FINRA Fines Ameriprise and Advisor for Altering Documents

Posted on November 1st, 2014 at 10:28 AM

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law Offices:

FINRA has fined and temporarily suspended a financial advisor with Ameriprise for altering a client’s documents without authority during an arbitration hearing, and also has fined Ameriprise for knowingly keeping quiet about the changes.

The investigation by FINRA stems out of a 2008 arbitration case between Ameriprise advisor David B. Tysk and a former client, Guenther Roth, who complained that Tysk had advised and bought more than $2 million in unsuitable annuities in his fixed-income account.

During that arbitration process, Roth questioned computer notes prepared by Tysk of his contacts with him and asked to examine those notes. But his request was stonewalled by the advisor and Ameriprise. Tysk didn't say anything about changes made to his notes for months, until close to the arbitration hearing date. Nonetheless, neither Ameriprise nor Tysk informed Roth that the notes had been altered.

Tysk was fined $50,000 and given a three month suspension from any financial advisory activity. FINRA fined Ameriprise $100,000 for wrongful conduct that was intentional, persisted over a period of months, and was inconsistent with the principles of fairness promoted by the rules governing the arbitration discovery process.

The attorneys of Eccleston Law Offices represent investors and advisers nationwide in securities and employment matters. Our attorneys draw on a combined experience of nearly 50 years in delivering the highest quality legal services.

Related Attorneys: James J. Eccleston

Tags: FINRA, Ameriprise, David B. Tysk, Guenther Roth

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

October 9, 2024
Charles Schwab Faces Lawsuit Over Failure to Prevent Elder Fraud in Computer Hack

A new lawsuit claims that Charles Schwab failed to protect an elderly client from a fraudulent scheme that drained her retirement savings.

October 8, 2024
Western International Securities Fined Over $1.5 Million for Failing to Detect Churning

Western International Securities, a California broker-dealer, has been ordered to pay over $1.5 million for failing to detect churning in 100 customer accounts.

October 7, 2024
SEC Enforcement Chief Gurbir Grewal to Step Down After Leading Major Crackdowns

Gurbir Grewal, Director of Enforcement at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is stepping down after playing a central role in major enforcement actions against Wall Street and the cryptocurrency industry.