Have you ever considered working as an investment adviser or a broker-dealer? The State of Utah requires its securities professionals to meet certain requirements and obtain proper licensure to launch their careers. The Utah Division of Securities, which falls under the Utah Department of Commerce, is the key authority for managing licensure, and is committed to helping you navigate the …
NEWS RELEASE: Belgian National Sentenced to Prison after Defrauding Investors in a $5M Ponzi Scheme
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Belgian national in the United States operated a $5 million Ponzi scheme over the course of five years was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. Kenny Dirk Van Der Spek, 36, who was living in South Jordan, Utah, pleaded guilty to securities fraud, wire fraud and money laundering in May 2025, after he defrauded approximately …
NEWS RELEASE: Belgian National Sentenced to Prison after Defrauding Investors in a $5M Ponzi Scheme
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Belgian national in the United States operated a $5 million Ponzi scheme over the course of five years was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. Kenny Dirk Van Der Spek, 36, who was living in South Jordan, Utah, pleaded guilty to securities fraud, wire fraud and money laundering in May 2025, after he defrauded approximately …
Investment Adviser Cybersecurity Update
By Adalynn Rich The threat of cybercrime against investors has grown significantly, and The Utah Division of Securities (“Division”) is dedicated to keeping Utah registered investment advisers informed on new cybersecurity concerns that have developed since the Division’s 2022 cybersecurity special examination. The FBI’s Annual Internet Crime Report shows that investment-related cybersecurity crimes caused nearly $6.5 billion in investor losses …
Utah Division of Securities Modifies Fee Guidance for Investment Advisers
SALT LAKE CITY, UT—The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities announced a modification to its guidance for registered investment adviser (RIA) firms regarding reasonable hourly fees. Effective immediately, RIA firms may set hourly rates they deem reasonable based upon their experience and expertise, with the Division maintaining its statutory authority to seek sanctions against RIA firms that charge unreasonable …
Utah Division of Securities Modifies Fee Guidance for Investment Advisers
SALT LAKE CITY, UT—The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities (Division) announced a modification to its guidance for registered investment adviser (RIA) firms regarding reasonable hourly fees. Effective immediately, RIA firms may set hourly rates they deem reasonable based upon their experience and expertise, with the Division maintaining its statutory authority to seek sanctions against RIA firms that charge …
Utah Division of Securities Urges Congress to Protect States’ Anti-Fraud Enforcement Jurisdiction While Bringing Clarity to the Crypto Markets
On July 17, 2025, the United States House of Representatives passed the Clarity Act,1 which seeks to implement a national registration and reporting regulatory scheme for the crypto and related markets. The United States Senate issued a discussion draft with similar aims on July 22, 2025.2 The Utah Division of Securities (“Division”) applauds Congress in taking the first long overdue …
NEWS RELEASE: Robert Cummings Appointed as New Director of the Utah Division of Securities
Salt Lake City, Utah—The Utah Department of Commerce has appointed Robert Cummings as the new Director of the Utah Division of Securities (Division). Cummings brings over 15 years of experience in civil and criminal litigation, along with a strong passion for public service, to his new role. He has tried several cases in the securities industry, including criminal securities fraud …
NEWS RELEASE: Robert Cummings Appointed as New Director of the Utah Division of Securities
Salt Lake City, Utah—The Utah Department of Commerce has appointed Robert Cummings as the new Director of the Utah Division of Securities (Division). Cummings brings over 15 years of experience in civil and criminal litigation, along with a strong passion for public service, to his new role. He has tried several cases in the securities industry, including criminal securities fraud …






