Eccleston Law Blog

Former Merrill Lynch Advisor Sanctioned for Unauthorized Crypto Work and Misleading Letters

October 23rd, 2024 at 10:57 AM
A former Merrill Lynch advisor, John Rollin Revelle, has been suspended for 10 months and fined $7,500 by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for engaging in unauthorized activities, including working for a cryptocurrency exchange and issuing misleading asset verification letters.
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NASAA Highlights Common Violations by State-Registered Investment Advisors

October 22nd, 2024 at 1:43 PM
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).
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SEC Fines 11 Firms for Recordkeeping Failures in Off-Channel Communications

October 21st, 2024 at 11:44 AM
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues its strict enforcement of recordkeeping requirements, fining 11 firms a combined $88.2 million for failing to preserve electronic communications.
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SEC Charges Inspire Investing with Misleading Investors and Related Compliance Failures

October 18th, 2024 at 3:20 PM
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently charged Inspire Investing LLC, an Idaho-based investment adviser, with making misleading statements and failing to maintain compliance with its own "biblically responsible investing" strategy.
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Team Breakups Surge Among Financial Advisors Despite Firm Incentives

October 17th, 2024 at 1:28 PM
In recent months, several high-profile departures have highlighted a growing trend: financial advisors are splitting from longtime teams and even family members to pursue opportunities with other firms. 
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FINRA Penalizes Advisor for Falsifying Client Signatures

October 16th, 2024 at 2:44 PM
FINRA has imposed a $7,500 fine and a one-year suspension on Richard Dean Connally.
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SEC Charges First Horizon Advisors for Regulation Best Interest Violations

October 15th, 2024 at 4:09 PM
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged First Horizon Advisors, LLC, a registered broker-dealer, with violating Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI).
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Macquarie Investment Management to Pay $79.8 Million for Overvalued CMOs and Unlawful Cross Trades

October 11th, 2024 at 12:03 PM
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust (MIMBT) with overvaluing collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and executing unlawful cross-trades that favored certain clients. 
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Merrill Lynch and Harvest Volatility Management Fined $9.3 Million for Exceeding Client Investment Limits

October 10th, 2024 at 3:19 PM
According to SEC.gov, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., and Harvest Volatility Management LLC for exceeding clients’ designated investment limits, resulting in higher fees, increased market exposure, and financial losses. 
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Charles Schwab Faces Lawsuit Over Failure to Prevent Elder Fraud in Computer Hack

October 9th, 2024 at 1:26 PM
A new lawsuit claims that Charles Schwab failed to protect an elderly client from a fraudulent scheme that drained her retirement savings.
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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

January 12, 2026
Florida Man Indicted in $36 Million Investment Fraud Scheme

According to news sources, federal prosecutors allege that a Florida man orchestrated a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme that funded a luxury lifestyle built on stolen investor money, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

January 9, 2026
FINRA Sanctions Former Wells Fargo Advisor for Profile Falsification and Unauthorized Trading

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) disciplined former Wells Fargo Advisors broker James E. Holmes III for misconduct tied to his falsifying customer information and unauthorized trading.

January 8, 2026
Georgia Investment Advisor Pleads Guilty to Ponzi Scheme

A former Georgia investment adviser has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after federal prosecutors accused his firm of operating a multiyear Ponzi scheme that cost investors millions of dollars, as reported by Financial Advisor News.