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

SEC Fines 11 Firms for Recordkeeping Failures in Off-Channel Communications

Posted on October 21st, 2024 at 11:44 AM
SEC Fines 11 Firms for Recordkeeping Failures in Off-Channel Communications

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues its strict enforcement of recordkeeping requirements, fining 11 firms a combined $88.2 million for failing to preserve electronic communications. According to ThinkAdvisor, these firms, including broker-dealers and investment advisers admitted to violating federal securities laws by using unauthorized messaging apps and other off-channel communication methods.

The penalties were imposed as follows:


- Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. Inc.: $35 million
- Invesco Distributors Inc. and Invesco Advisers Inc.: $35 million
- CIBC World Markets Corp. and CIBC Private Wealth Advisors, Inc.: $12 million
- Glazer Capital LLC: $2 million
- Intesa Sanpaolo IMI Securities Corp.: $1.5 million
- Canaccord Genuity LLC: $1.25 million
- Regions Securities LLC: $750,000
- Alpaca Securities LLC: $400,000
- Focused Wealth Management Inc.: $325,000

However, the SEC's investigation revealed extensive use of unauthorized communication methods by other firms, involving personnel at various levels, including senior leadership. The SEC’s broader crackdown on texting and unauthorized apps has led to over $3 billion in fines, including recent penalties totaling $393 million against 26 firms like Edward Jones and LPL Financial.

 

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

I just wanted to say thanks again for preparing and executing my case in such a professional manner. It was a pleasure to watch two professionals take such pride in their work, as well as becoming personally in tune with your client (Me). I would personally recommend you and your firm to anyone.

John O.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

1788893582 Law
September 8, 2026
Drive Planning Founder Sentenced to 20 Years for $380 Million Ponzi Scheme

Todd Burkhalter, founder and CEO of Georgia-based financial advisory group Drive Planning LLC, received a 20-year federal prison sentence for orchestrating a years-long Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 2,000 investors of approximately $380 million.

1788870175 Law
September 8, 2026
Merrill Lynch and Advisor Settle Court Case for $6 Million After Advisor Allegedly Exploited Grieving Widow

A financial advisor allegedly exploited a client's grief over the deaths of her father and husband, showering her with attention before persuading her to hand over millions of dollars in gifts, according to reporting by InvestmentNews.

1788461574 Law
September 3, 2026
Texas Investment Adviser Faces Washington State Charges Over Misleading Crypto Portfolio Claims

Washington state securities regulators have charged an Austin, Texas registered investment adviser (RIA) and its founder with making misleading statements about the risks tied to one of its model portfolios, which invested heavily in crypto-backed products and volatile exchange-traded funds, according to InvestmentNews.