Edelman Financial Engines Secures TRO Against Advisor Who Joined RFG Advisory
From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law
Edelman Financial Engines recently secured a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Chad A. Kasper, an advisor who left the firm to join RFG Advisory.
According to AdvisorHub, Kasper launched his practice with RFG in July after nearly a decade with Edelman. In a complaint filed in Washington Superior Court, Edelman alleged that Kasper violated his employment agreements by resigning without providing the required 90-day notice and by soliciting clients to transfer their assets.
The court granted Edelman's request for a TRO prohibiting Kasper from further soliciting Edelman clients or using client contact information he obtained during his time with the firm. AdvisorHub reports that the order also requires Kasper to return or destroy any confidential or proprietary information he may have taken from Edelman.
According to AdvisorHub, the order does not prevent Kasper from retaining client information he obtained after joining RFG. It also permits him to complete paperwork and transfer accounts for clients who already had begun the process or expressed an interest in moving their accounts.
AdvisorHub reports Edelman alleged that clients had already transferred approximately $63.5 million in assets from the firm. That amount represented nearly 13 percent of the approximately $501.4 million in assets Kasper serviced while at Edelman. The firm also alleged that clients transferred approximately $21 million in assets in a single day.
According to Edelman's complaint, RFG manages nearly $9 billion in assets.
This court decision illustrates the critical need for financial advisors and registered investment advisers to retain competent, industry experienced legal counsel before transitioning to a new firm.
Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory, and disciplinary matters.
Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, securities law, temporary restraining order, financial advisor litigation, edelman financial engines





