NASAA Highlights Common Violations by State-Registered Investment Advisors

Posted on October 22nd, 2024 at 1:43 PM
NASAA Highlights Common Violations by State-Registered Investment Advisors

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

State securities regulators took significant enforcement actions in 2023, with many cases stemming from breaches of fiduciary duty and failures to register, according to the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA).

According to ThinkAdvisor, NASAA highlights, that among 16,897 state-registered investment advisors, the leading causes of enforcement actions in 2023 included:

  • Failure to register as an investment advisor or representative
  • Fraud
  • Breach of fiduciary duty and failure to disclose conflicts of interest
  • Non-compliance with existing policies and procedures
  • Violations of suitability rules
  • Fee-related issues
  • Failure to disclose disciplinary actions

The NASAA report emphasizes that most state-registered firms primarily serve retail investors (74%), followed by high-net-worth clients (18.9%). Of these firms, 84.1% offer portfolio management services, and 64.8% provide financial planning services.

State securities regulators oversee firms managing assets under $100 million, and most enforcement actions center on ensuring firms adhere to basic registration and compliance standards.

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

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

October 17, 2025
FINRA Fines Oak Hills Securities for Private Placement Misconduct

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has censured and fined Oak Hills Securities Inc., an Oklahoma City brokerage, for multiple rule violations over five years.

October 16, 2025
FINRA Suspends Former Citigroup Advisor Over Undisclosed Business Activities

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has suspended former Citigroup representative Maximiliano Ramirez and fined him $5,000 for engaging in undisclosed outside business activities and investments.

October 15, 2025
SEC Accuses Florida Insurance Agent of $52 Million Unregistered Securities Scheme

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a complaint against Florida insurance agent Charles D. Oliver, alleging he illegally sold about $52 million in unregistered oil and gas securities to roughly 50 retail investors, including retired seniors.