Cambridge Investment Research Faces FINRA Review and SEC Penalties

Posted on July 19th, 2024 at 11:15 AM
Cambridge Investment Research Faces FINRA Review and SEC Penalties

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

Cambridge Investment Research is under review by FINRA's examination staff and anticipates making a $500,000 restitution payment to certain clients in 2024. The review focuses on Cambridge's procedures for providing fee waivers, rebates, and discounts through rights of reinstatement. As reported by ThinkAdvisor, the firm voluntarily decided to reimburse clients who did not receive those benefits and has accrued this liability for 2023.

In addition to the FINRA review, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. (the company's RIA) is involved in an enforcement action filed by the SEC on March 1, 2022. The SEC alleges that the RIA invested client assets in mutual funds and money market sweep funds that generated substantial revenue-sharing payments to Cambridge's broker-dealer, rather than in lower-cost share classes and investment options that would have yielded less or no revenue sharing. This case remains pending.

According to ThinkAdvisor, Cambridge's recently filed Form ADV disclosed a $5.74 million liability accrued in 2023 related to the SEC's review of its off-channel communication practices. Furthermore, in February 2024, Cambridge and its RIA unit agreed to a settlement that included a $10 million fine. The settlement is part of a broader agreement involving 16 firms, collectively paying over $81 million in total penalties.

 

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, finra, sec

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

May 9, 2025
FINRA Suspends Former Wells Fargo Advisor Over Unauthorized Transfer in Elderly Client's Account

FINRA has fined and suspended former Wells Fargo financial advisor Jarrett Thomas after he executed a $50,000 transaction for an elderly client despite being informed that she was no longer capable of managing her finances.

May 8, 2025
All 50 States Now Aligned on Annuity Sales Standards

The annuity industry officially has secured uniformity in sales regulations across all 50 states.

May 7, 2025
Jury Finds Investment Advisor Liable for Failing to Disclose Annuity Commissions

A federal jury in Massachusetts has found investment adviser Jeffrey Cutter and his firm, Cutter Financial Group, liable for violating federal securities law by failing to disclose significant upfront commissions and conflicts of interest related to an annuity replacement scheme.