WASHINGTON, D.C.—Dennis Kelleher, Cofounder, President, and CEO of Better Markets, issued the following statement on the sentencing of Tim Leissner today in United States v. Leissner, 18-CR-439 (E.D.N.Y.): “The good news is that the Goldman Sachs partner who orchestrated and led the bank’s central involvement in the 1MDB scandal is going to prison. The bad […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Dennis Kelleher, President, CEO and Co-founder of Better Markets, issued the following statement in response to a Bloomberg report that the Federal Reserve has disbanded its groups that examine climate-related financial risks for large banks: “Today’s report that the Federal Reserve (“Fed”) has disbanded its internal groups that assess the exposure of the largest, […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Stephen Hall, Legal Director and Securities Specialist of Better Markets, issued the following statement in response to the Department of Labor rescinding guidance warning managers of retirement plans of the risks of offering employees crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum: “Today is another flagrant example of the Trump Administration putting crypto profits ahead […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Dennis Kelleher, Cofounder, President, and CEO of Better Markets, issued the following statement on the sentencing of Tim Leissner, scheduled for this Thursday, May 29th, and the release of the attached “Memo to Interested Parties” that Better Markets is issuing today: “Goldman Sachs, via partner and senior executive Tim Leissner and at least 30 […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Stephen Hall, Legal Director and Securities Specialist, issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s hasty decision to allow the lawless firing of agency heads before the complex Constitutional issues are fully litigated on the merits, in Trump v. Wilcox, No. 24A966 (S. Ct.): “In yesterday’s order, the Supreme Court abruptly sided with President […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement on SEC Chair Paul Atkins’s Congressional testimony earlier today: “Chair Atkins’s testimony reflected the SEC’s—and Congress’s—continued preoccupation with crypto. Following the Senate’s vote last night to send a bill legitimizing stablecoins to the floor, Chair Atkins said one of his top priorities is the […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ new Report, “Private Securities Offerings Should Be the Exception, Not the Rule”: “Our public capital markets are the envy of the world, but the ever-expanding exemptions from the requirement that most securities offerings be registered public offerings are bleeding […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Dennis Kelleher, Co-founder, President and CEO of Better Markets, issued the following statement in advance of tomorrow’s noticed FDIC Board Meeting, where the 2024 merger policy will be withdrawn and replaced with a weaker, outdated one: “At the meeting tomorrow, the FDIC plans to enact a politically motivated, irresponsible, baseless, and unnecessary merger policy […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement regarding the withdrawal by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) of their July 8, 2019 Joint Staff Statement on Broker-Dealer Custody of Digital Asset Securities: “The SEC’s and FINRA’s decision to withdraw their joint staff statement regarding […]
Washington, D.C.—Dennis M. Kelleher, Co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Better Markets, and Adam Connaker, Director of Impact Investing at the Surdna Foundation, issued the following statement today announcing a new partnership: “Millions of Americans continue to face serious threats to their economic security,” said Mr. Kelleher. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Dennis Kelleher, Co-founder, President and CEO of Better Markets, issued the following statement in response to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) 3-0 vote to drop its appeal in KalshiEx LLC v. CFTC: “This would be funny if it weren’t so serious: the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) – not the Federal Election Commission […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ new Report, “Let’s Not Make the Same Mistakes With Stock Trading as We Made With Sports Gambling”: “Today is the seven-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision legalizing sports gambling. That decision has led to an epidemic of sports […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Ben Schiffrin and Phillip Basil, Directors of Securities Policy and Economic Growth & Financial Stability, issued the following statement on Better Markets’ new Fact Sheets, “Policymakers Must Bolster the Treasury Market” and “Weakening Bank Capital Will Not Help the Treasury Market but Will Increase Financial Stability Risks”: “Just last month, we avoided an economic […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Dennis Kelleher, President and CEO, issued the following statement in connection with the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (Committee) affirming the need to understand all risks to the financial system, including from climate events. “U.S. and global regulators are mandated to protect their citizens, financial system, and economy from financial risks regardless of source […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cantrell Dumas, Director of Derivatives Policy at Better Markets, issued the following statement in response to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) failure to pause Coinbase Derivatives, LLC’s launch of 24/7 futures trading: “It’s deeply troubling that the CFTC allowed Coinbase to proceed with launching 24/7 futures trading while an active Request […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Shayna Olesiuk, Director of Banking Policy, issued the following statement in connection with the release of a new Fact Sheet: “Bank Mergers Require Robust Scrutiny to Ensure that Consumers’ Interests Are Not Sacrificed for Wall Street’s Profits.” “Main Street Americans benefit from a diversified banking system that includes community banks, regional banks, and large […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Dennis Kelleher, President, CEO and Co-founder of Better Markets, issued the following statement in response to Federal Reserve (Fed) Governor Michelle Bowman’s announcement of her new Wall Street staff: “Today’s reported announcement that Vice Chair nominee Fed Gov. Michelle Bowman—a vocal advocate for Wall Street’s preferred policies—has hired two Wall Street lobbyists and a […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Brady Williams, Legal Counsel, issued the following statement in connection with the CFPB’s decision to rescind dozens of prior agency interpretive rules, policy statements, and advisory opinions: “Today the CFPB announced its sweeping decision to rescind virtually all of its prior policy guidance—an alarming move that threatens the integrity of consumer oversight, erodes transparency, […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.