civil monetary penalties act definition
DEFINITION of 'Civil Money Penalty-CMP'. A punitive fine imposed by a civil court on an entity that has profited from illegal or unethical activity.The Securities and Exchange Commission imposes civil money penalties that are usually equal to the gains made from whatever activity it has deemed to be illegal or unethical.Next Up.he Securities and Exchange Commission imposes civil money penalties that are usually equal to the gains made from whatever activity it has deemed to be illegal or unethical.