The FINRA proposal to amend Section 4(c) of Schedule A to the FINRA By-Laws by increasing qualification examination fees was published in the Federal Register and is effective immediately. According to FINRA, its most recent review of the examination fee structure revealed that certain operational costs have risen, and that, based on current information, the costs will continue to rise over the next few years, prompting an increase in the fees for qualification exams. Although the proposal is effective immediately, comments may be submitted until April 20, 2015. See: 80 FR 16713. Related news

The SEC announced fraud charges against an investment adviser and the firms she controlled for hiding the poor performance of loan assets in three of the collateralized loan obligation ("CLO") funds they managed. According to the SEC, the investment adviser and her Patriarch Partner firms breached their fiduciary duties and defrauded clients by failing to value assets using the methodology described to investors in offering documents for the CLO funds, which contained portfolios composed of loans to distressed customers. Instead, the SEC alleged, nearly all valuations of loan assets were

The CFTC issued a notice soliciting comments about the collection of information from derivatives clearing organizations ("DCOs"). Information collection from DCOs is required under Part 39 of the CFTC rules, which establishes risk management requirements and registration procedures for DCOs. The CFTC stated that it intends to use the information in this proposed collection to assess compliance by DCOs and DCO applicants. Comments are due by April 29, 2015. See: CFTC Notice (80 FR 16643).

The CFTC announced that the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia entered a consent order for permanent injunction, civil monetary relief and other equitable relief against a CFTC-registered floor broker for his violation of a CFTC Administrative Order ("CFTC Order") that was entered on November 25, 2013. The CFTC Order, to which the individual consented, charged the individual and his company, SHK Management LLC, with attempting to manipulate the price of crude oil futures contracts on the New York Mercantile Exchange, as well as violating speculative position limits on two days in

The European Central Bank ("ECB") and the Bank of England ("BoE") announced a series of measures that are intended to enhance financial stability regarding centrally cleared markets within the European Union. The ECB and BoE agreed to "enhance arrangements" for information exchange and cooperation regarding UK central counterparties ("CCPs") with "significant euro-denominated business." Additionally, the ECB and the BoE agreed to extend the scope of their standing swap line, if necessary and without committing to the provision of liquidity prematurely, in order to facilitate the provision of