SEC Fines New Jersey Brokerage and RIA Firms $240,000 for Impending Client Reporting

Posted on November 21st, 2024 at 1:17 PM
SEC Fines New Jersey Brokerage and RIA Firms $240,000 for Impending Client Reporting

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has fined Nationwide Planning Associates, a New Jersey-based independent brokerage, and two affiliated registered investment advisory firms, NPA Asset Management and Blue Point Strategic Wealth, $240,000. According to AdvisorHub, the SEC had alleged that the firms used non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to prevent clients from reporting securities law violations.

Between May 2021 and February 2024, the firms required 11 clients to sign confidentiality agreements as part of settlements related to losses from alleged securities law breaches. Some agreements prohibited clients from reporting disputes to the SEC or other securities regulators, which the SEC stated violated federal laws.

Nationwide Planning Associates agreed to pay $160,000, while its affiliated RIAs, NPA Asset Management, and Blue Point Strategic Wealth, will pay $70,000 and $10,000, respectively.

In addition to the fines, the firms agreed to cease using the problematic non-disclosure clauses and were censured by the SEC.

AdvisorHub reports that, although the firms included a clause allowing clients to respond to unsolicited inquiries from regulators, the SEC deemed it insufficient. Once notified of the violations, the firms ceased using the NDAs and communicated with affected clients to release them from the agreements, which the SEC considered when determining penalties.

 

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

Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done for us. When we realized this was a very bad investment - we did not know where to turn for help. Then we received your name. When we called you - you were so kind to us and then agreed to help us. For this we are so very grateful. The world would be a much nicer place if there were more people like the two of you in it. We will always remember all the help and kindness you have shown us. Thank you so very very much for everything.

Wayne and Judy S.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

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.

October 14, 2025
Morgan Stanley's Termination of Financial Advisor Highlights Scrutiny Over U-5 Filings

Morgan Stanley recently terminated a 25-year industry veteran in Miami, underscoring the heightened scrutiny surrounding U-5 filings and the challenges that accompany them.

October 13, 2025
Morgan Stanley Cuts Advisor Deferrals in 2026 Compensation Plan, Boosting Advisor Payouts

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management announced a significant change to its 2026 compensation plan, cutting advisor deferral rates by half while keeping total pay and grid structures largely unchanged.