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FINRA Suspends Two Former Brokers Over $8 Million Private Securities Transactions

Posted on August 31st, 2026 at 1:49 PM
FINRA Suspends Two Former Brokers Over $8 Million Private Securities Transactions

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has suspended two former brokers in Yorba Linda, California, for 10 months and fined each $10,000 over allegations that they participated in the sale of approximately $8 million in promissory notes issued by a private equity fund without their firm's approval, according to AdvisorHub.

William N. Pugh and Josiah D. Jennings settled FINRA's allegations without admitting or denying its findings, according to Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (AWC) letters. Both are registered as investment adviser representatives with Vela Consulting and are registered as brokers with Columbia Capital Securities.

As reported by AdvisorHub, between April and August 2024, Pugh and Jennings raised approximately $8 million from 18 investors. Nearly all of the investors held accounts with Columbia, according to the settlements.

Pugh held a limited partnership interest and a 3 percent ownership stake in the fund. According to his settlement, he helped identify and solicit prospective investors, facilitated their purchases of the promissory notes, and assisted with transferring investor funds.

AdvisorHub reports that Jennings also played a role in the offering. According to his settlement, he consulted with counsel, helped prepare the offering documents, selected investors, participated in initial meetings with prospective investors, and executed the promissory notes on behalf of the fund.

AdvisorHub reports that Columbia Capital permitted both brokers to resign in September 2024 while the firm investigated their participation in securities transactions conducted away from the firm without notice or approval. FINRA subsequently opened investigations after Columbia filed Form U5 notices with regulators.

FINRA determined that Pugh and Jennings violated rules governing private securities transactions and its rule requiring brokers to meet high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, finra enforcement, private securities transactions, selling away, broker misconduct, promissory notes

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We just wanted to say thanks for your work in helping us get back some of the money we lost. We are not by any means rich, but we have saved some money and we have done so through a tight-fisted approach to most everything we do. So losing a significant chunk of money hurt…especially at a time when everyone else was growing their accounts. We really appreciate the work you did.

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