Former Morgan Stanley Advisor Agrees to Settle with FINRA for Unapproved Investments

Posted on December 22nd, 2023 at 10:39 AM
Former Morgan Stanley Advisor Agrees to Settle with FINRA for Unapproved Investments

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

Former Morgan Stanley advisor Sara Y. Qazi has agreed to a $15,000 fine and a three-month suspension after the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) had alleged that she aided a client in an unauthorized private investment.

The Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (“AWC”) disclosed that from March to June 2020, Qazi, now employed at Raymond James & Associates, assisted a customer in purchasing $250,000 worth of a healthcare company's stock not offered by Morgan Stanley, her then-employer, without approval. Despite not receiving compensation for the transaction, Qazi conducted due diligence on the healthcare company at the client's request. This included reviewing financial data, participating in due diligence calls with the company's management, and coordinating fund transfers for the unnamed company mentioned in the settlement.

Additionally, between June and July 2020, Qazi distributed a written presentation crafted by the healthcare company to five individuals, including a Morgan Stanley customer. According to AdvisorHub, the presentation included information about a private offering by the company.

The AWC states that those actions by Qazi violated FINRA rules related to communication standards with the public and engaging in private securities transactions without firm approval. Additionally, the activities were deemed to breach Rule 2010, which mandates "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

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

March 16, 2026
Concorde Investment Services Faces Scrutiny Over Sales of Inspired Healthcare Private Investments

Concorde Investment Services is facing increased scrutiny following the bankruptcy of Inspired Healthcare Capital, whose private investment offerings were widely sold through independent broker dealers, according to InvestmentNews.

March 13, 2026
Connecticut Advisor Pleads Guilty to Ponzi-Like Investment Fraud and Tax Evasion

Federal prosecutors announced that investment adviser John A.

March 12, 2026
Cape Coral Becomes Ground Zero for Private Lending Strains in Post-Pandemic Housing Market

Cape Coral, Florida, long a magnet for out-of-state real estate investors, now illustrates the growing risks of private lending in residential development.