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

Merrill Lynch Advisor Sanctioned for Unauthorized Trading

Posted on March 24th, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Merrill Lynch Advisor Sanctioned for Unauthorized Trading

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

FINRA has fined a former Merrill Lynch advisor $5,000 and suspended the advisor for 30 days for executing unauthorized trades in client accounts. AdvisorHub reports that the advisor accepted the sanctions without admitting or denying FINRA’s findings.

The settlement agreement, known as an Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (“AWC”), reflects that the advisor placed 204 unauthorized trades across four customer accounts, three of which belonged to senior investors. Although the advisor discussed investment strategies with the clients, FINRA found that the advisor failed to obtain the required written authorization for non-discretionary accounts. Those actions violated FINRA’s prohibition on unauthorized trading as well as Rule 2010, which requires advisors to uphold high ethical standards.

AdvisorHub reports that the disciplinary action stemmed from a FINRA “cause examination,” an investigation triggered by a complaint or tip.

Since 2022, the advisor has faced nearly two dozen customer complaints, many related to allegations of unsuitable or unauthorized options trading. Merrill Lynch denied 10 of the claims but paid approximately $2.1 million in settlements on 12 others, out of a total of $4.75 million in damages requested.

 

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law

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

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.