SEC Charges Inspire Investing with Misleading Investors and Related Compliance Failures

Posted on October 18th, 2024 at 3:20 PM
SEC Charges Inspire Investing with Misleading Investors and Related Compliance Failures

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently charged Inspire Investing LLC, an Idaho-based investment adviser, with making misleading statements and failing to maintain compliance with its own "biblically responsible investing" strategy. As reported by WealthManagement, the SEC found that Inspire misrepresented how it screened companies for alignment with biblical values and lacked appropriate compliance procedures.

From 2019 to March 2024, Inspire claimed to use a data-driven methodology to avoid companies that participated in certain business practices contrary to biblical values. However, according to the SEC's order, Inspire primarily relied on manual research and often did not evaluate individual companies based on the stated investment criteria. This lack of diligence led Inspire to invest in companies engaged in activities it had pledged to avoid.

Inspire Investing consented to the SEC’s order, which found it in violation of the antifraud provisions of both the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Without admitting or denying the findings, Inspire agreed to a censure, a cease-and-desist order, a $300,000 penalty, and the retention of an independent compliance consultant to address its compliance deficiencies.

 

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 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

November 26, 2025
Former GWG Chair Charged in Alleged $150 Million Fraud Scheme as Investor Losses Mount

Federal prosecutors have intensified scrutiny of the long-running collapse of GWG Holdings Inc., unveiling criminal charges against Bradley Heppner, the former chair of both GWG and Beneficient.

November 25, 2025
Financial Advisor Accepts FINRA Bar Amidst Investigation into Alleged Misappropriation

A financial advisor affiliated with a credit union connected to Raymond James Financial agreed to an industry bar after declining to cooperate with FINRA’s investigation into allegations that he misappropriated client funds.

November 24, 2025
Kyle Busch Alleges Considerable Losses in Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Scheme

Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, and his wife Samantha announced that they lost more than $8.6 million in what they describe as a “devastating financial scheme” involving an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance policy.