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

Jim, Stephany and the whole team were a God send.  We felt like we were put into a situation where we had no advocate. Jim’s team came in with a strong, well laid out strategy on how to get our story heard. Where our outside compliance company had no ability to help, our Broker Dealer was impenitent, and the regulators were aggressive pursuing vague rules, Jim came like a barricade against an assault we did not understand. Though you pay member dues to be affiliated with FINRA and a B/D, you have no voice. The only thing that is truly heard in this un-level playing field is a bulldog’s bark like Jim’s. I would encourage anyone to call Jim and his team to find a real ally in the tough and complicated world of securities regulation. They are truly the best.

Greg P.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

November 4, 2025
FINRA Suspends Former Morgan Stanley Advisor Over $180,000 in Improper Transfers

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) suspended former Morgan Stanley advisor C.J. Kline for two years and imposed a $5,000 fine for allegedly executing more than $180,000 in improper fund transfers between his personal and brokerage accounts.

November 3, 2025
Former Florida Broker Pleads Guilty in $2.7 Million Investment Fraud and PPP Loan Scheme

Former Florida broker Jared Dean Eakes, 34, of Jacksonville, has pleaded guilty to wire and bank fraud in connection with a $2.7 million investment scam and a separate scheme involving over $4.75 million in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, according to U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida.

October 31, 2025
Department of Labor Sued Over Illegitimate Deferred Compensation Opinion Letter

Three former Morgan Stanley advisors filed suit this week against the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), claiming the agency exceeded its authority and was unduly influenced when it issued an advisory opinion that sought to undermine their deferred compensation claims.