is at an all-time high, and Congress is poised to send digital asset market structure legislation to the President’s desk, cementing the U.S. as the Crypto Capital of the World.”  Read more here.

SIFMA Urges FINRA Arbitration Reforms to

Enhance Fairness and Efficiency

In a recently published blog post, SIFMA is urging FINRA to enact targeted reforms to its arbitration forum to boost fairness, efficiency, and confidence in resolving broker-dealer, customer, and industry disputes.  Noting that arbitration remains the primary cost-effective method for most investors, SIFMA highlights that increasing complexity in cases necessitates changes.  The recommendations, highlighted in a July 2025 letter and SIFMA’s response to FINRA’s Rule Modernization Review, include allowing certain high-value, institutional, or complex claims to proceed in alternative forums; permitting contractual limits on punitive damages in line with state law; offering clearer guidance and arbitrator training on Form U5 defamation standards; updating procedural rules to facilitate early dismissals, discovery, and hearing management; and enhancing arbitrator qualifications, compensation, and oversight. These reforms aim to preserve the core benefits of FINRA arbitration while reinforcing its transparency, integrity and predictability for all participants.  Read more here.

💡FiSolve's Negotiation Tip of the Week💡

Overcoming Obstacles in Negotiation

Focus on reframing obstacles as opportunities for collaboration.  When faced with resistance at the negotiation table, avoid viewing it as a deadlock; instead, probe for the underlying interests behind the objection. Ask open-ended questions like, “What would make this work for you?” or “What’s the biggest concern driving this hesitation?”  This shifts the dynamic from positional bargaining to problem-solving, allowing you to uncover shared goals and create value for both sides.  By demonstrating flexibility and empathy while maintaining strategic clarity, you transform barriers into bridges that strengthen long-term relationships.  Look for opportunities to leverage objective criteria and consider “conditional concessions” where you tie concessions to reciprocal commitments.  For example, say: “If we can agree on an extended contract term, I can adjust the pricing.”  This keeps the negotiation balanced and signals that with flexibility comes mutual benefit.

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