Skip to main content

Nasdaq Fined $10 million for Facebook IPO Failings

facebook-nasdaq
Nasdaq's handling of the Facebook IPO has attracted criticism.

The SEC alleges that a fault in Nasdaq's technology caused a discrepancy in the cross, where the system lagged 19 minutes behind orders received by the exchange. As a result, over 38,000 marketable orders were dropped during the event, which is regarded as one of the largest IPOs on record.

While Nasdaq recognized the problem early, the SEC says, its repairs were inadequate, and it did not realize that the issue lay at the core of the matching system's design, rather than it just being a glitch. A knock-on effect from the system error also affected shares in Zynga.

"This action against Nasdaq tells the tale of how poorly designed systems and hasty decision-making not only disrupted one of the largest IPOs in history, but produced serious and pervasive violations of fundamental rules governing our markets," says George Canellos, co-director at the SEC's Division of Enforcement.

Doing a deal? Prioritize info security early

Engaging information security teams early in licensing deals can deliver better results and catch potential issues. Neglecting them can cause delays and disruption, writes Devexperts’ Heetesh Rawal in this op-ed.

Europe is counting its vendors—and souring on US tech

Under DORA, every financial company with business in the EU must report use of their critical vendors. Deadlines vary, but the message doesn’t: The EU is taking stock of technology dependencies, especially upon US providers.

Most read articles loading...

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a WatersTechnology account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account here