Edward Jones Advisor Barred by FINRA Over Allegations of Unauthorized Account Changes

Posted on February 12th, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Edward Jones Advisor Barred by FINRA Over Allegations of Unauthorized Account Changes

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

FINRA has barred Gwendolyn J. Hayes, a former Edward Jones advisor in Oregon after allegations surfaced that she altered client account information without authorization. According to AdvisorHub, Hayes declined to cooperate with FINRA’s investigation, triggering the automatic sanction.

The investigation, initiated in December, centered on accusations that Hayes had changed client investment objectives, mismarked transactions as unsolicited, and accepted trading instructions from unauthorized individuals. FINRA launched its review following Edward Jones’ decision to terminate Hayes in April. AdvisorHub also reports that the firm cited violations of its policies regarding "fictitious or misleading account or system information" and annual advisory reviews as reasons for her dismissal.

Hayes accepted the FINRA bar through an Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (“AWC”), without admitting or denying the findings.

 

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, finra

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I learned two important things working with Eccleston Law. First, I made a friend and ally with Jim and Steph for life. Secondly, and this is a crucial life lesson - if you need counsel, then seek out the very best. Jim was referred to me by a most trusted source. I've never had to hire an attorney for anything. Now, I know the value of hiring an important partner. Meticulous, thorough and detailed in preparation is the best way to describe Jim. Brilliant too, I might add. Bottom line, I would highly highly recommend Jim and Stephany for your legal needs. One of the best life decisions I've ever made.

Howard S.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

June 19, 2025
SEC Charges Former Real Estate CEO in $46 Million Investment Fraud Scheme

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has charged Kenneth Mattson, former CEO of LeFever Mattson, with orchestrating a $46 million investment fraud scheme that targeted approximately 200 investors, many of them retired senior citizens
from his church community in California.

June 18, 2025
Audit Firms Agree to $46 Million Settlement in GPB Capital Fraud Case

In a significant development in the GPB Capital fraud litigation, several audit firms have agreed to pay a combined $46 million to settle claims tied to their alleged involvement in the $1.8 billion scheme that impacted roughly 15,000 investors, as reported by DI Wire.

June 17, 2025
FINRA Sanctions Former Advisor for Unsuitable Variable Annuity Exchanges

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has fined and suspended former broker Thomas Vigil for making unsuitable variable annuity recommendations that resulted in customers paying higher fees.