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

As a financial advisor with over 20 years of experience, I feel fortunate to call Jim my attorney and friend. He is a fantastic lawyer and trusted advisor. He is skilled in the matters necessary to do the job well. He uses his thoughtful approach and calm demeanor to achieve a positive outcome for the client. If you want to feel confident that nothing will be missed and that you will be represented in a highly professional manner, call Jim Eccleston.

Bill C. and Dan M.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

November 6, 2025
Former Ameriprise Broker Ordered to Pay $2.2 Million for Elder Exploitation

A Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration panel has ordered Eric A. Dupre to pay nearly $2.2 million in damages to his former firm and two customers following allegations of theft and elder exploitation.

November 5, 2025
Former Wells Fargo Representative Suspended for Unauthorized Texting and Obstruction

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has suspended former Wells Fargo representative Eyan M. Townsend for one year and fined him $10,000 for using personal text messages to conduct business and attempting to obstruct an internal investigation by deleting those communications.

November 4, 2025
FINRA Suspends Former Morgan Stanley Advisor Over $180,000 in Improper Transfers

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) suspended former Morgan Stanley advisor C.J. Kline for two years and imposed a $5,000 fine for allegedly executing more than $180,000 in improper fund transfers between his personal and brokerage accounts.