Throughout the week over at Securities Docket, I highlight the most interesting columns and blog posts from around the web on the subjects of SEC enforcement and securities litigation. Here is a digest of my picks for the week ending September 17:

Investors Object to Symantec's Virtual Annual Meeting

RiskMetrics Governance Blog | Ted Allen | Sep 17, 2010

An investor advocacy group, the U.S. Proxy Exchange (USPX), is objecting to Symantec's plan to hold a virtual-only annual meeting on Sept. 20. The Massachusetts-based group has organized a letter-writing campaign and is urging both retail and institutional investors to contact company officials. The group wants the California-based technology company instead to hold a hybrid meeting, where shareowners could attend in person or electronically.... "The decision to hold a 'virtual' meeting gave the impression of embattled executives hiding behind technology," the group asserts.

A plea to end the congratulations!

footnoted.org | Michelle Leder | Sep 17, 2010

It’s a Friday, and for me (and many others) the beginning of a New Year and a somber period full of reflection. So here’s my Yom Kippur wish: can we finally end the rampant “Congratulations” that goes on during earnings calls and other calls with analysts?

Anti-Corruption Procedures - Are Yours 'Adequate' for the UK?

K&L Gates Alert | Robert V. Hadley, Matt T. Morley, Lee M. Forsyth | Sep 17, 2010

On 14 September 2010, the Ministry of Justice issued its promised Consultation Paper seeking comment on what might be "adequate procedures" to avoid criminal liability for a commercial organisation which has "failed to prevent bribery". Responses are sought by 8 November. Companies wishing to take advantage of the protection afforded against criminal exposure in the UK by establishing "adequate procedures" to prevent bribery now have a good indication of what UK authorities will expect, and can begin to consider steps to be taken in advance of the effective date of the Act next year.

Will Whistle-Blowing Be Millions Well Spent?

Forbes.com | Michael F. Perlis and Wrenn E. Chais | Sep 15, 2010

Given potential award amounts, it is highly likely that the SEC's determination to decline to make an award will lead to an appeal. It should be troubling to the SEC and other related government agencies, that they would be required to litigate a behind-the-scenes look at how they prosecute cases, the value of particular evidence and whether and how the information presented by the whistle-blower was shared with other agencies. These appeals have the potential to be a tremendous distraction and resource drain for the SEC.

After the sentencing: What's ahead for Robert Moffat

Fortune | James Bandler with Doris Burke | Sep 15, 2010

Even if Moffat makes a successful transition from prison, he will always be associated with the scandal, and not for his considerable achievements at IBM. "What makes this so painful to me is the knowledge that my actions hurt my wife, my children, my brothers and sister, friends, colleagues and IBM, all of whom put their trust and confidence in me," Moffat told the judge at his sentencing hearing. "I let them down. I did not live up to the standards, values and ethics that are the foundation of who I am."

Adequate procedures: The antidote to bribery

thebriberyact.com | Barry Vitou | Sep 15, 2010

Under the UK Bribery Act, companies who can demonstrate that they have “Adequate Procedures” to prevent bribery will not be guilty. In the summer it was announced that draft guidance would be published for consultation in September. However, there really is no point in delaying in getting to grips with what your business needs to do now.

The Enforcement Rap Sheet

The FCPA Blog | Richard L. Cassin | Sep 13, 2010

If the DOJ and SEC are prosecuting corporations instead of individuals for FCPA violations -- an idea raised in another post -- the numbers should show it. An analysis of prosecutions since 2005 shows lots of corporate enforcement actions where no individuals from those companies have been charged.

The case for a Canadian securities regulator

Calgary Herald | Jim Flaherty | Sep 13, 2010

As well, the securities regulatory system -- with 13 regulators, 13 sets of rules and 13 sets of fees -- places needless burdens on Canadian businesses not found in other markets: added red tape, duplicate costs and inconsistent enforcement. We need to create a streamlined regulatory system in Canada that maximizes businesses' opportunities to grow while ensuring that investors are better and more consistently protected. That is why our government believes that moving ahead with a Canadian securities regulator can no longer be deferred.