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 cannot thank you enough for your guidance. It's a good feeling knowing someone is fighting for you.

Matt J.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

September 11, 2025
Montana Federal Judge Allows Family's Premium Financing Claims to Proceed

A federal judge in Montana has allowed a family to move forward with negligence, fraud, and unjust enrichment claims tied to a premium-financed life insurance arrangement valued at $67.5 million.

September 10, 2025
Arizona Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Multi-Million Dollar Ponzi-Style Fraud

An Arizona man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for running a Ponzi-style investment scheme that defrauded more than 100 victims out of millions of dollars, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.

September 9, 2025
Easterly ROCMuni Fund's Steep Decline Spurs Potential Investor Lawsuits

The Easterly ROCMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund (RMHIX) has suffered a dramatic collapse, losing nearly half its value in June and now trading at a net asset value (NAV) of $2.95 per share.