Paychex Securities Advisor Penalized for Undisclosed Referral Agreement with RIA

Posted on December 13th, 2024 at 8:59 AM
Paychex Securities Advisor Penalized for Undisclosed Referral Agreement with RIA

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

A former advisor has agreed to a $7,500 fine and a six-month suspension following allegations of failing to disclose a referral agreement with an outside registered investment advisory (RIA) firm.

From July 2017 to February 2023, Michael Shoniker earned $740,000 by referring 401(k) customers to the RIA. According to AdvisorHub, the payments represented a portion of advisory fees collected from 96 Paychex clients he referred. Paychex allowed its advisors to make referrals but prohibited them from receiving finder’s fees, advisory fees, or commissions without prior approval.

FINRA alleged that Shoniker violated the firm's policies and FINRA Rule 3270, which prohibits advisors from engaging in outside business activities without written approval. The regulator also cited a breach of Rule 2010, which requires advisors to adhere to high standards of commercial honor.

Shoniker neither admitted nor denied FINRA’s findings as part of the settlement agreement, known as an Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (“AWC”). The investigation originated from a Form U5 termination notice filed by Paychex in February 2023.

 

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

September 11, 2025
Montana Federal Judge Allows Family's Premium Financing Claims to Proceed

A federal judge in Montana has allowed a family to move forward with negligence, fraud, and unjust enrichment claims tied to a premium-financed life insurance arrangement valued at $67.5 million.

September 10, 2025
Arizona Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Multi-Million Dollar Ponzi-Style Fraud

An Arizona man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for running a Ponzi-style investment scheme that defrauded more than 100 victims out of millions of dollars, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.

September 9, 2025
Easterly ROCMuni Fund's Steep Decline Spurs Potential Investor Lawsuits

The Easterly ROCMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund (RMHIX) has suffered a dramatic collapse, losing nearly half its value in June and now trading at a net asset value (NAV) of $2.95 per share.