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

SEC Orders Merrill Lynch to Pay $9.7 Million For Failing to Disclose Foreign Exchange Fees

Posted on April 13th, 2023 at 1:21 PM
SEC Orders Merrill Lynch to Pay $9.7 Million For Failing to Disclose Foreign Exchange Fees

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ordered Merrill Lynch to pay $9.7 million for failing to disclose certain foreign exchange fees charged to clients for currency conversions.

 Merrill Lynch offered clients a wrap-fee program that charged a fee based on assets under management, which covered services including foreign currency exchanges because accounts could only be held in U.S. dollars. Clients also were required to pay a markup or markdown on the exchanges under the wrap-fee program. However, the SEC alleged that Merrill regularly charged an undisclosed production fee in addition to the markup between 2016 and 2020. The so-called production fee was not covered by the wrap fee and was equal to or greater than the markup in 80% of transactions, according to the SEC.

Merrill charged $4,134,610 in undisclosed production fees on at least 15,000 separate foreign currency exchanges in approximately 4.874 client accounts, according to the SEC. The SEC further alleged that Merrill siphoned a portion of the production fees to its financial advisors and classified the charge as a commission on internal documents. While Merrill did not admit or deny any of FINRA’s investigatory findings, the company agreed to pay $4,134,610 in disgorgement and $760,104 in prejudgment interest as well as a civil penalty of $4.8 million.

 

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law

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

1774367895 Law
March 24, 2026
Former Morgan Stanley Advisor Convicted in $5 Million Fraud Scheme Involving NBA Players

A federal jury convicted former Morgan Stanley advisor Darryl Cohen for orchestrating a fraud scheme that targeted three professional basketball players and resulted in losses totaling approximately $5 million, according to Wealth Management.

1774288690 Law
March 23, 2026
FINRA Charges Sutter Securities and Former CEO in Excessive Trading Case Involving Elderly Client

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has filed an enforcement complaint against Sutter Securities Inc.

1774034084 Law
March 20, 2026
McKinsey Forecasts Sweeping Changes for Wealth Management Over the Next Decade

The U.S.