Ben Schiffrin
@benschiffrin.bsky.social
Director of Securities Policy at Better Markets
The SEC is supposed to be an independent agency. Its own Canon of Ethics says this. Yet SEC Chair Paul Atkins acts as if the SEC is a mouthpiece for the Trump administration. Our new fact sheet explains the extent to which Chair Atkins is politicizing the SEC.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
Fact Sheet: Paul Atkins is Politicizing the SEC | Better Markets
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy for Better Markets, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ new Fact Sheet, “Paul Atkins is Politicizing th...
bettermarkets.org
October 9, 2025 at 4:53 PM
The SEC is supposed to be an independent agency. Its own Canon of Ethics says this. Yet SEC Chair Paul Atkins acts as if the SEC is a mouthpiece for the Trump administration. Our new fact sheet explains the extent to which Chair Atkins is politicizing the SEC.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
The private funds industry wants its assets to be sold to the public but still deemed "private." This cannot be the case. Our new report explains why there is no such thing as private market assets in the hands of the general public.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
Report: There’s No Such Thing as Private Market Assets in the Hands of the General Public | Better Markets
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy for Better Markets, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ new Report, “There’s No Such Thing as Private M...
bettermarkets.org
September 10, 2025 at 4:19 PM
The private funds industry wants its assets to be sold to the public but still deemed "private." This cannot be the case. Our new report explains why there is no such thing as private market assets in the hands of the general public.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
Today, Congress is holding a hearing about the use of AI in the financial industry. Our new fact sheet explains why we need reasonable regulation to not only protect investors but also ensure that AI maximizes its potential.
bettermarkets.org/analysis/reg...
bettermarkets.org/analysis/reg...
Regulate Financial Firms’ Use of AI to Minimize Risks and Maximize Rewards | Better Markets
Introduction Two noteworthy events occurred last week in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). Last Wednesday, President Trump released his administration’s “AI Action Plan,” which described the ...
bettermarkets.org
July 30, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Today, Congress is holding a hearing about the use of AI in the financial industry. Our new fact sheet explains why we need reasonable regulation to not only protect investors but also ensure that AI maximizes its potential.
bettermarkets.org/analysis/reg...
bettermarkets.org/analysis/reg...
After yesterday's roundtable, we should expect the SEC to begin rolling back executive compensation disclosure rules. But as we said in our comment letter, the public needs these disclosures, which shed light on the fact that CEO pay has risen by 1,085% since 1978.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/the...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/the...
The Public Has a Right to Know How Much CEOs Get Paid | Better Markets
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Better Markets’ Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement on today’s filing of Better Markets’ comment letter to the SEC in connection with tod...
bettermarkets.org
June 27, 2025 at 1:57 PM
After yesterday's roundtable, we should expect the SEC to begin rolling back executive compensation disclosure rules. But as we said in our comment letter, the public needs these disclosures, which shed light on the fact that CEO pay has risen by 1,085% since 1978.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/the...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/the...
Today, Congress will hold a hearing about the costs of complying with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The hearing presages calls to roll back SOX's requirements. But our new fact sheet shows the risks of returning to world where financial misconduct is allowed to flourish.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
Fact Sheet: The Cost of Noncompliance with Financial Regulation | Better Markets
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Better Markets’ Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ new Fact Sheet, “The Cost of Noncompliance with Fi...
bettermarkets.org
June 25, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Today, Congress will hold a hearing about the costs of complying with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The hearing presages calls to roll back SOX's requirements. But our new fact sheet shows the risks of returning to world where financial misconduct is allowed to flourish.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
I'm excited to participate in tomorrow's Conference on Emerging Trends in Asset Management at the SEC. In advance of the panel, we issued a new fact sheet discussing the risks of exposing retail investors' 401(k)s to private market assets.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
Fact Sheet: Private Market Assets Do Not Belong in 401(k)s | Better Markets
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ New Fact Sheet, “Private Market Assets Do Not Belong in 401(k)s,” ...
bettermarkets.org
June 4, 2025 at 7:50 PM
I'm excited to participate in tomorrow's Conference on Emerging Trends in Asset Management at the SEC. In advance of the panel, we issued a new fact sheet discussing the risks of exposing retail investors' 401(k)s to private market assets.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
As both Congress and the SEC contemplate expanding the private markets, our new report explains why private securities offerings should be the exception and not the rule.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
Report: Private Securities Offerings Should Be the Exception, Not the Rule | Better Markets
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,...
bettermarkets.org
May 19, 2025 at 9:38 PM
As both Congress and the SEC contemplate expanding the private markets, our new report explains why private securities offerings should be the exception and not the rule.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
Today, Congress is holding a hearing on fragilities in the Treasury market. Our new fact sheets discuss those fragilities and the importance of ensuring that the Treasury market runs smoothly both in normal times and in times of stress.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
Fact Sheets: Policymakers Must Bolster The Treasury Market and Weakening Bank Capital Will Not Help the Treasury Market but Will Increase Financial Stability Risks | Better Markets
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, “Policyma...
bettermarkets.org
May 15, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Today, Congress is holding a hearing on fragilities in the Treasury market. Our new fact sheets discuss those fragilities and the importance of ensuring that the Treasury market runs smoothly both in normal times and in times of stress.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
The legalization of sports gambling plus the ability to bet 24 hours a day has led to an epidemic of sports betting addiction. Our new report on 24/7 stock trading explains why we are in danger of making the same mistakes with stock trading as with sports gambling.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
Report: Let’s Not Make the Same Mistakes With Stock Trading as We Made With Sports Gambling | Better Markets
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 a...
bettermarkets.org
May 15, 2025 at 3:24 PM
The legalization of sports gambling plus the ability to bet 24 hours a day has led to an epidemic of sports betting addiction. Our new report on 24/7 stock trading explains why we are in danger of making the same mistakes with stock trading as with sports gambling.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
Fifteen years ago today, the securities markets experienced the “Flash Crash.” The Flash Crash led to the creation of the Consolidated Audit Trail, also known as the CAT. Although the CAT is now under attack, today is a good time to remember that the CAT protects investors, markets, and the public.
