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

FINRA Penalizes Ex-Raymond James Advisor for Document Alterations

Posted on April 12th, 2024 at 11:32 AM
FINRA Penalizes Ex-Raymond James Advisor for Document Alterations

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

A former Raymond James financial advisor faced a $5,000 fine and a four-month suspension from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for allegedly falsifying 25 documents, as per a settlement letter released recently.

Emily J. Smith, who has eight years of industry experience and is currently unregistered, was found to have improperly reused customer signature pages and altered customer-signed documents throughout 2022, as reported by AdvisorHub

In 18 instances, Smith allegedly added account numbers, dates, and policy names to documents after they were signed. Despite no customer complaints on her BrokerCheck profile and her purported intent to expedite client processes, these actions led to book and record discrepancies for Raymond James, violating FINRA's Rule 2010 on maintaining high standards.

This marks the fourth time that Smith has faced scrutiny for document alterations. FINRA had previously cautioned her against such actions, citing violations of FINRA Rule 2010. Additionally, in 2019, Smith voluntarily resigned from Morgan Stanley amid allegations of document alterations and additions.

As per the settlement letter, Smith accepted FINRA's disciplinary measures without admitting or denying the allegations.

 

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

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

1785858278 Law
August 4, 2026
SEC Fines Former LPL Broker $125,000 for Undisclosed Conflicts in Private Securities Offerings

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has censured a former LPL Financial broker and imposed a $125,000 civil penalty after finding that he failed to disclose conflicts of interest related to private real estate securities offerings that generated nearly $1.5 million in compensation, as reported by AdvisorHub.

1785772777 Law
August 3, 2026
FINRA Launches Review of High-Risk Structured Notes Sales and Supervision

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has launched a regulatory sweep examining the sale of high-risk structured products, with particular attention on non-principal protected "worst-of" structured notes, according to AdvisorHub.

1785531573 Law
July 31, 2026
Former Alabama Financial Advisor Barred After Selling His Practice

The U.S.