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

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 4, 2026
Investor Redemptions Rise in Nontraded BDCs Amid Credit Concerns

Financial advisors and their clients have increased redemptions from nontraded business development companies (BDCs) following a series of high-profile corporate bankruptcies, according to InvestmentNews. The surge highlights growing investor concern about liquidity and credit exposure within these high-yield but often risky investment ...

February 3, 2026
FINRA Accuses Spartan Capital of Widespread Churning That Allegedly Harmed Customers

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has brought a disciplinary complaint against Spartan Capital Securities and several senior leaders of the New York City–based broker-dealer, alleging that the firm facilitated excessive trading that generated millions of dollars in revenue while causing substantial losses to customers.

February 2, 2026
California Investors Allege Unsuitable DST Recommendations in FINRA Arbitration

Two investors from the San Francisco Bay Area have filed a FINRA arbitration claim against brokerage firm Realized Financial and its financial advisors.