FINRA Fines Citigroup for Failure to Supervise Complex Trading Strategies

FINRA announced that it has fined Citigroup Global Markets Inc. $600,000 and censured the firm for failing to supervise complex trading strategies designed in part to minimize potential tax liabilities. The firm also failed to report to an exchange trades executed under these strategies and to adequately monitor Bloomberg messages.  Specifically, Citigroup failed to supervise and control trading activities by lacking procedures designed to detect and prevent improper trades between the firm and certain counterparties, and among entities within the firm.

In settling this matter, Citigroup neither admitted nor denied the charges, but consented to the entry of FINRA's findings. In determining the appropriate sanction, FINRA noted that Citigroup discovered and self-reported the violations giving rise to this matter; that the firm hired a law firm to conduct a review of these trades and to assist in remedial efforts; and that the firm and its outside counsel provided substantial assistance to FINRA staff during the investigation