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Coffee and Regs

The Latest News & Analysis on the PRIIPs RTS

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Mythbusting ESG & FAQs Part 1

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Coffee and Regs

The RIA Wild West of Going Independent

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Coffee and Regs

Preparing Private Funds for the Marketing Rule

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Coffee and Regs

EMIR REFIT & Regulatory Harmonization

EMIR REFIT & Regulatory Harmonization

 
In this episode, our team of global transaction reporting experts, Alexis Wiazmitinoff and Nicklas Nilsson discuss changes coming to EMIR REFIT in 2022 and beyond. With the markets moving towards a harmonization of data elements across regulations, how will that provide regulators with a more complete and holistic view of OTC derivatives and improve operational efficiency for financial firms?
 

 

About Our Guest Speakers:

Alexis Wiazmitinoff is a Product Leader at CSS, responsible for leading the Global Transaction Reporting (GTR) solution. He is responsible for setting the GTR product roadmap and strategy. He guides the GTR product team during Sales/Pre-Sales engagements, product design/ delivery, thought leadership and takes part in client events. Alexis has 10 years of FinTech experience and a strong background working with traders, portfolio managers and front-to-back office personnel as part of core banking transformation projects on the continent and in the UK. Prior to joining CSS, Alexis product managed London Stock Exchange Group’s EMIR Trade Repository.

 
 
 



Nicklas Nilsson is a Regulatory Specialist at CSS concentrating on global transaction reporting, including SFTR, MiFIR and EMIR. Nicklas is currently in a cross-functional role covering the regulations from analysis to implementation. He has eight years of experience working in the finance industry, including operational experience in fund reporting and regulatory implementation. Prior to joining CSS, Nicklas held positions at Swedbank, SEB and Wahlstedt Sageryd.

 
 

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Ransomware Attacks – Cybersecurity Concerns & Best Practices to Mitigate Risk

Ransomware Attacks – Cybersecurity Concerns & Best Practices to Mitigate Risk

 
In this episode, our team of cybersecurity experts, E.J. Yerzak and Mike Farrell discuss the latest ransomware attacks in the news, best practices to keep your data secure and hackers out, and what to do first if your firm is hit by an attack.
 

 

About Our Guest Speakers:

E.J. Yerzak CISA®, CISM®, CRISC™ assists firms in assessing and managing their cybersecurity risk – from network vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to onsite cybersecurity assessments and assistance in implementing the NIST cybersecurity framework. E.J. has authored articles and alerts on emerging regulatory and technology issues, and is regularly requested to speak as a cybersecurity expert at industry conferences.

 
 
 



Mike Farrell is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA®) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM®), and Cybersecurity Consultant at CSS. He analyzes data and conducts cybersecurity risk assessments, policy gap analyses, vulnerability scanning and social engineering testing. His Information technology experience includes network installations and management, hardware and software configuration, and troubleshooting.

 
 

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Coffee and Regs

Why Outsourced Compliance is No Longer a Dirty Word

Why Outsourced Compliance is No Longer a Dirty Word

 
In this episode, former CCOs Korrine Kohm and Ariana Monchick discuss compliance management and how to expand and optimize your program leveraging tools, technology and outsourced compliance services.
 

 

About Our Guest Speakers:

Korrine Kohm is CSS’s Director of Retail Wealth Manager Services. Prior to CSS, Korrine was the Chief Compliance Officer and Head of Operations at Estabrook Capital Management where she was responsible for all compliance functions of this SEC-registered, $2.1B investment advisory firm. Korrine began her regulatory career while working at Allied Irish Bank (NY) in the Operations Department where she was a key member of AIB’s Compliance Committee, responsible for ensuring compliance with Federal and State regulations. An active member of the National Society of Compliance Professionals for over 10 years, Korrine earned her Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional (IACCPTM ) designation in 2006, is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and obtained her Certified Fraud Examiner designation. In addition to her experience in compliance and banking, Korrine began the 16-week intensive training course in Quantico, Virginia, to become a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She has particular experience in crafting customized policies and procedures, developing and implementing compliance programs, conducting on-site compliance reviews, acquisition due diligence reviews, risk assessments and mock SEC examinations. She routinely counsels clients on various regulatory matters, including SEC registration issues, social media and advertising, policies related to diminished financial capacity, disclosures and the annual review process.



