Robinhood Settles Regulatory Action and Agrees to Overhaul Gamification Practices

Posted on February 13th, 2024 at 1:44 PM
Robinhood Settles Regulatory Action and Agrees to Overhaul Gamification Practices

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

After a prolonged legal battle with the Massachusetts Securities Division, Robinhood has agreed to pay $7.5 million and revamp its digital engagement practices, according to Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin.

The settlement follows accusations that Robinhood violated state law by employing aggressive tactics to attract inexperienced investors and using gamification to encourage continuous use of its mobile app. The consent order resolves administrative complaints filed by Galvin's Securities Division in 2020 and 2021.

As reported by ThinkAdvisor, the consent order also addresses cybersecurity issues related to a November 2021 data security breach affecting approximately 117,000 customers in Massachusetts. The breach occurred when an unauthorized third party accessed customer information through a voice phishing scam, convincing an agent to download third party remote access software on a Robinhood-issued laptop.

The consent order reveals deficiencies in Robinhood's internal cybersecurity policies and procedures, including the absence of safeguards to protect investor information and inadequate procedures for employees to report data breaches promptly. As part of the consent order, Robinhood has admitted to these shortcomings and agreed to undergo an independent review of its cybersecurity policies.

 

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

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

February 24, 2026
Merrill Lynch Highlights AI Risks as FINRA Urges Greater Oversight of Emerging Technology

Merrill Lynch has warned that the expanded use of artificial intelligence and machine learning introduces material operational, compliance, and cybersecurity risks for advisory firms.

February 23, 2026
Drive Planning Founder Pleads Guilty to $380 Million Ponzi Scheme

Todd Burkhalter, founder and chief executive officer of Drive Planning LLC, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after admitting he orchestrated a $380 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 2,000 investors.

February 20, 2026
Edward Jones Expands Equity-Style Awards to Thousands More Advisors

Edward D. Jones & Co. has expanded eligibility for its “profits interest” award, extending the equity-style incentive to thousands more advisors, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing reviewed by AdvisorHub.