FINRA Accuses Former MML Broker of Cheating on SIE Exam

Posted on October 20th, 2025 at 1:32 PM
FINRA Accuses Former MML Broker of Cheating on SIE Exam

Regulators have accused a former MML Investors Services-affiliated broker of cheating on the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam, according to a recent Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) enforcement complaint.

FINRA alleged that Joshua E. Scholnick used his phone to access prohibited study materials during the remote exam, despite acknowledging the SIE Rules of Conduct that forbid the use of notes, phones, or reference materials. As reported by ThinkAdvisor, the complaint states that Scholnick repeatedly viewed photographs of his notes and altered his answers after referring to them.

According to ThinkAdvisor, the proctor reportedly warned Scholnick twice for looking away from his laptop screen. ThinkAdvisor reports that he continued to use the materials, completed the exam, and exited the platform without alerting the proctor. Scholnick received a score of 65 percent, failing the exam, which requires a 70 percent passing grade.

The SIE exam serves as a foundational test for aspiring securities professionals, assessing their knowledge of market structure, regulatory agencies, risks, and prohibited practices. Scholnick did not immediately respond to a request for comment from ThinkAdvisor.

 

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, finra, mml investors services

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

The work that you and your team have performed on my behalf is exemplary.

JT

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

October 20, 2025
FINRA Accuses Former MML Broker of Cheating on SIE Exam

Regulators have accused a former MML Investors Services-affiliated broker of cheating on the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam, according to a recent Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) enforcement complaint.

October 17, 2025
FINRA Fines Oak Hills Securities for Private Placement Misconduct

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has censured and fined Oak Hills Securities Inc., an Oklahoma City brokerage, for multiple rule violations over five years.

October 16, 2025
FINRA Suspends Former Citigroup Advisor Over Undisclosed Business Activities

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has suspended former Citigroup representative Maximiliano Ramirez and fined him $5,000 for engaging in undisclosed outside business activities and investments.