| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: October 22, 2026 Contact: Ethan Holmes [email protected] |
| October 22, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HELENA, Mont. — In a win for Montana consumers, State Auditor James Brown has secured more than $72,000 in additional contributions to Montana’s Securities Fraud Restitution Fund. The restitution monies were secured through negotiated enforcement settlements reached with entities that failed to properly file legally required notices of business activity in the Treasure State. Since May 2026, Auditor Brown has secured $72,400 in additional contributions to the restitution fund through 11 agency enforcement agreements. Specifically, issuers of certain types of securities that are exempt from registering with the federal Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) still must timely notify the State Auditor’s Office of the date and amount of their first sale of the security in Montana as well as identify any commissions paid. In addition to the financial contributions, the agreements require noncompliant businesses to review and strengthen internal compliance processes, ensure timely and complete filings, and provide updated contact and filer information to the Auditor’s Office. “Montana’s Securities Fraud Restitution Fund is a critical tool for helping victims recover from fraud,” Auditor Brown said. “By securing additional funding through these negotiated enforcement settlements, my agency can help more Montanans who have had their lives upended by bad actors get back on their feet financially.” The restitution fund provides financial assistance to Montana residents harmed in cases prosecuted or administered by the Securities Division at the Auditor’s Office. Montana is one of just seven states with such a fund. The fund has provided $126,081 in restitution to seven Montana victims of securities fraud so far this year. Applications submitted before October 1 are under review; recommendations for additional restitution payments will be made later in October. Victims of securities fraud can apply for assistance through the restitution fund by downloading and completing the application form HERE. If your case has not been reported or investigated by the Auditor’s Office but you believe you might qualify for financial assistance, please contact the agency at 406-444-2040 or through its website, csimt.gov. ### 840 Helena Avenue, Helena, Montana 59601 (main fax) 406.444.3413 I (securities fax) 406.444.5558 (insurance consumer services fax) 406.444.1980 I (legal fax) 406.444.3499 (phone) 800.332.6148 or 406.444.2040 I (email) [email protected] I (web) www.csimt.gov |
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