— For the fifth year in a row, Washingtonian Magazine has selected Dennis Kelleher, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Better Markets, as one of the Most Influential People in Washington. “With a new administration now in place, these power players’ expertise and strategic insight are especially crucial as they navigate shifting priorities and relationships […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cantrell Dumas, Director of Derivatives Policy at Better Markets, issued the following statement regarding the release of a new fact sheet titled “Stop the Spread: Why the CFTC Must Shut the Door on Gambling in Derivatives Markets”: “Congress made it clear that contracts involving gambling, like betting on sports, do not belong […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Amanda Fischer, Policy Director & COO of Better Markets, issued the following statement in response to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) recent Internet Crime Report showing a surge in crypto-related crimes while Congress considers legislation to further import crypto risks to the mainstream financial system: “It’s boom times for crypto crime. The FBI’s […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Stephen Hall, Legal Director and Securities Specialist, issued the following statement on today’s decision by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to abandon its appeal in KalshiEx LLC v. CFTC: “The CFTC has just voluntarily surrendered its fight to overturn a dangerous lower court decision that allows gambling on the outcome of congressional elections. […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Dennis Kelleher, President, CEO and Co-founder of Better Markets, issued the following statement ahead of this week’s Senate Banking Committee vote on Governor Michelle Bowman’s nomination to become Vice Chair for Supervision of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Fed”). “Trump has nominated Fed Gov. Michelle Bowman to become one of […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Brady Williams, Legal Counsel, issued the following statement in connection with the recently filed motion in Cornerstone Credit Union League et al v. CFPB, No. 4:25-cv-00016 (E.D. Tex.), which asked a federal court to vacate the CFPB’s long-awaited rule addressing medical debt on credit reports: “The CFPB today sided against consumers by joining […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Amanda Fischer, Policy Director and Chief Operating Officer, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ new Fact Sheet, “The Dangers of Folding the PCAOB Into the SEC.” “Congress’s proposal to abolish the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and fold it into the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is dangerous and misguided. […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Dennis M. Kelleher, Co-founder, President, and CEO, issued the following statement in connection with Trump’s first 100 days and the release of a new Report: “Trump’s Wall Street Deregulation on Steroids is Going to Cause a Horrific Economic Crash on Main Street.” “While the financial industry claims it’s overregulated and that regulations are just […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ new Fact Sheet, “Proxy Advisory Firms Allow Shareholders to Effectively Oversee the Companies They Own”: “Tomorrow, Congress will hold a hearing that appears designed to attack proxy advisory firms. But the fact is that these firms are essential to […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ new Report, “ESG Investing Persists”: “Earth Day 2025 is a sad occasion for investors. The SEC, in the last few months, has turned its back on investors by retreating from several initiatives designed to give them information about how […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amanda Fischer, Policy Director and COO, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ new Fact Sheet entitled, “On Earth Day, the Need to Address Climate-Related Financial Risks is More Urgent Than Ever:” “No matter how much policymakers try to minimize, disregard, or ignore it, catastrophic climate risk remains an enormous […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Cantrell Dumas, Director of Derivatives Policy, issued the following statement in connection with the release of Better Markets’ new Fact Sheet, “Origins of the CFTC: Protecting the Integrity of the Derivatives Markets.” “As the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) commemorates its 50th anniversary, it’s a moment to acknowledge the agency’s critical role in […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Shayna Olesiuk, Director of Banking Policy, issued the following statement in connection with the Federal Reserve’s and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s approval of Capital One Financial Corporation’s (“Capital One”) to acquire Discover Bank and Discover Financial Services (“Discover”), which will result in the largest credit card company and the 6th largest […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Shayna Olesiuk, Director of Banking Policy, issued the following statement in connection with the release of a new Report: “Community Banks: Vital to Main Street Families, Small Businesses, and the Financial System.” “Community banks are vital to Main Street America, providing a safe place for families and small businesses to safeguard and grow wealth and […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Dennis M. Kelleher, Co-founder, President, and CEO, issued the following statement regarding the unlawful firing of two Board Members of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)—Todd Harper and Tanya Otsuka. “Credit unions are vital to Main Street families, small businesses, communities, and the economy. The Trump Administration’s decision to illegally fire two of the […]
