FINRA Bars Former Cetera Broker George Merhoff

Posted on June 20th, 2019 at 10:00 AM
FINRA Bars Former Cetera Broker George Merhoff

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law LLC:

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) recently barred George C. Merhoff Jr. from the securities industry for refusing to cooperate in FINRA’s Rule 8210 inquiry.

According to FINRA’s BrokerCheck report, Merhoff was affiliated with Cetera Advisors LLC since 2012 until was fired in April 2019 for “violating firm’s policies and procedures by making undisclosed payments to a customer of the firm.” Merhoff had accumulated 34 disclosures, including 27 customer disputes, during his 21 years in the securities industry.

According to the Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (“AWC”), Merhoff refused to provide documents and information requested by FINRA. Through his lawyer, Merhoff requested an extension to provide requested documents and information. However, Merhoff did not provide the documents and information on the extended deadline. Merhoff acknowledged that he received FINRA’s request according to the AWC.

FINRA Rule 8210 gives FINRA staff the right to require associated persons to “provide information orally, in writing, or electronically and to testify at a location specified by FINRA, under oath or affirmation with respect to any matter involved in the investigation, complaint, examination or proceeding.” Importantly, FINRA Rule 8210 states, “No member or person shall fail to provide information or testimony . . . pursuant to this Rule.”

The attorneys of Eccleston Law LLC represent investors and advisors nationwide in securities and employment matters. The securities lawyers at Eccleston Law also practice a variety of other areas of practice for financial investors and advisors including Securities FraudCompliance ProtectionBreach of Fiduciary DutyFINRA Matters, and much more. Our attorneys draw on a combined experience of nearly 65 years in delivering the highest quality legal services. If you are in need of legal services, contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation today.

Related Attorneys: James J. Eccleston

Tags: james eccleston, eccleston law, eccleston law llc, eccleston, george merhoff, cetera, brokercheck, awc, finra, rule 8210

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