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

FINRA Takes Action Against Former Cambridge Advisor for Annuity Exchange Violations

Posted on February 7th, 2024 at 3:10 PM
FINRA Takes Action Against Former Cambridge Advisor for Annuity Exchange Violations

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

Malay Kumar, a former advisor affiliated with Cambridge Investment Research, recently agreed to settle a disciplinary matter brought by FINRA. The AWC (Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent) reflects a $10,000 fine and a 12-month suspension. The settlement revealed that Kumar recommended a series of variable annuity exchanges that violated Reg BI.

According to the settlement terms, Kumar agreed to pay $50,103 in restitution to seven customers. These customers incurred unnecessary surrender fees due to Kumar's recommendations between June 2018 and October 2021. As reported by AdvisorHub, Kumar encouraged clients to surrender existing variable annuities and reinvest the proceeds into new annuities without adequately considering the substantial surrender fees and the potential loss of benefits and liquidity.

The AWC outlined multiple regulatory violations by Kumar. In addition to violating Regulation Best Interest, he also breached its predecessor suitability requirement. Furthermore, FINRA imposed a violation of its books-and-records rule, as Kumar falsely indicated on 18 annuity purchase forms that they were not part of an exchange or purchased with proceeds from an earlier sale. Additionally, Kumar was found to violate Rule 2010, which requires members to uphold "high standards" of conduct. 

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

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

1787679428 Law
August 25, 2026
Ameriprise Broker Sues LPL-Affiliated Practice Over Use of "Kindred" Name

AdvisorHub reports that an Ameriprise Financial broker in Oklahoma has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against an LPL Financial-affiliated practice over its use of the word "kindred" in its name.

1787592120 Law
August 24, 2026
Sophisticated Voice Phishing Attacks Target Major Wall Street Firms

According to ThinkAdvisor, hackers recently launched a series of sophisticated cyberattacks against major Wall Street firms, including prominent hedge funds and private equity companies.

1787342003 Law
August 21, 2026
Rising Market Leverage Raises Concerns About Financial Stability Despite Low Volatility

The leverage that has helped drive the U.S.