Tr?id=566623520170033&ev=PageView&noscript=1

FINRA Bars Advisor Over Misuse of Client Funds and Not Cooperating

Posted on November 11th, 2025 at 9:35 AM
FINRA Bars Advisor Over Misuse of Client Funds and Not Cooperating

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has barred former Raymond James financial advisor Jose A. Gamez after he failed to appear for testimony in connection with allegations that he used client funds for personal purposes.

According to FINRA’s order, Gamez began his career in November 2000 as a general securities representative with USAA Investment Management. According to ThinkAdvisor, he held registrations with several firms, including Chase, Capital One, and LPL Financial, before joining Raymond James Financial Services in San Antonio in April 2017.

ThinkAdvisor reports that Raymond James filed a Form U-5 in July 2025 to terminate Gamez’s registration, citing concerns that he “used client funds for personal reasons.” Shortly afterwards, a client complaint alleged that Gamez had misappropriated nearly $1.9 million. That claim later was settled for $413,370, according to regulatory filings.

During FINRA’s investigation into the allegations, Gamez failed to produce requested documents and information as required under FINRA Rule 8210. His noncompliance constituted violations of both FINRA Rules 8210 and 2010. Consequently, FINRA has barred Gamez from associating with any FINRA member firm in any capacity.

Gamez accepted and consented to FINRA’s findings without admitting or denying its conclusions, as outlined in the FINRA Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (AWC) letter.

 

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
Quotes Bigger

Jim, Stephany and the whole team were a God send.  We felt like we were put into a situation where we had no advocate. Jim’s team came in with a strong, well laid out strategy on how to get our story heard. Where our outside compliance company had no ability to help, our Broker Dealer was impenitent, and the regulators were aggressive pursuing vague rules, Jim came like a barricade against an assault we did not understand. Though you pay member dues to be affiliated with FINRA and a B/D, you have no voice. The only thing that is truly heard in this un-level playing field is a bulldog’s bark like Jim’s. I would encourage anyone to call Jim and his team to find a real ally in the tough and complicated world of securities regulation. They are truly the best.

Greg P.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

1788893582 Law
September 8, 2026
Drive Planning Founder Sentenced to 20 Years for $380 Million Ponzi Scheme

Todd Burkhalter, founder and CEO of Georgia-based financial advisory group Drive Planning LLC, received a 20-year federal prison sentence for orchestrating a years-long Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 2,000 investors of approximately $380 million.

1788870175 Law
September 8, 2026
Merrill Lynch and Advisor Settle Court Case for $6 Million After Advisor Allegedly Exploited Grieving Widow

A financial advisor allegedly exploited a client's grief over the deaths of her father and husband, showering her with attention before persuading her to hand over millions of dollars in gifts, according to reporting by InvestmentNews.

1788461574 Law
September 3, 2026
Texas Investment Adviser Faces Washington State Charges Over Misleading Crypto Portfolio Claims

Washington state securities regulators have charged an Austin, Texas registered investment adviser (RIA) and its founder with making misleading statements about the risks tied to one of its model portfolios, which invested heavily in crypto-backed products and volatile exchange-traded funds, according to InvestmentNews.