This is because the article is apparently based on MAT and ASTA settlements and awards that have been reported. " Our law firm has filed MAT and/or ASTA claims for over 100 investors and many of those cases have gone unreported," according to Mr. Pearce. The article notes that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been investigating Citigroup's management and marketing of MAT/ASTA funds for almost 4 years. Former investors told USA Today that Citigroup financial advisors told them the funds would generate returns of 6% to 8%. "I certainly wasn't going to risk losing capital for a 6% to 8% return," said one investor who lost $700,000. Despite the big awards, USA Today reports that many question why government regulators have not taken any regulatory action against Citigroup in connection with MAT/ASTA. "We've handed these cases to them on a silver platter," said Robert Pearce, whose Boca Raton, Florida law firm has handled several of the winning arbitrations. "I'm somewhat surprised," he added.