Ariana Monchick is a Senior Consultant for CSS’s Compliance Services team, and offers broad expertise on securities and investment advisory regulations. Ariana’s experience working in senior compliance positions at various financial services firms allows her to offer effective and comprehensive compliance solutions while maintaining a big-picture orientation. She has established a strong background in developing robust compliance programs for organizations and partnering with business leaders to mitigate risk. Most recently, Ariana was an Advisory Chief Compliance Officer for Cetera Financial Group, one of the largest family of independent broker-dealers in the United States. She was also the Chief Compliance Officer for Legend Advisory Corporation, a registered investment adviser that services the 403(b) retirement plan market.

 
 

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Betting on Bitcoin: Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets 101 for Investment Managers

Betting on Bitcoin: Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets 101 for Investment Managers

 
In this episode, CSS’s Director of Broker-Dealer Services and Private Funds John Gentile sits down with Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer of Off the Chain Capital, Brian Estes to discuss the world of cryptocurrency and Bitcoin. Is this investing or gambling, is it an asset class, and why should investment advisers and broker-dealers be thinking about adding digital assets to their clients’ portfolios?
 

 

About Our Guest Speakers:

John Gentile is responsible for overseeing various types of broker-dealer and investment adviser consulting engagements, including conducting SEC/FINRA internal control reviews, anti-money laundering testing, written supervisory policy and procedures testing, and other consultation services. John is a frequent speaker at industry conferences on various compliance topics, including “Effective Supervision,” “Large Firm Testing,” FINRA Supervisory Control Rules” and “Anti Money Laundering Requirements for Broker Dealers under the PATRIOT Act.” In 1987 John joined the SEC as a Securities Compliance Examiner, becoming a Branch Chief in 1991. He became Assistant Regional Director in 1993, supervising a team of 20 broker-dealer managers and examiners. He also planned and conducted financial, operational, and sales practice examinations of the largest broker dealers and was among those responsible for a review of hedge funds’ impact on broker dealer internal controls. Before joining the SEC, John was a Financial Damage Analyst with PaineWebber Inc. Most recently from 2000-2007 John was an Executive Consultant, Broker-Dealer Services, at National Regulatory Services. John has an MBA from Fordham University and a BS in Finance from Central Connecticut State University. From 1995 to 2002, John was also a member of the Securities Industry Continuing Education East Coast Content Committee.


Brian Estes is the CEO and CIO of Off the Chain Capital which manages the #1 performing blockchain investment fund over the past 4 years. Brian has been a VC in blockchain for over 7 years and has advised, mentored and/or financed 5 blockchain companies that have a combined value of over $100B today. Prior to his immersion in blockchain, the Brian was one of the top-ranked investment managers in the nation. Morningstar ranked his client’s performance between 2004-2014 in the top 1/10th of 1% of the Morningstar equity manager universe. Brian earned his BA in Economics from the University of Illinois, his MBA with high honors from Washington University, and has studied at Cambridge University and the London School of Economics. For fun, Brian earned his pilot’s license in 1989 and has logged over 2200 hours of flight time in his Cessna 177RG.

 
 

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Expanding Your Compliance Program Through Trade Surveillance

Expanding Your Compliance Program Through Trade Surveillance

 
In this episode, CSS’s former CCOs Allison Fraser and Matt Calabro sit down to discuss trade surveillance and how CCOs can mitigate the risk factors through the trade lifecycle – from pre-trade to trade execution and post-trade. They’ll also dive into how compliance together with operations and third parties can build out a robust and automated trade surveillance program.
 