Washington, D.C.—Today, Better Markets announced the formation of its inaugural Academic Advisory Board. The new initiative will serve as a platform for leading scholars focused on economics, law, finance, and financial regulation, and enable collaboration across the range of related issues facing the country. The Better Markets Academic Advisory Board (BMAAB) will foster a dynamic […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement on the filing of Better Markets’ Comment Letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in response to a proposed rule change filed by Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., to list and trade shares of the BondBloxx Private Credit Trust: “A private credit exchange-traded product […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Shayna Olesiuk, Director of Banking Policy, issued the following statement on a Comment Letter to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) on the proposed rescission of the 2024 Statement of Policy on Bank Merger Transactions. “In 2024, after years of prudent, judicious, and appropriate analysis, the FDIC implemented a policy (2024 policy) that strengthened […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Amanda Fischer, Policy Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO), issued the following statement on the release of a fact sheet detailing the impacts and potential impacts of the Trump administration’s chaotic tariff policy on financial and consumer markets: “The U.S. financial markets are the envy of the world, and the trust and confidence that […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement on the filing of Better Markets’ Comment Letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in response to a proposal to reduce the amount of customer information collected and retained in the consolidated audit trail (CAT): “The importance of a consolidated audit trail that […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Dennis M. Kelleher, Co-founder, President, and CEO, issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Paul Atkins to be Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): “As the U.S. financial markets experience extreme stress and volatility due to erratic policy announcements by the President, the American people need an independent SEC Chair who […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved proposed rule changes filed by national securities exchanges to list and trade options on spot ether exchange-traded products (“ETPs”): “Ether is volatile, and approving options trading on an ETP with such a volatile underlying asset […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Shayna Olesiuk, Director of Banking Policy, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ new Fact Sheet, “Ten Reasons that Michelle Bowman Is the Wrong Choice to Lead Bank Regulation and Supervision at the Fed,” ahead of Federal Reserve (Fed) Governor Michelle Bowman’s nomination hearing for the position of Federal Reserve Board Vice […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Stephen Hall, Legal Director and Securities Specialist, issued the following statement on the filing of an amicus brief, led by the National Fair Housing Alliance and joined by Better Markets and other consumer advocacy groups, in CFPB v. Townstone Financial, Inc., No. 1:20-cv-04176 (N.D. Ill.): “The new leadership at the CFPB is attempting to […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Dennis M. Kelleher, Co-founder, President, and CEO, issued the following statement regarding the Senate Banking Committee’s advancement of the nominations of Paul Atkins to be Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Jonathan Gould to be the Comptroller at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). “The SEC and the […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Shayna Olesiuk, Director of Banking Policy, issued the following statement on a Comment Letter sent to the House Financial Services Committee (Committee) responding to its “Make Community Banking Great Again” principles. “Community banks are vital to Main Street Americans, providing a safe place for families and small businesses to safeguard and grow wealth and […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Dennis Kelleher, President, CEO, and Co-founder, issued the following statement in response to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) announcement to withdraw from interagency guidance that held the largest banks accountable for managing climate-related financial risk. “The OCC’s decision to ignore well-known and very serious climate-related financial risk at the […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Brady Williams, Legal Counsel, issued the following statement on the deadline for submitting comments on the CFPB’s proposed interpretive rule on how the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) and Regulation E would apply to new and emerging digital payment mechanisms. The proposal is now on hold because the Trump administration shut down virtually […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ letter to the House Financial Services Committee in response to the Committee’s request for feedback on ways to increase access to the public and private markets and facilitate capital formation: “The best way for policymakers to facilitate real capital […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Dennis Kelleher, President, CEO, and Co-founder, issued the following statement in response to yet another Friday announcement by the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and OCC (‘Banking Agencies’), this time to withdraw the rule that modernized the 1977 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). “Working Americans have been hammered by inflation, income stagnation, wealth deprivation, and an […]
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Dennis M. Kelleher, Co-founder, President, and CEO, issued the following statement in response to the SEC’s vote to end the defense of the climate disclosure rules in the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit: “The SEC’s vote today to stop defending the climate disclosure rule in court is only the latest anti-investor, anti-disclosure, […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Better Markets sent a letter urging Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar to insist on bipartisan independent commissions, including at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This is particularly important in light of the illegal firings of Democratic Commissioners at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) […]
For media inquiries, please contact [email protected] or 202-618-6433.
To sign up for our email newsletter, please visit this page.
"* (Required)" indicates required fields
please contact [email protected] or 202-618-6433.
Help us fight for the public interest in our financial markets, protecting Main Street from Wall Street and avoiding another costly financial collapse and economic crisis, by making a donation today.
