Big Oil Strikes Back at ESG
A Texas bill would force the state’s retirement systems to divest from companies that divest from fossil fuels.
Regulation
Nest Commits $350 Million to Octopus Renewables for Green Infrastructure
‘We want to invest in the energy of the future, not the past,’ says CIO Mark Fawcett.
SEC Charges Seven in $45 Million Pump and Dump Scheme
Kelly Kabilafkas allegedly promoted shares in Airborne Wireless Network, then dumped the stock.
DOL Will Not Enforce Final Rules on ESG, Proxy Voting
The federal agency will revisit the disputed regulations, enacted in the final days of the Trump administration.
COLA Freeze Removed from Pension Bailout Plan
American Rescue Plan Act amendment from Chuck Schumer removes cost-of-living adjustment freeze.
SEC Launches Climate, ESG Enforcement Task Force
The team of 22 will identify ESG-related misconduct and focus on climate risk disclosures.
Bolstering City Infrastructure ‘Imperative’ to Recovery, Says Kamala Harris
The vice president outlines the Biden administration’s goals as it prepares a plan to build everything from railways to tidal walls.
PBGC Names Nicholas Novak Permanent Inspector General
He had been the agency’s acting inspector general since April.
A Washington Beating for Robinhood’s CEO
The GameStop congressional hearings expose fractures in the online brokerage’s business model: its trading halt, margin level, and fee policy.
Hedge Fund Founder Pleads Guilty to Neiman Marcus Bankruptcy Fraud
Daniel Kamensky pressured a rival investor to drop its bid for assets he wanted on the cheap.
Democrats Introduce Bill to Protect Pensions, Expand PGBC’s Power
Proposed legislation would create PBGC partition program and end ability to seek benefits cuts under MPRA.
Outlook Improves for Multiemployer Reform in 2021, 2022
Democratic control of Congress could help break the deadlock over passing legislation to protect pensions and the PBGC.
NYC Comptroller Calls for SEC to Investigate Tyson
The Empire State’s pension system is mounting investor pressure against the poultry giant, which has been criticized for its pandemic safety practices in its plants.
Illinois Lawmakers Pass Firefighter Pension Bill Upping Benefits
The move would add $18 million in extra inflation-adjustment benefits for its first year, expanding the liability for the poorly funded plan.
Jewelry Wholesaler Charged with Defrauding Retired Police, Firefighters
Gregory Altieri, who pleaded guilty to running $200 million Ponzi scheme, faces up to 20 years in prison.