Russell M. Fecteau
Of Counsel
Russell Fecteau brings a wealth of regulatory and enforcement experience to his practice. He is a former senior enforcement attorney in FINRA's Market Regulation Department, where he supervised a legal team on federal securities laws and FINRA Rules. Russell provides practical and actionable advice to clients across the financial services sector concerning complex compliance questions and issues, internal reviews, self-reporting requirements, inquiries, examinations, investigations and enforcement actions before the SEC, state regulators, and FINRA. He regularly advises firms facing FINRA enforcement matters pursuant to FINRA's Regulatory Service Agreements (RSA) with such exchanges as the NYSE, Nasdaq, and CBOE.
Recognized for his legal expertise, Russell is a go-to attorney for broker-dealers, fintechs, financial advisors, and other financial institutions and professionals seeking counsel in matters involving Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI), best execution requirements, fair pricing reviews for fixed income securities, Regulation SHO, securities lending, the Market Access Rule, and supervision for wash sales, pre-arranged trading, spoofing, and layering activity. Russell helps his clients prepare robust policies, procedures, and controls and he defends his clients during SEC and FINRA reviews and examinations. He provides regulatory and compliance guidance to clients and is well-versed in the reporting requirements for equity (TRFs) and fixed income trade reporting (TRACE and MSRB) as well as the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT).
Apart from overseeing the most complex reviews before FINRA and other regulators, Russell can help prepare his clients for future challenges and craft effective strategies to mitigate risks and promote growth. Russell also participates on panels at industry conferences, and he regularly provides CLE training to in-house legal teams.
Self-reports to regulators*
Prohibited trading practices*
Enforcement matters brought by exchanges*
SEC matters in fixed-income securities*
Pricing cases*
Admitted to Practice
- District of Columbia, 2003
- New York, 2002
Education
- LL.M., Securities and Financial Regulation, Georgetown University Law Center, 2008, with distinction
- J.D., American University Washington College of Law, 2001, cum laude
- B.A., English and Philosophy, Marquette University, 1998
- Dean's List
- English Honor Society
- Captain, NCAA Division I Wrestling
Memberships & Affiliations
- District of Columbia Bar Association and Broker-Dealer Regulation Subcommittee
- New York Bar Association
Professional Recognition
- Member, Law Firm of the Year, Securities Regulation, US News/Best Lawyers – Best Law Firms, 2019
Background
- Of Counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Washington, D.C., 2014-2023
- Of Counsel, Bingham McCutchen LLP, Washington, D.C., 2013-2014
- Counsel, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Department of Market Regulation – Legal, Rockville, Md., 2005-2013