Nine fined in SEC crackdown on custody rule, Form ADV

Nine investment advisers failed to follow Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules designed to keep clients’ assets safe and/or timely disclose financial updates following audits, the agency announced Friday.

BiscayneAmericas Advisers, Garrison Investment Group, Janus Henderson Investors, Lend Academy Investments, Polaris Equity Management, QVR, Ridgeview Asset Management Partners, Steward Capital Management, and Titan Fund Management will combine to pay more than $1 million in total penalties as part of separate settlements with the SEC.

Two of the advisory firms—Polaris and Janus Henderson—violated custody rules, one—QVR—failed to comply with Form ADV, and six firms were penalized for violations of both mandates, the agency said. Without admitting or denying the findings, the firms were censured and ordered to cease and desist.