SEC Charges RiverSource Distributors With Improper Switching of Variable Annuities

Posted on June 8th, 2022 at 11:23 AM
SEC Charges RiverSource Distributors With Improper Switching of Variable Annuities

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law:

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has agreed to a settlement with RiverSource Distributors Inc. for improper switching or replacing of variable annuities. According to the SEC, RiverSource sold variable annuities to retail clients through an affiliated investment advisory firm, Ameriprise Financial Services. 

This action is the SEC’s first enforcement proceeding under Section 11 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under Section 11 of the Investment Company Act, any underwriter is prohibited from making an offer to exchange the securities of registered unit investment trusts unless the terms of the offer have received SEC approval. 

Certain RiverSource employees designed and utilized a sales practice that caused exchange offers to be presented to holders of variable annuities to switch from one variable annuity to another, which ultimately generated increased sales commissions for RiverSource employees, according to the SEC. The SEC additionally alleged that the exchange transactions occurred frequently from 2016 until 2018 when RiverSource’s compliance department condemned the sales practice. RiverSource consented to the SEC’s allegations without admitting or denying any investigatory findings and will pay a $5 million civil penalty. 

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

 
 

Tags: eccleston law, sec, variable annuities

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

October 17, 2025
FINRA Fines Oak Hills Securities for Private Placement Misconduct

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has censured and fined Oak Hills Securities Inc., an Oklahoma City brokerage, for multiple rule violations over five years.

October 16, 2025
FINRA Suspends Former Citigroup Advisor Over Undisclosed Business Activities

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has suspended former Citigroup representative Maximiliano Ramirez and fined him $5,000 for engaging in undisclosed outside business activities and investments.

October 15, 2025
SEC Accuses Florida Insurance Agent of $52 Million Unregistered Securities Scheme

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a complaint against Florida insurance agent Charles D. Oliver, alleging he illegally sold about $52 million in unregistered oil and gas securities to roughly 50 retail investors, including retired seniors.