 

About Our Guest Speakers:

Allison Fraser provides compliance consulting services to investment advisers, registered investment companies and private investment funds, including conducting annual compliance program reviews and testing, developing risk assessments and preparing for SEC examinations. She also assists clients with drafting policies and procedures and preparing regulatory filings. On behalf of, the Compliance Services division of CSS, Allison served as the Chief Compliance Officer for a family of alternative funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Prior to joining CSS, Allison served as a Senior Vice President of Compliance at Northern Trust Investments, Inc. (“NTI”), the asset management subsidiary of The Northern Trust Company. In this capacity, she managed and administered the compliance due diligence program for NTI’s Multi-Manager Solutions and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer businesses. Allison also was the Chief Compliance Officer of two registered funds of hedge funds advised by NTI as well as a member of the funds’ Pricing and Disclosure Committees. Before joining NTI, Allison served as the Compliance Director for General Motors Asset Management, where she assisted with the administration of the compliance program for this registered investment adviser.



Matt Calabro is an experienced Chief Compliance Officer, having served as CCO for registered mutual funds, investment advisers and a family of UCITS funds. Before joining CSS, Matt was Deputy CCO at Delaware Investments, where he led the daily activities of the firm’s compliance department covering advisory, fund and distribution activity. Under his leadership, Delaware implemented specific improvements in its guideline compliance, advertising review and Code of Ethics programs. Prior to Delaware, Matt spent 20 years in Raymond James’ investment advisory business, where he led mutual fund operations. While there, Matt implemented and upgraded controls, processes and technology and also served as the first full-time CCO to the mutual funds following the adoption of the Compliance Rule. Matt leverages his compliance and operations experience in the investment management industry to assist advisers and investment companies in advancing the effectiveness of their compliance programs.

 
 

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Getting a Head Start on the SEC Derivatives Rule 18f-4

Getting a Head Start on the SEC Derivatives Rule 18f-4

 
In this episode, CSS’s Director of Registered Investment Company Services Allison Fraser sits down with Partner at Morgan Lewis, Laura Flores to discuss the SEC regulatory framework for derivatives use with the new 18f-4 Rule. Even though compliance plans do not have to be fully implemented until August 2022, fund managers need to start preparing now for a compliant derivatives risk management program, calculating daily value-at-risk (VaR) measurements and performing stress tests.
 

 

About Our Guest Speakers:

Allison Fraser provides compliance consulting services to investment advisers, registered investment companies and private investment funds, including conducting annual compliance program reviews and testing, developing risk assessments and preparing for SEC examinations. She also assists clients with drafting policies and procedures and preparing regulatory filings. On behalf of, the Compliance Services division of CSS, Allison served as the Chief Compliance Officer for a family of alternative funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Prior to joining CSS, Allison served as a Senior Vice President of Compliance at Northern Trust Investments, Inc. (“NTI”), the asset management subsidiary of The Northern Trust Company. In this capacity, she managed and administered the compliance due diligence program for NTI’s Multi-Manager Solutions and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer businesses. Allison also was the Chief Compliance Officer of two registered funds of hedge funds advised by NTI as well as a member of the funds’ Pricing and Disclosure Committees. Before joining NTI, Allison served as the Compliance Director for General Motors Asset Management, where she assisted with the administration of the compliance program for this registered investment adviser.



Laura E. Flores is a Partner at Morgan Lewis with a practice that focuses on the regulation of investment companies and investment advisers. Laura regularly represents exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, and variable insurance-dedicated products, as well as their sponsors and boards of directors, and investment advisers. She counsels both well-established clients and clients that are new to the industry on a variety of regulatory, transactional, compliance and operational issues, including the development of new financial products and services, federal and state registration issues, the preparation and implementation of compliance programs, business combinations involving investment companies and investment advisers, interpretive and “no-action” letter requests, requests for Securities and Exchange Commission exemptive relief, and regulatory examinations. Laura also counsels investment advisory clients on matters, including advertising and communications with the public, investment adviser registration, and separately managed account (or wrap fee) programs. Laura also has significant experience representing “liquid alt” funds, funds that invest through offshore subsidiaries, and funds that utilize QFII/RQFII quotas to invest directly in securities issued and traded in China.