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Stephen M. Cutler, director of the SECs division of enforcement, characterized the sum as "an important milestone for mutual fund shareholders."
"We have obtained significant monetary sanctions -- all of which will be used to reimburse investors -- as well as far-reaching compliance and governance reforms designed to prevent the sorts of abuses that gave rise to the SEC's lawsuit," Cutler said.
The size of the settlement reflects both the size of the firm and the scope and severity of trading, since "Pilgrim Baxter & Associates was an early and popular haven for some
of the best known and most active market timers," said Ari Gabinet, district administrator for the SECs Philadelphia District Office.
The SEC stated that, during the three-and-a-half years that Pilgrim Baxter allowed rapid trading to select clients, those clients reaped profits, to the detriment of the rest of the shareholders, Pilgrim Baxter collected advisory fees, and the value of the funds declined as a direct result of the activity.
As part of the settlement, the company has agreed to help in the cases against the firms founders, Harold J. Baxter and Gary L. Pilgrim.
"PBA has agreed to a fair settlement and promised continuing cooperation in the investigation of misconduct by its founders," Spitzer said. "This agreement helps investors who were harmed by improper conduct, and allows the company to begin the process of restoring its integrity."