May 6, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Fifteen years ago today, the securities markets experienced the “Flash Crash.” The Flash Crash led to the creation of the Consolidated Audit Trail, also known as the CAT. Although the CAT is now under attack, today is a good time to remember that the CAT protects investors, markets, and the public.
Congress's proposal to abolish the PCAOB and transfer its functions to the SEC is misguided and dangerous. Our new fact sheet explains why. bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
Fact Sheet: The Dangers of Folding the PCAOB Into the SEC | Better Markets
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 t...
bettermarkets.org
April 30, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Congress's proposal to abolish the PCAOB and transfer its functions to the SEC is misguided and dangerous. Our new fact sheet explains why. bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
Today, Congress is holding a hearing on proxy advisory firms. These firms provide shareholders with independent advice and unbiased recommendations about issues affecting a company. Our new fact sheet explains why these firms are essential to shareholder engagement.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
bettermarkets.org
April 29, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Today, Congress is holding a hearing on proxy advisory firms. These firms provide shareholders with independent advice and unbiased recommendations about issues affecting a company. Our new fact sheet explains why these firms are essential to shareholder engagement.
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
Earth Day 2025 is a sad occasion for investors. The SEC's retreat from several ESG initiatives deprives investors of material financial information. Our new report discusses the SEC's actions, the flaw in the anti-ESG argument, and the persistence of ESG investing. bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
Report: ESG Investing Persists | Better Markets
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 occ...
bettermarkets.org
April 23, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Earth Day 2025 is a sad occasion for investors. The SEC's retreat from several ESG initiatives deprives investors of material financial information. Our new report discusses the SEC's actions, the flaw in the anti-ESG argument, and the persistence of ESG investing. bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
Tomorrow, Congress will hold a hearing on stablecoins. Our new fact sheet explains why Congress should heed the concerns that were raised five years ago when Facebook wanted to launch a stablecoin called Libra: bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
bettermarkets.org
March 10, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Tomorrow, Congress will hold a hearing on stablecoins. Our new fact sheet explains why Congress should heed the concerns that were raised five years ago when Facebook wanted to launch a stablecoin called Libra: bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
With Valentine's Day approaching, many Americans may be searching for love online. They probably don't expect to be victimized by a cryptocurrency scam as a result. Our new fact sheet explores the role that crypto plays in these devastating online romance scams: bettermarkets.org/newsroom/cry...
Crypto Crimes of the Heart | Better Markets
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ new Fact Sheet, “Crypto Crimes of the Heart”: “With Valentine’s Da...
bettermarkets.org
February 13, 2025 at 10:01 PM
With Valentine's Day approaching, many Americans may be searching for love online. They probably don't expect to be victimized by a cryptocurrency scam as a result. Our new fact sheet explores the role that crypto plays in these devastating online romance scams: bettermarkets.org/newsroom/cry...
Tomorrow, Congress will hold a hearing entitled "A Golden Age of Digital Assets: Charting a Path Forward." Our new fact sheet explains why Congress must prevent a lax regulatory regime from ushering in a Golden Age of Crypto Crime: bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
Fact Sheet: A Golden Age of Crypto Crime? | Better Markets
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ new Fact Sheet, “A Golden Age of Crypto Crime?” released ahead of ...
bettermarkets.org
February 10, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Tomorrow, Congress will hold a hearing entitled "A Golden Age of Digital Assets: Charting a Path Forward." Our new fact sheet explains why Congress must prevent a lax regulatory regime from ushering in a Golden Age of Crypto Crime: bettermarkets.org/newsroom/fac...
The SEC's whistleblower program is essential to protecting the securities markets. Our new report explains why, if DOGE cuts SEC enforcement personnel, the SEC's whistleblower program will become even more essential to investor protection than it already is today: bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
Report: SEC’s Whistleblower Program is Key to Protecting the Economy and Main Street Americans’ Wallets | Better Markets
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ new Report, “The SEC’s Whistleblower Program Is Key to Protecting ...
bettermarkets.org
January 31, 2025 at 8:04 PM
The SEC's whistleblower program is essential to protecting the securities markets. Our new report explains why, if DOGE cuts SEC enforcement personnel, the SEC's whistleblower program will become even more essential to investor protection than it already is today: bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
Finfluencers are individuals who use their social media presence to influence financial decisions. Our new report explains why regulating finfluencers is necessary to maintain the trust and confidence in, and the integrity of, the securities markets: bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...
Report: Unregulated Financial Influencers: Safeguarding Investors in the Digital Age | Better Markets
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Benjamin Schiffrin, Director of Securities Policy, issued the following statement in connection with Better Markets’ new Report, “Unregulated Financial Influencers: Safeguarding Inves...
bettermarkets.org
January 22, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Finfluencers are individuals who use their social media presence to influence financial decisions. Our new report explains why regulating finfluencers is necessary to maintain the trust and confidence in, and the integrity of, the securities markets: bettermarkets.org/newsroom/rep...