FINRA Issues $1.3 Million Penalty To Advisor Group Over Private Placement Sales

Posted on December 15th, 2022 at 3:32 PM
FINRA Issues $1.3 Million Penalty To Advisor Group Over Private Placement Sales

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has issued a $1.3 million fine to the four Advisor Group firms, FSC Securities, Royal Alliance Associates, SagePoint Financial, and Woodbury Financial Services, for selling private placements issued by GPB Capital Holdings.

Advisor Group neglected to inform investors that GPB had failed to timely submit its required filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2018, including audited financial statements, according to FINRA. The GPB fund that failed to file its 2018 audited financial statements was the $600 million GPB Automotive Portfolio limited partnership, according to FINRA.

FINRA further alleges that advisors at each of the four Advisor Group firms sold a total of $16.3 million in private placements, which generated nearly $1.14 million in commissions, even after the firms knew about GPB’s failure to make its required filings. Each of the four Advisor Group firms agreed to the penalty, which includes $200,000 in total fines and $1.1 million in restitution, without admitting or denying any of FINRA’s investigatory findings.

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, finra

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I learned two important things working with Eccleston Law. First, I made a friend and ally with Jim and Steph for life. Secondly, and this is a crucial life lesson - if you need counsel, then seek out the very best. Jim was referred to me by a most trusted source. I've never had to hire an attorney for anything. Now, I know the value of hiring an important partner. Meticulous, thorough and detailed in preparation is the best way to describe Jim. Brilliant too, I might add. Bottom line, I would highly highly recommend Jim and Stephany for your legal needs. One of the best life decisions I've ever made.

Howard S.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

January 23, 2025
Barred Advisor Continues Pattern of Settlements at Western International Securities

Chris Kennedy, a barred advisor formerly associated with Western International Securities, has agreed to a $2.1 million settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over allegations of high-volume trading, or churning, in client accounts.

January 22, 2025
FINRA to Revise Outside Business Activities Rules

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is seeking to overhaul its rules on outside business activities (OBA) and private securities transactions.

January 21, 2025
FINRA Orders $8.2 Million in Customer Restitution Over Mutual Fund Fee Errors

FINRA has required Edward Jones, Osaic Wealth, and Cambridge Investment Research to reimburse customers a combined total of more than $8.2 million for improperly charged mutual fund sales fees.