Monthly Archives: November 2014

$4B FOREX Fines Are Just The Beginning For Banks

Read the full article on Law360, including Martin Russo’s take on the recent investigations: http://www.law360.com/articles/595505

Law360, New York (November 12, 2014, 9:01 PM ET) — Wednesday’s combined $4.2 billion in fines against six banks alleged to have rigged foreign exchange markets are just the beginning of what could be a string of settlements stemming from ongoing investigations into the multitrillion-dollar market. The penalties announced by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority and Swiss market regulators targeted JPMorgan Chase & Co., Citigroup Inc., UBS AG, the Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, HSBC Holdings PLC and Bank of America Corp,…

Gusrae Kaplan Nusbaum PLLC chosen one of the New York’s top ranked law firms

In New York, Gusrae Kaplan Nusbaum (GKN) is chosen as one of the top ranked law firms in AV® Preeminent rating™. This rating is declared by the LexisNexis® Martindale-Hubbell®.

Gusrae Kaplan provides individual and hands-on attention to their clients, which includes domestic and international financial institutions, public and private companies, broker-dealers, investment advisors, Fortune 500 companies, hedge funds, investors, private equity and venture capital firms, and ultra-high net worth individuals.

Read all about how GKN and its attorneys have been helping clients here.

Martin Russo wins case in the U.S. District Court for his client

Attorney Martin Russo and his team won a case in the U.S. District Court. Mr. Russo’s clients were declared the rightful owners in a fight over assets of a billionaire’s estate. Read more here.

The Role of Lawyers in a Broker Dealer Formation

A law firm with a broker dealer practice typically often serves a diverse client base. Numerous entities require an attorney’s services for broker dealer formations. These include regional, national and international broker dealer firms as well as their affiliates, investment advisers, insurance companies and hedge funds.

An attorney’s role in a broker dealer formation is wide ranging. He typically offers advice on legal aspects including broker dealer regulation and the intricacies of cross border activities. In the international context of broker dealer formations, attorneys represent firms, establish rule 15a-6 relationships with domestic broker dealers and offer assistance in the acquisition of U.S. Broker dealers.

An attorney with a hands-on approach will handle all relevant registration issues including the application process of self-regulatory organizations (SROs). He’ll be intimately involved with these challenges from beginning to end. Attorneys also offer advice regarding the optimal business vehicle from a tax perspective and commercial perspective for both LLPs and LLCs at home and abroad. He’ll help to establish the structure of both ownership and income distribution in a way that optimizes tax efficiency.

Throughout the broker dealer formation, an attorney will draft an array of important documents. These include advisory agreements, operating agreements, subscription agreements, advisory agreements, administration agreements, placement agreements, underwriting agreements, registration forms, compliance manuals, engagement letters and side letters. He’ll manage the complexities of the regulatory application beginning with its filing on through to pre-membership interviews. An attorney will also prepare filings in accordance with state and federal securities laws and commodities laws. He can also provide advice regarding employee incentives, employee contracts and intellectual property rights.

Attorneys can also provide legal advice concerning the regulatory, tax, commercial and corporate facets of broker dealer formations. He’ll help to maintain the business’s continuity while ensuring a smooth regulatory process. An attorney will asses broker dealers and other candidates for acquisition through comprehensive due diligence reviews. This analysis will include an exhaustive probing of targets’ management foundation, internal controls, filings with regulators and more. Attorneys with mergers and acquisitions colleagues will be able to collaborate in an effort to advise broker dealer clients regarding the specific legal and regulatory challenges that result from the acquisition of a brokerage firm.

Broker dealer regulation is a dynamic and challenging process that requires the expertise of an attorney. He’ll stay aware of regulatory changes that have already been implemented as well as those that are pending. He’ll ensure compliance with changes and offer valuable advice regarding all relevant aspects of regulation. Attorneys understand the intricacies of authorization requirements, client classification, regulatory capital and more. Well versed broker dealer lawyers will even be able to draft, audit and reform supervisory and compliance policies and manuals.