News Centre

Statement By Christine Lagarde On Her Second Term As IMF Managing Director

Date 19/02/2016

Ms. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement today:

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the IMF as Managing Director for a second term of five years, and I greatly appreciate the continued trust and support of the Fund’s Executive Board and our 188 member countries."

CFTC Charges Canadian Resident Ryan S. Magee With Fraud And Acting As An Unregistered Commodity Pool Operator

Date 19/02/2016

• Magee Allegedly Fraudulently Solicited at Least $2 Million from at Least 30 Pool Participants in the U.S. and Canada, Misappropriated Participant Funds, and Sent Participants False Statements Reporting Non-Existent Profits
• Magee’s Father, David W. Magee, and his Wife, Dalyne Rae Magee, Are Charged with Acting as Unregistered Associated Persons of Ryan Magee

Europol And Chainalysis Reinforce Their Cooperation In The Fight Against Cybercrime

Date 19/02/2016

Europol's European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) and Chainalysis – a technical services provider able to spot connections between digital identities, have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) together. This MoU allows for enhanced cooperation in the joint public-private fight against the growing problem of cybercrime. This strengthened cooperation was underlined by this signing and stems from earlier joint activities in which both parties have already been engaged.

Federal Banking Agencies Expand Number Of Banks And Savings Associations Qualifying For 18-Month Examination Cycle

Date 19/02/2016

Federal banking agencies today increased the number of small banks and savings associations eligible for an 18-month examination cycle rather than a 12-month cycle. The changes are intended to reduce regulatory compliance costs for smaller institutions, while still maintaining safety and soundness protections.

Chairman’s Address At SEC Speaks - “Beyond Disclosure At The SEC In 2016”, Chair Mary Jo White, Washington, DC, Feb. 19, 2016

Date 19/02/2016

It is my pleasure to address the 45th annual “SEC Speaks” program – on the day after the Yankees’ pitchers and catchers reported to spring training, which is one way I mark this time of year.  This event is another reminder of the season, an early-year conference for the staff, the private sector, and the Commissioners (present and former) to discuss current issues confronting the agency, investors, issuers, and the markets.

FINRA Bars Broker For Market Manipulation - Supervisor Barred From Supervising, Suspended And Fined - Additional Broker Sanctioned

Date 19/02/2016

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) announced today that it has barred broker George Johnson from the securities industry for engaging in a manipulative trading scheme to artificially inflate the market price and trading volume for the common stock of IceWEB, Inc. (OTCBB: IWEB). FINRA also sanctioned Christopher Wynne, Johnson's supervisor, suspending him for two years in all capacities, barring him in a principal capacity, and fining him $25,000. Joseph Mahalick, another broker who worked with Johnson and Wynne, was suspended for six months and fined $20,000 for falsifying firm records and has been barred from the securities industry in a separate action. Johnson, Wynne and Mahalick all worked for Meyers Associates L.P. in that firm's Chicago branch office during the time period of the misconduct.

Decisions Taken By The Governing Council Of The ECB (In Addition To Decisions Setting Interest Rates)

Date 19/02/2016

External communication

Publication of the Agreement on Net Financial Assets

On 3 February 2016 the governors of the national central banks (NCBs) of the euro area, signatories to the Agreement on Net Financial Assets, approved the publication in full of that Agreement. Publication of an extended questions and answers document (Q&A) was approved on 5 February 2016 by the Governing Council. The Q&A, which explains the nature, purpose and technicalities of the Agreement, is available on the ECB’s website in 23 languages, together with the Agreement, which is available only in English. The Governing Council also decided to publish the Eurosystem’s aggregate net financial assets (NFA), and each NCB will publish its respective NFA on an annual basis when it publishes its annual financial accounts.

ESMA Adds List Of Clearing Members To Its Public Register On EMIR

Date 19/02/2016

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published today an update of its Public Register for the Clearing Obligation.

EEX New Participant: J.P. Morgan Securities PLC

Date 19/02/2016

J.P. Morgan Securities PLC additionally has been admitted to exchange trading for Nordic Financial Power Futures/Options.

IEX Responds To Critics Of Its Exchange Application - "Clearing The Air By IEX"

Date 19/02/2016

IEX is writing in response to comment letters sent by Nasdaq, NYSE, and BATS. Each of these incumbent exchanges has questioned the credibility and accuracy of IEX's recent statements. IEX appreciates the opportunity to respond to our competitors to address these misunderstandings and to avoid further miscommunication.