Tr?id=566623520170033&ev=PageView&noscript=1

SEC Charges LPL Financial with Anti-Money Laundering Failures

Posted on February 7th, 2025 at 9:21 AM
SEC Charges LPL Financial with Anti-Money Laundering Failures

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged LPL Financial LLC, a broker-dealer and investment adviser, with multiple violations of anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. According to SEC.gov, LPL has agreed to pay a $18 million civil penalty and improve its AML policies and procedures to settle the charges.

The SEC’s order states that between May 2019 and December 2023, LPL failed to comply with its customer identification program and neglected to verify the identities of certain customers. SEC.gov also reports that LPL failed to close or restrict thousands of high-risk accounts, including cannabis-related and foreign accounts, despite their prohibition under the firm’s AML policies.

“Federal law requires broker-dealers to ascertain the identity of their customers and to conduct ongoing customer due diligence to aid the government in its efforts to detect and prevent money laundering,” said Stacy Bogert, Associate Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. “When broker-dealers like LPL fail to comply with their AML obligations, they put the securities markets at risk.”

The SEC found that LPL willfully violated Section 17(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 17a-8 under the Act. Without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings, LPL agreed to a cease-and-desist order, censure, and the $18 million penalty. Additionally, the firm will continue working with a compliance consultant to review and enhance its AML policies and procedures.

 

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
Quotes Bigger

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

1791578435 Law
October 9, 2026
PIMCO Faces Heavy Losses on Philadelphia Office CMBS

Pacific Investment Management Co.

1791477640 Law
October 8, 2026
Delaware Life Faces Proposed Class Action Over Alleged Private Credit Disclosures

A Florida investor has filed a proposed class action against Delaware Life Insurance Co.

1791390362 Law
October 7, 2026
SEC Charges Investment Fund Operators in Alleged $8.7 Million Fraud Scheme

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Christopher Kenji Dinelli and Jacob David "Kobe" Frankel with allegedly defrauding 35 investors of more than $8.7 million through Beyond Alpha Ventures LLC and investment advisory firm Beyond Equity LLC.