SEC Enforcement Action Statistics for Fiscal Year 2020

SEC Division of Enforcement Publishes Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

The Division of Enforcement’s Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020 provides a comprehensive view of the Division's accomplishments over the past year, discusses significant actions and key areas of strategic change, and details the Division's COVID-19-related enforcement efforts.  Despite the challenges of 2020, statistics on enforcement actions filed during fiscal year 2020 show that regulatory examinations have not stopped because of COVID-19.  

"This year's report highlights Enforcement's extraordinary efforts across the country to identify wrongdoing and take meaningful action to protect American investors from misconduct ,including in the face of the many challenges imposed by COVID-19."
- SEC Chairman Jay Clayton

The following table identifies the number of standalone enforcement actions, follow-on administrative proceedings, and delinquent filings, which totals 715 different enforcement actions.  The report addresses a broad range of issues, including issuer disclosure and accounting violations; investment advisory issues; securities offerings; market manipulation; insider trading; and broker-dealer misconduct.

‍

Through these actions, the SEC obtained judgments and orders totaling approximately $4.68 billion in disgorgement and penalties – a record amount for the Commission – and returned more than $600 million to harmed investors. Significantly, through the Division's efforts, the SEC awarded a record $175 million to 39 whistleblowers in fiscal year 2020, both the highest dollar amount and the highest number of individuals awarded in any fiscal year.

For more information, please refer to the SEC’s official Press Release for the Division of Enforcement’s Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020.  

How Coast to Coast Compliance Can Help

Coast to Coast Compliance can help give your firm and staff the confidence and preparedness to succeed in an SEC examination by conducting a mock SEC examination which includes the requesting and reviewing of key compliance and business documents, as well as the interviewing of various firm personnel.  Coast to Coast Compliance can also provide a final exam interview, or written report if requested, covering the scope of the mock SEC examination, relevant findings, and any resulting recommendations.  

‍