Bloomberg pays $5 million to settle SEC charges regarding fixed-income valuations

Bloomberg pays $5 million to settle SEC charges regarding fixed-income valuations
The agency alleged that from 2016 through last October, the company's BVAL failed to disclosed that valuations could be based on a single data input, rather than other methodologies it presented.
JAN 23, 2023

Bloomberg Finance misled customers about how it valued fixed-income securities, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The SEC alleged that from 2016 through last October, Bloomberg’s BVAL, which provides financial services company with daily price valuations of fixed-income securities, failed to disclose that valuations could be based on a single data input, such as a broker quote, rather than other methodologies it presented. Bloomberg agreed to pay $5 million to settle charges without admitting or denying the charges.

Some customers such as mutual fund providers use BVAL prices to determine the value of bonds held in their fund, the SEC stated. The prices on BVAL can therefore have an impact on the price at which securities are offered or traded.

“Bloomberg has assumed a critical role as a pricing service to participants in the fixed-income markets and it is incumbent on Bloomberg, as well as on other pricing services, to provide accurate information to their customers about their valuation processes,” Osman Nawaz, chief of the SEC enforcement division’s complex financial instruments unit, said in a statement. “This matter underscores that we will hold service providers, such as Bloomberg, accountable for misrepresentations that impact investors.”

The SEC noted that Bloomberg has engaged in remedial efforts to improve BVAL.

Latest News

Carson, Lido strengthen RIA networks with bicoastal deals
Carson, Lido strengthen RIA networks with bicoastal deals

Carson is expanding one of its relationships in Florida while Lido Advisors adds an $870 million practice in Silicon Valley.

Goldman gets shareholder backing on $80M executive bonus packages
Goldman gets shareholder backing on $80M executive bonus packages

The approval of the pay proposal, which handsomely compensates its CEO and president, bolsters claims that big payouts are a must in the war to retain leadership.

Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams
Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams

Integrated Partners is adding a husband-wife tandem to its network in Missouri as Kestra onboards a father-son advisor duo from UBS.

Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases
Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases

Futures indicate stocks will build on Tuesday's rally.

From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier
From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier

Cost of living still tops concerns about negative impacts on personal finances

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.