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

Massachusetts Regulators Say Fidelity Rubber-Stamped Options Applications

Posted on January 27th, 2022 at 2:16 PM
Massachusetts Regulators Say Fidelity Rubber-Stamped Options Applications

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law:

Massachusetts securities regulators have filed suit against Fidelity Brokerage Services alleging unethical practices relating to the firms’ rubber-stamping of options trading applications.

Massachusetts’ securities division has emphasized Fidelity’s “failure to properly vet customers who applied to be approved for options and margin trading”, and has scrutinized the firm’s “half-hearted and lackadaisical attitude” toward protecting retail clients. Massachusetts regulators allege that Fidelity’s application review protocol enabled clients to submit several applications with altered information until the clients satisfied the account requirements. 

The administrative compliant discusses examples of repetitive applications with inaccurate financials, investment experience and employment information. The complaint further alleges that Fidelity failed to review and subsequently notice the contradictions even though the firm possessed accurate client information in its system. The complaint seeks to censure Fidelity and compels the firm to hire an independent compliance consultant to remedy the oversight failures. 

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, Fidelity Brokerage Services

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next
Quotes Bigger

Hiring Eccleston Law has been one of the best career decisions I have made and this "investment" to maintain my sterling regulatory record has been returned many times over.  If you are in a situation where you've been unfairly accused, don't hesitate to talk with Eccleston Law. They are the best.

Thomas C.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

1782320106 Law
June 24, 2026
FINRA Suspends Former Broker Over Undisclosed Business Activities, Annuity Recommendation, and Customer Data Violations

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has suspended former registered representative Clayton K.

1782226532 Law
June 23, 2026
NASAA Advances Investment Adviser Advertising Reforms and Franchise Broker Registration Framework

The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) has approved significant regulatory initiatives aimed at modernizing oversight of investment advisers and strengthening protections for individuals considering franchise investments.

1782150000 Law
June 22, 2026
Illinois Regulators Accuse "Mr. Finance" of Operating Unlicensed Investment Scheme

Illinois securities regulators have accused a Chicago-area businessman known as "Mr.