Ex-Morgan Stanley Advisor Accepts Industry Bar for Failing to Cooperate with FINRA Investigation

Posted on August 9th, 2024 at 10:48 AM
Ex-Morgan Stanley Advisor Accepts Industry Bar for Failing to Cooperate with FINRA Investigation

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

A former Morgan Stanley advisor, John Scott McCoy Jr., has accepted an industry bar instead of cooperating with a regulatory investigation into his departure from the firm, as detailed in a disciplinary settlement known as an Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (“AWC”).

McCoy, who had an eight-year tenure at Morgan Stanley, left the firm in November 2022. AdvisorHub reports that McCoy was under review for allegedly transferring money into his personal accounts without sufficient funds to cover the transfers. Additionally, Morgan Stanley was investigating whether he had mismarked naked call options as less risky covered calls in his personal account.

The investigation did not involve any clients, and there were no customer complaints against McCoy, according to his BrokerCheck record. However, by failing to provide on-the-record testimony as required by FINRA, McCoy violated FINRA Rule 8210, which mandates members to provide requested information, and Rule 2010, which demands "high standards of commercial honor." McCoy’s Rule 8210 violation led to an automatic industry bar.

McCoy, who began his career with Morgan Stanley in 2014, accepted the penalty without admitting or denying the allegations.

 

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

Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done for us. When we realized this was a very bad investment - we did not know where to turn for help. Then we received your name. When we called you - you were so kind to us and then agreed to help us. For this we are so very grateful. The world would be a much nicer place if there were more people like the two of you in it. We will always remember all the help and kindness you have shown us. Thank you so very very much for everything.

Wayne and Judy S.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

August 19, 2025
UBS Hit with $737,000 FINRA Arbitration Award Over Mismanaged Tesla Options Strategy

UBS Financial Services has been ordered to pay $737,000 in damages and fees after a former Tesla executive accused the firm of mishandling an options strategy involving his concentrated stock position.

August 18, 2025
Stifel Drops Advisor Chuck Roberts Amid Legal Fallout from Failed Structured Notes Strategy

Stifel Financial Corp. has parted ways with Chuck Roberts, a high-profile financial advisor whose investment strategies have triggered a wave of costly legal complaints.

August 15, 2025
FINRA Bars Former Ameriprise Advisor Over $2.2 Million in Client Loans

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has permanently barred former Ameriprise Financial broker Eric A. Dupre for borrowing more than $2.2 million from clients without firm authorization.