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

FINRA Bars Former Raymond James Broker for Refusing Testimony in Unauthorized Trading Probe

Posted on May 7th, 2026 at 12:34 PM
FINRA Bars Former Raymond James Broker for Refusing Testimony in Unauthorized Trading Probe

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

A former registered representative with Raymond James has been barred from the securities industry after refusing to cooperate with a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) investigation into alleged unauthorized trading activity.

According to findings reported by ThinkAdvisor, FINRA initiated its inquiry after allegations surfaced that the broker executed trades in his wife's IRA without authorization and signed her name on documents to transfer funds from the account. The firm ultimately discharged the representative in December 2024, citing unauthorized activity and improper documentation.

ThinkAdvisor reports that FINRA requested on-the-record testimony under Rule 8210 as part of its investigation. The representative declined to appear for testimony, a decision that carries significant consequences under FINRA rules. When a registered individual refuses to provide requested information or testimony, FINRA treats the refusal as a violation that typically results in a permanent bar from the industry.

The underlying customer complaint came from the broker's spouse, who sought damages exceeding $72,000. According to ThinkAdvisor, the matter concluded with a settlement of approximately $79,000, and the representative repaid the funds at issue.

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, finra enforcement, unauthorized trading, broker misconduct, regulatory investigation, securities law

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

1785428190 Law
July 30, 2026
CFP Board Proposes New Rules for Handling Expunged Criminal Records

The CFP Board has announced that it is considering a proposal to change how it treats applicants with expunged criminal convictions, according to Wealth Management.

1785344491 Law
July 29, 2026
Edward Jones Invests in Fintech Firm Focused on Preventing Elder Financial Fraud

Edward D.

1785249991 Law
July 28, 2026
Merrill Lynch Fined by FINRA for Failing to Report More Than 1,600 Customer Complaints

Merrill Lynch has agreed to pay a $225,000 fine and accept a censure to resolve allegations that it failed to properly identify and report more than 1,600 customer complaints submitted through post-call surveys, according to a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Acceptance, Waiver and Consent letter ("AWC").