Trading of foreign exchange (FX) derivatives
In US v. Bogucki, Brattle was engaged as the expert team on behalf of Barclays FX options trader Robert Bogucki in his criminal defense of charges of wire fraud for allegedly trading against a large FX options order from Hewlett Packard (HP). DOJ prosecutors alleged that Mr. Bogucki, with the benefit of confidential information, lied to HP and engaged in illegal front-running to push down the value of HP’s options. Brattle analyzed the trades at issue, studied communications between traders and HP, reviewed risk and governance practices concerning firm and regulatory expectations, and examined other aspects of the FX market –including trading volumes and the behavior of other market makers. Mr. Bogucki was acquitted by way of a Rule 29 motion after one week of testimony in front of a jury.