Merrill Lynch Fined for Supervisory Failures

Posted on June 11th, 2024 at 11:17 AM
Merrill Lynch Fined for Supervisory Failures

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

Merrill Lynch has reached an $825,000 settlement with FINRA over allegations of inadequate supervision concerning retail orders and recordkeeping practices dating back to 2017.

As reported by AdvisorHub, Merrill Lynch's supervisory system exhibited deficiencies in reviewing the timeliness of order executions processed through its electronic order systems. While the system assessed orders from routing to final execution, it failed to capture the preceding period when orders were entered and verified for accuracy and regulatory requirements. Over a three-year "sample" period, Merrill received nearly 300 million electronic orders through its five electronic order systems, FINRA reported, without specifying if the issues involved Merrill financial advisors or Merrill Edge clients.

AdvisorHub reports that while FINRA did not allege customer harm, it referred to Rule 5310, which mandates brokerages to exercise "reasonable diligence" to ensure favorable pricing for customers. Consequently, Merrill Lynch was found in violation of FINRA Rule 3110, mandating the establishment and maintenance of a supervisory system for compliance, and Rule 2010, which demands high standards of commercial honor.

In addition to the fine, Merrill Lynch consented to a censure and agreed to certify within 90 days that it had addressed the identified issues and implemented a supervisory system designed for compliance, as per FINRA's statement.

 

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

November 26, 2025
Former GWG Chair Charged in Alleged $150 Million Fraud Scheme as Investor Losses Mount

Federal prosecutors have intensified scrutiny of the long-running collapse of GWG Holdings Inc., unveiling criminal charges against Bradley Heppner, the former chair of both GWG and Beneficient.

November 25, 2025
Financial Advisor Accepts FINRA Bar Amidst Investigation into Alleged Misappropriation

A financial advisor affiliated with a credit union connected to Raymond James Financial agreed to an industry bar after declining to cooperate with FINRA’s investigation into allegations that he misappropriated client funds.

November 24, 2025
Kyle Busch Alleges Considerable Losses in Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Scheme

Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, and his wife Samantha announced that they lost more than $8.6 million in what they describe as a “devastating financial scheme” involving an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance policy.