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Illinois Regulators Accuse "Mr. Finance" of Operating Unlicensed Investment Scheme

Posted on June 22nd, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Illinois Regulators Accuse

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

Illinois securities regulators have accused a Chicago-area businessman known as "Mr. Finance" of acting as an unlicensed investment adviser and operating what state officials described as a "Ponzi-like scheme" involving hundreds of clients.

According to InvestmentNews, the Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department issued a temporary restraining order ("TRO") against Brandon Ellington and his company, Access Capital Today Inc., alleging that he advised clients on investments, handled customer funds, and failed to meet promised payment obligations.

The TRO alleges that Ellington promoted his services through television, radio, and billboard advertising, generating significant public exposure throughout the Chicago area. Regulators claim that despite advising clients on investments, Ellington held no professional licenses and was not registered as an investment adviser representative. The TRO further alleges that neither Ellington nor his firm maintained registration to offer or sell securities.

As reported by InvestmentNews, the regulators contend that Ellington encouraged clients to liquidate retirement accounts and invest funds through his business by promising returns that exceeded those available through traditional investment vehicles. The TRO characterizes the arrangement as a "Ponzi-like scheme."

According to the allegations, Access Capital Today generated income through real estate transactions, including fix-and-flip projects, and earned commissions on those transactions. Regulators claim that Ellington also solicited investment funds from clients and promised attractive returns.

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, securities fraud, securities regulation, investment scheme, illinois securities law, unlicensed broker

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