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

FINRA Fines Independent Broker-Dealers Over Cybersecurity Lapses

Posted on April 22nd, 2024 at 11:31 AM
FINRA Fines Independent Broker-Dealers Over Cybersecurity Lapses

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has imposed fines and censured independent broker-dealers Osaic Wealth and Securities America for cybersecurity deficiencies that led to hackers accessing the private information of more than 32,000 customers.

Osaic, formerly Royal Alliance Associates, and Securities America agreed to pay fines of $150,000 each for failing to establish and maintain adequate written supervisory procedures to safeguard client records and information, as outlined in a settlement letter known as an Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (“AWC”).

AdvisorHub reports that from January 2021 to March 2023, unauthorized third parties could access sensitive information, including social security numbers, bank account details, and driver's license information, affecting approximately 28,000 customers of Osaic and 4,640 clients of Securities America.

FINRA examiners previously had alerted both firms about deficiencies in their cybersecurity controls at branch offices before the breaches occurred. Although the broker-dealers self-reported the incidents to FINRA, they accepted the penalties without admitting or denying the allegations, according to the AWC.

 

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

As a financial advisor with over 20 years of experience, I feel fortunate to call Jim my attorney and friend. He is a fantastic lawyer and trusted advisor. He is skilled in the matters necessary to do the job well. He uses his thoughtful approach and calm demeanor to achieve a positive outcome for the client. If you want to feel confident that nothing will be missed and that you will be represented in a highly professional manner, call Jim Eccleston.

Bill C. and Dan M.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

1792083058 Law
October 15, 2026
SEC Warns Firms to Improve Private Asset Valuation and Disclosures

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is pressing financial firms to take greater care when valuing private assets as liquidity tightens and investor redemption requests increase, according to AdvisorHub.

1791996515 Law
October 14, 2026
FINRA Study Finds Advanced Investment Knowledge Does Not Eliminate Fraud Risk

Research using the FINRA Investor Education Foundation's 2024 National Financial Capability Study found that fewer than one in five investors with non-retirement investments demonstrate advanced investment literacy.

1791918358 Law
October 13, 2026
LPL Financial Faces Investor Claims Tied to Former Broker's Outside Activities

LPL Financial faces at least nine pending investor claims involving former El Paso, Texas broker Michael C.