FINRA Suspends Former Merrill Advisor Who Operated Numerous Outside Businesses

Posted on November 30th, 2022 at 4:10 PM
FINRA Suspends Former Merrill Advisor Who Operated Numerous Outside Businesses

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has issued a six-month suspension and a $10,000 fine to a former Merrill Lynch advisor after his group of outside businesses violated firm and regulatory policy. 

The Minnesota-based advisor, Christopher Eriksson, allegedly ran three outside businesses without obtaining required approval from Merrill Lynch. According to FINRA, the outside businesses included purchasing a parcel of land in Texas to develop an auto recycling business, two commercial properties that generated rental income and three automobile salvage companies. 

Eriksson additionally violated industry rules by borrowing $350,000 from a Merrill Lynch client without first notifying the firm, even though the loan was paid back in full. However, Eriksson also faces a pending client arbitration filed in 2020 seeking $20 million in damages related to an outside business activity in which the client provided the advisor with a personal loan to purchase real estate, according to BrokerCheck. The client further alleged unsuitable recommendations and excessive trading in options, according to BrokerCheck. The businesses at issue were a few of several approved activities listed on Eriksson’s BrokerCheck profile. Eriksson also lists a vending machine company that he initiated in 1994 as well as an Italian restaurant in Minnetonka, known as Spasso. 

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, regulatory and disciplinary matters.

Tags:

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

As a financial advisor with over 20 years of experience, I feel fortunate to call Jim my attorney and friend. He is a fantastic lawyer and trusted advisor. He is skilled in the matters necessary to do the job well. He uses his thoughtful approach and calm demeanor to achieve a positive outcome for the client. If you want to feel confident that nothing will be missed and that you will be represented in a highly professional manner, call Jim Eccleston.

Bill C. and Dan M.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

July 11, 2025
FINRA Advances Proposal to Allow Limited Use of Performance Projections

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) is moving forward with a proposal that would give broker-dealers limited ability to market performance projections and targeted returns under specific conditions.

July 10, 2025
SEC Permanently Bars Brite Advisors USA Over Custody Rule Violations and Undisclosed Conflicts

The SEC has permanently barred Brite Advisors USA from operating as an investment adviser, citing serious custody rule violations and undisclosed conflicts of interest tied to its offshore affiliate, as reported by Financial Advisor News.

July 9, 2025
UBS Confirms Data Breach After Cyberattack on External Vendor

UBS Group AG has confirmed that a cyberattack on one of its third-party suppliers resulted in stolen company information, though no client data was compromised.