UBS Recovers $2.3 Million From Former Advisor But Must Revise Form U-5 Termination Language

Posted on June 16th, 2022 at 1:16 PM
UBS Recovers $2.3 Million From Former Advisor But Must Revise Form U-5 Termination Language

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law:

A Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration panel recently ordered a former Atlanta-based UBS advisor to repay the firm at least $2.1 million in loans and interest as well as $208,000 in attorneys’ fees. 

However, the panel additionally ordered UBS to revise the language it had included in the advisor’s Form U-5 termination form. While the language still categorizes the termination as involuntary, UBS will be tasked with revising the reasoning for the discharge by eliminating any mention of clients and making the language less specific. 

Specifically, UBS originally had disclosed that, “FA discharged after admitting making incomplete disclosures of material information to firm attorneys regarding circumstances related to client trip, in connection with SEC inquiry in which FA was questioned as a witness.” However, the FINRA arbitration panel ordered UBS to change the language to: “FA discharged after making incomplete disclosure of information to firm attorneys regarding actions related to regulatory inquiry in which FA was questioned as a witness”, according to the award. 

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

 
 

Tags: eccleston law, ubs, finra

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

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

January 30, 2026
FINRA Arbitration Panel Orders J.P. Morgan to Amend Form U-5, Flags Potential Pattern of Conduct

A Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration panel recently issued an unusually detailed decision in a dispute between J.P. Morgan Securities and former advisor Joshua David Sappi Biering, shedding rare light on how a firm may deploy - and sometimes abuse - the Form U-5 during advisor departures.

January 29, 2026
OFAC Targets Individual Trustee, Sending a Clear Warning to Fiduciaries and Family Offices

In a rare move, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) penalized a former U.S. government official, underscoring that professional gatekeepers can face personal liability for sanctions violations tied to trust administration.

January 28, 2026
FINRA Advances Overhaul of Outside Business Activity Rules to the SEC

FINRA formally has advanced its proposed overhaul of outside business activity (OBA) regulations to the Securities and Exchange Commission.