FINRA Suspends Former Citigroup Advisor Over Undisclosed Business Activities

Posted on October 16th, 2025 at 12:08 PM
FINRA Suspends Former Citigroup Advisor Over Undisclosed Business Activities

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has suspended former Citigroup representative Maximiliano Ramirez and fined him $5,000 for engaging in undisclosed outside business activities and investments.

According to FINRA’s Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (“AWC”), Citigroup filed a Form U5, reporting Ramirez’s resignation effective Aug. 31, 2023, while under review for policy violations tied to undisclosed outside business activities and investments.

As reported by ThinkAdvisor, from May 2022 through August 2023, Ramirez held a 50 percent ownership stake in an insurance agency organized as a limited liability company. FINRA alleged that he actively participated in the agency by designing and running its social media advertising program, serving as an agent of record for a portion of its production, and signing the agency’s 2023 tax return as its representative. The agency generated significant revenue during this period, and Ramirez personally received about $60,000 in compensation.

Ramirez did not disclose his involvement with the agency until March 2023, after which Citigroup denied him permission to continue the activity. Despite this denial, FINRA found that he remained engaged in the business until his resignation in August 2023.

FINRA determined Ramirez violated FINRA Rules 3270 and 2010. Without admitting or denying its findings, Ramirez consented to a two-month suspension from associating with any FINRA member in all capacities, in addition to the $5,000 fine.

 

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

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 27, 2026
FINRA Sanctions, Criminal Cases, and Industry Bars in 2025

AdvisorHub has compiled a year-end review of enforcement actions and criminal proceedings.

January 26, 2026
James Eccleston Named 2026 Super Lawyer in Securities Litigation

Eccleston Law announces James Eccleston's selection to the 2026 Illinois Super Lawyers list, continuing a track record of excellence since 2005.

January 26, 2026
FINRA Enforcement Actions for Reg BI Violations Surge Past 2024 Levels

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) already has brought more Regulation Best Interest cases in 2025 than it did during all of 2024, according to statements from the regulator’s top enforcement official and a review of FINRA’s disciplinary records by AdvisorHub.