SEC Charges Advisors and Their Firm With Reg BI Violations Over Sales of GWG L Bonds

Posted on June 24th, 2022 at 10:45 AM
SEC Charges Advisors and Their Firm With Reg BI Violations Over Sales of GWG L Bonds

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law:

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Western International Securities and five of its advisors with violating Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) when they recommended and sold high-risk debt securities known as L Bonds to retirees and other retail investors. 

The SEC’s complaint names advisors Nancy Cole, Patrick Egan, Andy Gitipityapon, Steven Graham, and Thomas Swan, alleging that the Western advisors sold at least $13.3 million worth of L Bonds between July 2020 and April 2021. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that the advisors sold L Bonds to numerous investors who were on fixed incomes or had moderate risk tolerances, even though the L bonds were categorized as high-risk and illiquid by its issuer, GWG Holdings. 

The advisors allegedly failed to adhere to Reg BI because they did not exercise reasonable diligence, care and skill and understand the risks and costs associated with the L Bonds, according to the complaint. The advisors recommended L Bonds to at least seven particular investors without a reasonable basis for believing that the investments were in the clients’ best interests, according to the SEC. The SEC additionally alleges that Western failed to establish and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed to achieve compliance with Reg BI. 

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors in GWG L Bond cases as well as financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, regulatory and disciplinary matters.

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, sec, violations

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

January 27, 2026
FINRA Sanctions, Criminal Cases, and Industry Bars in 2025

AdvisorHub has compiled a year-end review of enforcement actions and criminal proceedings.

January 26, 2026
James Eccleston Named 2026 Super Lawyer in Securities Litigation

Eccleston Law announces James Eccleston's selection to the 2026 Illinois Super Lawyers list, continuing a track record of excellence since 2005.

January 26, 2026
FINRA Enforcement Actions for Reg BI Violations Surge Past 2024 Levels

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) already has brought more Regulation Best Interest cases in 2025 than it did during all of 2024, according to statements from the regulator’s top enforcement official and a review of FINRA’s disciplinary records by AdvisorHub.