By Ilana R. Morady

nugget goldSeyfarth Synopsis: Companies are experiencing difficulties in complying with their disclosure responsibilities under the SEC’s conflict mineral requirements.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released a report to Congress on the effectiveness of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) conflict minerals rule, finding that companies are experiencing difficulties in fulfilling their disclosure responsibilities.

The
Continue Reading New GAO Report Highlights Challenges in Complying with Conflicts Minerals Rule

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

So far 2014 has proven to be a lucrative year for whistleblowers assisting federal agencies in bringing suits against “violators”.

In following up on last year’s impressive $14 million dollar whistleblower reward, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has just announced an award of $875,000 to two whistleblowers “who aided”
Continue Reading Whistleblowers Continue to See Significant Monetary Awards in 2014

By Ilana R. Morady and Meagan Newman

In August 2012 the SEC enacted a rule as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, P.L. 111-203, in an attempt to curtail human rights abuses in Africa.  77 FR 56274 (September 12, 2012). The new rule requires affected companies to file annual Conflict Minerals Reports. The first
Continue Reading Conflict Mineral Reporting: Are You Ready?