Currently reviewing why SEC would do an inquiry. Not a good sign when a lawyer (Michelle Sides) is being investigated by a law enforcement agency. If she was a good lawyer, this wouldn't be happening.
Common violations that may lead to SEC investigations include:
Misrepresentation or omission of important information about securities
Manipulating the market prices of securities
Stealing customers' funds or securities
Violating broker-dealers' responsibility to treat customers fairly
Insider trading (violating a trust relationship by trading on material, non-public information about a security)