SEC Charges Brenda Smith with $100 Million Fraud, Obtains Emergency Asset Freeze

Posted on August 28th, 2019 at 5:15 PM
SEC Charges Brenda Smith with $100 Million Fraud, Obtains Emergency Asset Freeze

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law LLC:

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") charged Brenda Smith, a Pennsylvania investment adviser, with operating an investment advisory fraud involving over $100 million in investments. The SEC also obtained an emergency asset freeze.

 

According to the SEC's complaint, Smith raised approximately $105 million from at least 40 investors. Smith misrepresented that she would invest their money in publicly traded securities through various trading strategies and promised to provide high returns. Instead, Smith made very few investments in these trading strategies, and primarily used investors' money to repay other investors and for personal use. The complaint further alleges that Smith, and the entities she controls, disseminated false statements that contained positive returns. She also fabricated documents in an attempt to inflate her fund’s assets and to make her investors believe their capital is safe.

 

The complaint, filed in federal court in Newark, New Jersey, charges Smith, the fund, Broad Reach Capital, LP, its general partner, Broad Reach Partners, LLC, and the adviser, Bristol Advisors, LLC with violating numerous anti-fraud provisions of federal securities laws. Until recently Smith owned CV Brokerage Inc., a registered broker-dealer. Two clearing firms associated with the broker-dealer were Apex Clearing Corporation and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Financial Services, LLC. Credit Suisse Securities (USC), LLC is listed as having a referral arrangement with Credit Suisse and engaged in a commission sharing program with CV Brokerage.

 

Eccleston Law is investigating this fraud. Those with information should contact our law firm.

 

The attorneys of Eccleston Law LLC represent investors and advisors nationwide in securities and employment matters. The securities lawyers at Eccleston Law also practice a variety of other areas of practice for financial investors and advisors including Securities FraudCompliance ProtectionBreach of Fiduciary DutyFINRA Matters, and much more. Our attorneys draw on a combined experience of nearly 65 years in delivering the highest quality legal services. If you are in need of legal services, contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation today.

Related Attorneys: James J. Eccleston

Tags: james eccleston, eccleston law, eccleston law llc, eccleston, sec, fraud, pa investment adviser, broad reach capital

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

April 25, 2024
B. Riley Financial Clears Air Amid Allegations, Stock Surges

Amidst swirling speculation regarding its connections with a client linked to the Prophecy Asset Management collapse, B. Riley Financial Inc. has conducted an internal
review, concluding no affiliations with the defunct hedge fund.

April 24, 2024
RIA Insurance Claims Skyrocket

A recent analysis by Golsan Scruggs reveals a staggering 231 percent increase in errors-and-omissions (E&O) liability claims among registered investment advisor (RIA)
insurers.

April 23, 2024
Surge Predicted in Regulation Best Interest Cases

According to a recent analysis, Reg BI-related actions quickly have ascended to the top five issues for FINRA, with fines totaling $6 million in 2023.