SEC Charges First Horizon Advisors for Regulation Best Interest Violations

Posted on October 15th, 2024 at 4:09 PM
SEC Charges First Horizon Advisors for Regulation Best Interest Violations

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged First Horizon Advisors, LLC, a registered broker-dealer, with violating Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI). The charges stem from the firm’s failure to maintain and enforce policies designed to ensure compliance with Reg BI, particularly regarding recommendations of structured notes.

In 2021, First Horizon merged with another broker-dealer, which resulted in the transfer of 5,000 customer brokerage accounts. However, due to system incompatibility between the two firms, First Horizon lacked the necessary customer data to properly review structured note recommendations for Reg BI compliance. Additionally, registered representatives from the merging firm were unable to access First Horizon’s exception reporting system, which prevented them from reviewing flagged transactions as required by the firm's procedures.

Without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings, First Horizon agreed to a cease-and-desist order, a censure, and a $325,000 civil penalty. This case highlights the importance of maintaining robust compliance systems, particularly during mergers.

 

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory, and disciplinary matters.

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, sec

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I have the best legal firm in the country to defend me. Awesome job!

Cindy C.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

February 19, 2026
Wall Street Journal Analysis Questions Investor Gains Following DuPont's Decade-Long Breakup

A Wall Street Journal analysis has raised questions about investor returns following DuPont’s multi-year corporate restructuring, which divided the historic conglomerate into multiple independent companies.

February 18, 2026
American Portfolios Ordered to Pay $4.6 Million in Restitution Over Cash Sweep Program Disclosures

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has ordered American Portfolios Financial Services to return $4.6 million to customers and pay monetary sanctions after determining that the firm overcharged investors and failed to properly disclose how it generated revenue through a cash sweep program.

February 17, 2026
FINRA Fines Kingswood Capital Partners $150,000 for Supervisory Failures in GWG L Bond Sales

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) censured and fined San Diego–based broker-dealer Kingswood Capital Partners $150,000 after finding supervisory failures tied to sales of high-risk GWG L bonds.