Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown announced on June 24 that, due to a series of enforcement settlements reached with entities that failed to properly file required notices of business activity in Montana, approximately $60,000 has been added to Montana’s Securities Fraud Restitution Assistance Fund for 2026.
The Securities Fraud Restitution Assistance Fund provides financial assistance to Montana residents harmed in cases prosecuted or administered by the commissioner’s securities division, or in cases initiated by the division and referred for further action.
Montana is one of just six states with such a fund.
“As fraud cases increase in Montana, it’s critical that we maintain a strong restitution fund to help victims begin to put their lives back together after they are defrauded,” Brown said in a press release. “We will continue using every enforcement tool available to hold bad actors accountable and protect Montana investors.”
Commissioner Brown has secured $59,900 across nine settlement agreements so far in 2026. In addition to financial contributions, the agreements require parties to review and strengthen internal compliance processes, ensure timely and complete filings and to provide updated contact and filer information to the commissioner’s office.
Montanans harmed by fraudsters received $55,786 in restitution from the fund in the first quarter of this year. Recommendations for additional restitution will be made in July.