SEC Obtains Asset Freeze Against Offshore Fund and Its Operators
Washington, D.C.–(Newsfile Corp. – June 21, 2021) – The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it has filed an emergency action charging an offshore fund and two individuals with engaging in a fraudulent scheme, and obtained an asset freeze to safeguard remaining investor funds at risk of immediate dissipation.
The SEC’s complaint alleges that from at least 2018 to the present, Ofer Abarbanel of California and Victor Chilelli of Delaware and New York have engaged in a scheme to defraud investors in an offshore mutual fund they controlled, the Income Collecting 1-3 Months T-Bills Mutual Fund. According to the complaint, Abarbanel represented to investors that the fund would invest primarily in U.S. Treasury securities and also enter into certain types of reverse repurchase agreements with U.S. Treasury securities serving as collateral. As alleged, however, the fund invested only minimally in U.S. Treasuries, and did not enter into any reverse repurchase agreements along the lines described in offering documents. Instead, the complaint alleges, the fund routed nearly all investor funds to shell companies under the defendants’ control as part of uncollateralized sham lending arrangements with the fund. According to the complaint, when investors sought to redeem $106 million in investments last month, the defendants refused and instead took steps to transfer funds to an account from which no redemptions could be drawn.
“As this emergency action shows, the SEC will move quickly to protect investor funds from potential dissipation and misappropriation,” said Carolyn M. Welshhans, Associate Director in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. “We can detect misconduct and enforce the securities laws even where, as we allege happened here, fraudsters transfer and divert funds to shell companies.”
The SEC’s complaint, which was filed in federal court in the Southern District of New York today, charges Abarbanel, Chilelli, and the fund with violating the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws and seeks permanent injunctions, disgorgement with prejudgment interest, civil penalties, and permanent bars against participating in future securities offerings. The complaint also names as relief defendants six companies that either acted as purported counterparties with the fund or received fund assets in furtherance of the scheme: Institutional Syndication LLC, North American Liquidity Resources LLC, Institutional Secured Credit LLC, Growth Income Holdings LLC, CLO Market Neutral LLC, and Global EMEA Holdings LLC.
The SEC’s investigation was conducted by Virginia M. Rosado Desilets, Gregory C. Padgett, Alexandra M. Arango, Andrew M. Shirley, and David F. Miller, and supervised by Ms. Welshhans, Adam S. Aderton, Co-Chief of the Asset Management Unit, and David A. Becker. The litigation will be led by Paul W. Kisslinger and Sarah Heaton Concannon under the supervision of Jan M. Folena.
Latest News
Revio, the young fintech winning over Old Mutual and MTN
Latest News
Basel Committee highlights rising risks from finance digitalisation in new report
The post Basel Committee highlights rising risks from finance digitalisation in new report appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
Latest News
French fintech Lydia launches digital banking app Sumeria
Lydia, a prominent French fintech company known for its innovative financial solutions, has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of its new digital banking app, Sumeria. This development marks a strategic expansion for Lydia as it continues to redefine the financial landscape in Europe and beyond.
About Lydia
Since its inception, Lydia has been at the forefront of fintech innovation in France, providing users with seamless and user-friendly payment solutions. The company has built a strong reputation for its mobile payment app, which allows users to send and receive money, pay for goods and services, and manage their finances with ease. With millions of users and a robust platform, Lydia is well-positioned to venture into the digital banking space.
Introducing Sumeria
Sumeria is Lydia’s latest offering, designed to cater to the growing demand for comprehensive digital banking solutions. The app aims to provide users with a full suite of banking services, all accessible from their smartphones. Key features of Sumeria include:
- Personal and Business Accounts: Sumeria offers both personal and business accounts, enabling users to manage their finances efficiently. The app supports a range of functionalities tailored to meet the needs of individual users and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Intuitive Interface: True to Lydia’s commitment to user experience, Sumeria boasts an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface. Users can quickly access account information, transaction history, and various banking services with just a few taps.
- Comprehensive Financial Tools: Sumeria provides a range of financial tools designed to help users better manage their money. Features such as budgeting, expense tracking, and personalized financial insights empower users to make informed financial decisions.
- Security and Privacy: Lydia places a high priority on security, and Sumeria is no exception. The app incorporates advanced security measures, including biometric authentication and end-to-end encryption, to ensure that users’ financial data is protected.
- Integrated Payments: Leveraging Lydia’s expertise in payments, Sumeria integrates seamless payment solutions, allowing users to send and receive money instantly, pay bills, and make purchases directly from the app.
Strategic Implications
The launch of Sumeria represents a strategic move for Lydia, positioning the company as a formidable player in the digital banking arena. By expanding its product offering, Lydia aims to capture a larger share of the market and meet the evolving needs of its users. This initiative also reflects a broader trend in the fintech industry, where traditional payment service providers are evolving into comprehensive financial service platforms.
Market Impact
Sumeria’s entry into the market is poised to have a significant impact. With its user-centric design and robust feature set, the app is likely to attract a diverse user base, from tech-savvy millennials to SMEs seeking efficient banking solutions. Moreover, Sumeria’s integration with Lydia’s existing payment infrastructure provides a seamless transition for current Lydia users, further boosting its adoption.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Lydia plans to continually enhance Sumeria by adding new features and expanding its services. The company’s focus on innovation and customer satisfaction will be key drivers of Sumeria’s growth. Additionally, Lydia’s potential to scale Sumeria across other European markets presents a substantial opportunity for further expansion.
Source: fintechfutures.com
The post French fintech Lydia launches digital banking app Sumeria appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
-
Latest News7 days ago
Al Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co. announces a strong start to FY24, reporting a 12.09% YoY increase in net profit to reach SAR 32.25 million in Q1-FY24
-
Latest News6 days ago
Newgen Recognized in the Gartner® Market Guide for Commercial Banking Cash Management and Trade Finance Solutions 2023 Report
-
Latest News6 days ago
Major Korean pension fund invests in carbon solutions with Stafford Capital Partners
-
Latest News6 days ago
Precisely Showcases Critical Role of Trusted Data in AI at the Gartner® Data & Analytics Summit in London
-
Latest News6 days ago
One United Properties posts a consolidated turnover of 84.3 million euros and a gross profit of 37 million euros in the first three months of 2024
-
Latest News3 days ago
B Lab UK research reveals UK public back change to company law to put people, the planet and profit on more equal footing
-
Latest News5 days ago
MENA Fintech Association Sets Sights on EU Expansion, in Partnership With Hungarian Fintechs
-
Latest News5 days ago
KuCoin Research Report Reveals: $1 Billion in Financing and Rising Stablecoin Issuance Amid Market Fluctuations