FINRA Suspends Former TD Securities Representative for Improper Expense Charges

Posted on May 5th, 2025 at 12:12 PM
FINRA Suspends Former TD Securities Representative for Improper Expense Charges

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

FINRA has suspended former TD Securities representative Kate Yumi Lam for 12 months and fined her $10,000 for improperly charging personal commuting and meal expenses to the firm's account.

According to DIWire, between July 2022 and March 2023, Lam submitted $5,897.42 in unauthorized expenses, including 157 car service trips and 102 meals that violated the firm’s travel and expense policy.

TD Securities allowed employees to use the firm’s car service for transportation home if they worked past 8 p.m. Employees could also charge meals to the firm’s account under similar conditions or if they worked in the office on weekends. However, FINRA found that Lam charged $4,275.34 in car service expenses for commuting outside of policy guidelines and $1,622.08 in meal expenses for unauthorized breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

FINRA determined that Lam’s actions violated FINRA Rule 2010, which requires advisors to uphold high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.

Without admitting or denying FINRA’s findings, Lam agreed to the sanctions in what is known as an Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (“AWC”).

DIWire also reports that this case follows a December 2024 FINRA action against a former Morgan Stanley representative for similar meal-related violations, highlighting regulators’ continued focus on expense policy compliance.

 

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 just wanted to say thanks again for preparing and executing my case in such a professional manner. It was a pleasure to watch two professionals take such pride in their work, as well as becoming personally in tune with your client (Me). I would personally recommend you and your firm to anyone.

John O.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

December 22, 2025
FINRA Overhauls Arbitration Rules to Rebalance Arbitrator Selection and Codify Forum Practices

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has approved significant amendments to its Codes of Arbitration Procedure designed to rebalance public arbitrator selection, increase transparency, and formalize several long-standing practices in the arbitration forum.

December 19, 2025
Industry Groups Press Senate at Advance Financial Exploitation Prevention Act

Several industry associations are urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act, legislation that would allow mutual fund companies and their transfer agents to delay redemptions when they reasonably suspect elder financial abuse.

December 18, 2025
UBS Warns of Rising Default Risk in Private Credit

A UBS report signals that credit stress likely will intensify next year as borrowers confront inflation, elevated interest costs, and softening consumer conditions.