FINRA Sanctions Advisor for Unapproved Fundraising Activities Following Approved OBA

Posted on March 28th, 2024 at 1:07 PM
FINRA Sanctions Advisor for Unapproved Fundraising Activities Following Approved OBA

From the desk of James Eccleston at Eccleston Law

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has levied a $15,000 fine and a 21-month suspension against a former advisor, Jeffrey W. Davidson, based in Austin, Texas. Davidson engaged in fundraising activities that raised over $10 million for a fitness company owned by him and his wife.

Although Davidson had approval from his former firm, Equitable Advisors, for his ownership in the fitness company, he lacked authorization for the fundraising efforts, according to FINRA. AdvisorHub reports that between 2021 and 2022, Davidson and his wife earned $2.4 million by selling a portion of their equity in the company, as per FINRA.

This action by Davidson contravened FINRA's rule against unapproved private securities transactions and its overarching Rule 2010, which mandates high standards of conduct.

AdvisorHub reports that the AWC (Acceptance, Waiver and Consent) underscores the common challenge of outside business activities for advisors and their firms, necessitating robust supervision to identify potential customer conflicts. This especially is true in any evolution towards fundraising or changes in business nature, which may trigger the need for separate approvals, as demonstrated in this FINRA settlement.

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

Tags: Eccleston, Eccleston Law

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

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

February 27, 2026
Eighth Circuit Rejects Emergency Injunction in Advisor Departure Dispute

A federal appeals court ruled against an advisory firm seeking immediate, injunctive relief after a team of advisors left with hundreds of millions in client assets.

February 26, 2026
FINRA Bars Former Cambridge Advisor After Refusal to Cooperate With Communications Probe

A former advisor affiliated with Cambridge Investment Research has been barred from the securities industry after declining to comply with a regulatory investigation, according to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

February 25, 2026
Advisors Increase Crypto Allocations as Merrill Lynch Warns of Significant Risks

Financial advisors are placing more client assets into digital currencies, even as major firms caution investors about the asset class's volatility and speculative nature.