The seal of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seen at its headquarters in Washington, DC, United States, May 12, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo Acquire license rights
NEW YORK, Nov 14 (Reuters) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed 784 enforcement actions in the fiscal year that ended in September, securing $4.95 billion in fines and other financial remedies, the agency said. in a statement on Tuesday.
Total financial remedies in fiscal year 2023 were the second highest in SEC history, trailing last year's record $6.4 billion, including both disgorgement and interest, plus civil penalties. The numbers underscore how the agency has sought to more aggressively police violations and misconduct under Democratic leadership.
The SEC banned 133 people from serving as directors and officers of public companies, the largest number of such bans in a decade, the SEC said in a statement.
The SEC's count included settlements with 25 broker-dealers, advisors and others over employees' use of personal devices and apps, including WhatsApp, the agency said.
Regulator obtained $178.6 million civil fine against Danske Bank (DANSKE.CO) to resolve charges of misleading investors about its efforts to combat money laundering and $56 million in fines and other remedies against mining company Vale SA (VALE3.SA) for false and misleading revelations that led to a dam collapse that killed 270 people.
Law enforcement work during the year also included high-profile lawsuits against cryptocurrency sector players, such as FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried.
Reporting by Chris Prentice; Editing by Aurora Ellis.
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