Eccleston Law Blog

FINRA Suspends Former Raymond James Broker Over Unauthorized Trades in Elderly Client's Account

May 15th, 2025 at 2:05 PM
FINRA has suspended a former Raymond James advisor for three months and ordered him to pay over $23,000 in fines and disgorgement for executing unauthorized trades in an elderly client’s account.
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SEC Charges Crypto Promoter in $198 Million Fraud Scheme

May 14th, 2025 at 11:46 AM
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has charged Ramil Palafox for orchestrating a massive securities fraud scheme through his now-defunct company, PGI Global (Praetorian Group International Corporation).
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Merrill's Investment Solutions Chief Outlines Growing Role for Alternatives in Client Portfolios

May 13th, 2025 at 2:02 PM
At Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank, alternative investments have become a core focus of portfolio construction, according to Financial Planning.
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FINRA Clarifies Proposed Changes to Outside Activities Rule

May 12th, 2025 at 2:15 PM
FINRA released a statement this week addressing misconceptions surrounding its proposed updates to the rules governing outside business activities by associated persons of broker-dealers.
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FINRA Suspends Former Wells Fargo Advisor Over Unauthorized Transfer in Elderly Client's Account

May 9th, 2025 at 1:36 PM
FINRA has fined and suspended former Wells Fargo financial advisor Jarrett Thomas after he executed a $50,000 transaction for an elderly client despite being informed that she was no longer capable of managing her finances.
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All 50 States Now Aligned on Annuity Sales Standards

May 8th, 2025 at 1:57 PM
The annuity industry officially has secured uniformity in sales regulations across all 50 states.
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Jury Finds Investment Advisor Liable for Failing to Disclose Annuity Commissions

May 7th, 2025 at 3:31 PM
A federal jury in Massachusetts has found investment adviser Jeffrey Cutter and his firm, Cutter Financial Group, liable for violating federal securities law by failing to disclose significant upfront commissions and conflicts of interest related to an annuity replacement scheme.
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SEC Charges Three Individuals in $284 Million Arizona Sports Complex Bond Fraud by Legacy Cares

May 6th, 2025 at 11:42 AM
The Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a civil enforcement action against Randall “Randy” Miller, Chad Miller, and Jeffrey De Laveaga for allegedly defrauding investors in two municipal bond offerings that raised $284 million.
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FINRA Suspends Former TD Securities Representative for Improper Expense Charges

May 5th, 2025 at 12:12 PM
FINRA has suspended former TD Securities representative Kate Yumi Lam for 12 months and fined her $10,000 for improperly charging personal commuting and meal expenses to the firm's account.
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Former Edward Jones Broker Indicted for Defrauding Elderly Widow

May 2nd, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Federal prosecutors have indicted a former Edward Jones financial advisor on charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and tax violations after he allegedly stole more than $920,000 from a 77-year-old widowed client.
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TESTIMONIALS

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Jim, Stephany and the whole team were a God send.  We felt like we were put into a situation where we had no advocate. Jim’s team came in with a strong, well laid out strategy on how to get our story heard. Where our outside compliance company had no ability to help, our Broker Dealer was impenitent, and the regulators were aggressive pursuing vague rules, Jim came like a barricade against an assault we did not understand. Though you pay member dues to be affiliated with FINRA and a B/D, you have no voice. The only thing that is truly heard in this un-level playing field is a bulldog’s bark like Jim’s. I would encourage anyone to call Jim and his team to find a real ally in the tough and complicated world of securities regulation. They are truly the best.

Greg P.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

August 14, 2025
Florida Investment Advisor Accused of Orchestrating $94 Million Fraud Targeting International Clients

Federal prosecutors have charged Andrew Hamilton Jacobus, a former investment adviser based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with defrauding international investors of over $94 million over 20 years.

August 13, 2025
FINRA Suspends Financial Advisor for Outsourcing Continuing Education Requirements

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has suspended advisor Francis G. Smith for one month and fined him $5,000 after finding he had someone else complete required continuing education (CE) coursework on his behalf.

August 12, 2025
Margin Debt Hits $1 Trillion as Investor Risk Appetite Surges

According to Barron’s, investors are borrowing against their portfolios at record levels.