(a) Subject to appropriate exceptions and to the extent consistent with law, in considering whether to refer potential violations, including of criminal regulatory offenses, to the Department of Justice, the staff of the Commission should consider, among other factors:

(1) The harm or risk of harm, pecuniary or otherwise, caused by the potential offense, including whether the putative defendant's conduct harmed or risked harming many victims;

(2) The potential gain to the putative defendant that could result from the offense;

(3) Whether the putative defendant held specialized knowledge, expertise, or was licensed in an industry related to the rule or regulation at issue;

(4) Whether the putative defendant knew the conduct would cause harm or that it violated the law;

(5) Whether the putative defendant is a recidivist or has otherwise engaged in a pattern of misconduct; and

(6) Whether the involvement of the Department of Justice will provide additional meaningful protection to investors.

(b) This general policy is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.