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

FINRA Sanctions Advisor for Accepting $1 Million Inheritance from Client Without Firm Approval

Posted on June 27th, 2025 at 12:18 PM
FINRA Sanctions Advisor for Accepting $1 Million Inheritance from Client Without Firm Approval

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

FINRA has fined and suspended veteran advisor Kenneth J. Malm for accepting a $1 million inheritance from a client without receiving the necessary firm approval. As reported by the DI Wire, Malm settled the matter without admitting or denying FINRA’s findings.

According to the FINRA Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (“AWC”), Malm learned he had been named a beneficiary of a client’s estate after her passing in 2021. Rather than notifying Securities America and seeking written approval, as required under FINRA Rule 3241, Malm accepted the inheritance. Rule 3241 prohibits advisors from being named as beneficiaries for non-family clients’ estates without firm consent.

FINRA also charged Malm with violating its broad ethical standard, Rule 2010, which requires registered representatives to act with high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. DI Wire reports that the regulator opened its investigation following a tip to its senior helpline.

The settlement imposes a $10,000 fine and a seven-month suspension from associating with any FINRA member firm in all capacities. DI Wire reports that similar cases have surfaced in recent years. Notably, a former Wells Fargo advisor retired in December 2023 amid a FINRA inquiry into a $3 million client gift arrangement.

 

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

If you are being bothered by the Regulators, call Eccleston Law, you won't regret it.

Rick R.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

1774973592 Law
March 31, 2026
Cybersecurity Breach at Edelman Financial Engines Highlights Growing Risks for Advisory Firms

A recent cybersecurity incident involving Edelman Financial Engines has drawn attention to the increasing number of cyberattacks targeting registered investment advisers, according to Financial Advisor News.

1774884494 Law
March 30, 2026
SEC and CFTC Plan Coordinated Examinations and Enforcement Efforts

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) plan to coordinate examinations and enforcement actions involving firms that fall under both agencies' jurisdiction, signaling a renewed effort to streamline regulatory oversight, according to AdvisorHub.

1774622627 Law
March 27, 2026
FINRA Charges Former Pruco Securities Representative With Forging Dozens of Customer Signatures on Annuity Applications

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) filed a disciplinary complaint against former Pruco Securities representative Avinesh Shankar alleging he forged customer signatures on annuity paperwork to obtain commissions, according to ThinkAdvisor.