Two Firms Charged With Compliance Failures in Wrap Fee Programs

Posted on September 15th, 2016 at 11:59 AM
Two Firms Charged With Compliance Failures in Wrap Fee Programs

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law LLC:

The Securities and Exchange Commission has settled charges alleging violations of Section 206(4) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and Rule 206(4)-7 with Raymond James & Associates (“Raymond James”) and Robert W. Baird & Company (“Baird”).  Without admitting or denying the charges, Raymond James agreed to pay a $600,000 penalty and Baird agreed to pay a $250,000 penalty.

In its complaint, the SEC alleged that both companies failed to monitor and disclosure the amount of commissions that their clients were charged when sub-advisers “traded away” with a broker-dealer outside the wrap fee programs.  Without this information, clients of Raymond James and Baird were not aware the additional fees they were incurring. 

The attorneys of Eccleston Law LLC represent investors and advisers nationwide in securities and employment matters. Our attorneys draw on a combined experience of nearly 65 years in delivering the highest quality legal services. If you are in need of legal services, contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation today.

Related Attorneys: James J. Eccleston

Tags: Eccleston, Eccleston Law, James Eccleston, Eccleston Law LLC, The SEC

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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.

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