FINRA Investigates Recipients of PPP Loans

Posted on January 28th, 2021 at 3:55 PM
FINRA Investigates Recipients of PPP Loans

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law LLC:

As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in the spring of 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration offered a loan program for businesses called the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). Many financial firms and advisors were among the millions of businesses that received funds through the PPP. More than 1,400 wealth management firms received loans of $150,000 or greater, according to the Small Business Administration.

However, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) is now investigating advisors who received PPP funds, Financial-Planning.com reported. It is believed that FINRA is conducting the PPP investigations to see if any of the PPP loan recipients received loan money for an undisclosed outside business activity. According to WealthManagement.com, FINRA confirmed that the purpose for the PPP investigations is to inquire about undisclosed business activities.

Regulatory compliance has been a moving target since the country began feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic forced FINRA to modify certain rules and publish guidance regarding other rules. Over the course of the last year, FINRA has issued guidance regarding the receipt of PPP loans. In an FAQ from April 13, 2020, FINRA clarified that if a registered person receives a PPP loan that is forgiven, that registered person is not required to report that on their Form U4 as a “compromise with a creditor.”

Eccleston Law is defending advisors who are the subject of an investigation by FINRA and/or other regulatory organizations. Call us today.

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, finra, ppp loans, covid

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I just wanted to say thanks again for preparing and executing my case in such a professional manner. It was a pleasure to watch two professionals take such pride in their work, as well as becoming personally in tune with your client (Me). I would personally recommend you and your firm to anyone.

John O.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

October 2, 2024
SEC Charges Two South Florida Men for Defrauding Venezuelan-American Investors in $5 Million Scheme

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a complaint against two South Florida men, Francisco Javier Malave Hernandez and Ricardo Javier Guerra Farias, for orchestrating a multi-million dollar investment fraud that targeted members of the Venezuelan-American community.

October 1, 2024
California Advisor Suspended and Fined for Churning Client Accounts

A veteran advisor in Santa Maria, California, Stewart "Paxton" Ginn, has been suspended for 18 months and fined $50,000 by FINRA, according to AdvisorHub

September 30, 2024
Bank of America and Merrill Lynch Settle with FINRA for Supervisory Failures

Bank of America and its subsidiary, Merrill Lynch, have agreed to a $3 million fine and censure as part of a settlement with FINRA over long-term supervisory failures.