Category Archives: Finra Investigation of Stockbroker

FINRA, Finra Investigation of Stockbroker, Forgery, Morgan Stanley, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Michael Christians-Former Morgan Stanley Broker-Discloses Regulatory Investigation-Plano, TX

June 2018- Plano, TX

The FINRA records of Michael S. Christians  , a stock broker who is not currently registered and who was last employed by Morgan Stanley , disclose a currently pending regulatory event, 2 prior customer disputes, a pending investigation and a termination from employment.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the agency that licenses and regulates stockbrokers and brokerage firms. FINRA requires brokers and brokerage firms to report customer complaints and disputes as well as regulatory sanctions. In addition brokers are required to disclose certain financial matters such as personal bankruptcies, judgments and liens.

In February 2018 FINRA initiated a regulatory investigation after a customer of Morgan Stanley alleged that Christians falsely signed her name to firm documents.

Christians  was employed by Morgan Stanley  since 6/2009 until 1/2018 when he was discharged after the firm learned of the false signing of a client on firm documents.

If you have questions about  an account handled by Michael S. Christians , call for a no charge consultation.

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

Nationwide Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870

Accelerated Capital Group, AEON Capital, Churning, Concentrated Positions, Failure to Supervise, FINRA, Finra Investigation of Stockbroker, Misrepresentation, Stockbroker Malpractice, Unsuitable Investments

Wayne I. Miller-Former Accelerated Capital Group Broker-Discloses Numerous Customer Suits-Scottsdale, AZ

May 2018-Scottsdale, AZ

The FINRA records of  Wayne I. Miller ,  a  stockbroker who formerly worked for Accelerated Capital Group disclose a pending regulatory suspension, a pending customer dispute and 2 prior customer disputes.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the agency that licenses and regulates stockbrokers and brokerage firms. FINRA requires brokers and brokerage firms to report customer complaints and disputes as well as regulatory sanctions. In addition brokers are required to disclose certain financial matters such as personal bankruptcies, judgments and liens.

In January 2018, Miller was suspended by FINRA  from acting in a principal capacity for six months (1/02/2018-7/1/2018) and fined $10,000 to resolve allegations that he failed to reasonably supervise the chief compliance officer of his former firm, Accelerated Capital Group. As a result of his failed oversight a broker excessively traded mutual funds and made unauthorized trades.

In FINRA case 16-1433, Miller was named as a control person. The customer of Accelerated Capital Group alleged breach of finduciary duty, violation of California securities laws and other claims and sought damages of $130,000. The case was settled for $110,000.

In FINRA Case 15-3471, Miller was named as a control person of Accelerated Capital Group. The customer alleged unauthorized trading and excessive trading (churning) and sought damages of $200,000. The case was settled for $165,000.

In pending FINRA Case 17-01178 a customer of Accelerated Capital Group alleges over concentration, misrepresentation, failure to supervise and other claims and seeks damages of $340,000.

Wayne Miller was employed by Accelerated Capital Group from 4/2010-2/2018. He is currently employed by AEON Capital in Scottsdale.

If you have losses in an account in an account handled by Wayne Miller , call for a no charge consultation with an experienced securities attorney to learn how you may be able to recover damages.

Accelerated Capital Group Regulatory Issue

Accelerated Capital Group is headquartered in Costa Mesa, CA. The firm has been a FINRA member since March 1997 and has about 35 brokers in 6 branch offices, the largest of which are located in Irvine, CA, and Scottsdale, AZ.

In a currently pending FINRA regulatory matter, regulators allege that Accelerated Capital Group failed to properly monitor, through their written supervisory procedures (WSPs) and supervisory system, mutual fund switches and exchanges and failed to respond to red flags of broker misconduct.

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

Nationwide Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870

Chelsea Financial Services, Dominion Investors Services, Failure to Supervise, FINRA, Finra Investigation of Stockbroker, Forgery, IFS Securities, LPL Financial, NFP Securities

George M. Warner-Chelsea Financial Broker-Discloses Regulatory Sanction -Rockwall, TX

May 2018-Rockwall, TX

The FINRA records of  George M. Warner ,  a  stockbroker who is currently registered with Chelsea Financial Services disclose a prior regulatory event, a prior customer dispute and 2 terminations from employment.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the agency that licenses and regulates stockbrokers and brokerage firms. FINRA requires brokers and brokerage firms to report customer complaints and disputes as well as regulatory sanctions. In addition brokers are required to disclose certain financial matters such as personal bankruptcies, judgments and liens.

In 4/2017 Warner was fined $5,000 and suspended for 30 days by FINRA to resolve allegations that he altered various customer documents on at least five occasions after the documents had already been signed by the customers. The findings stated that Warner corrected or included the customer’s anticipated liquidity needs, net worth, liquid net worth, and or annual income on new account forms, alternative investment forms, and an IRA application. FINRA Case 2014043727001. 

In 2/2010 , while employed by LPL Financial , Warner settled a customer dispute for $225,000. The customer alleged that he made an error in connection with the purchase of CIT bonds versus Citi Corp. bonds.

In 11/2014 Warner was ‘permitted to resign’ from NFP Advisors who made the following allegation on his FINRA record: “Rep corrected client documents after client signature. “

In 6/2013 Warner was discharged from LPL Financial who made the following allegation on his FINRA record: “Employment terminated by related bank program for obtaining client signatures on blank account transfer forms. “

George Warner’s employment history includes:

  • Dominion Investor Services               3/2017-4/2017
  • IFS Securities                                               12/2014-3/2017
  • NFP Advisor Services                               7/2013-12/2014
  • LPL Financial                                                 4/2003-6/2013

Warner discloses a business affiliation with Summit Rockwall Wealth Managers LLC and Financial Gravity. 

According to their website, the Certified Financial Planning Board has disciplined Warner by issuing  a Letter of Admonition.

If you have losses in an account in an account handled by George Warner , you may be able to recover damages through FINRA arbitration.

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

Nationwide Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870

Discretionary Trading, Failure to Supervise, FINRA, Finra Investigation of Stockbroker, R. F. Lafferty, Stockbroker Discharged, Stockbroker Malpractice, Unauthorized Trading, Wells Notice

Charles Lawrence-Former Morgan Stanley Broker-Subject of Regulatory Investigation- Palm Harbor, FL

May 2018-Palm Harbor, Florida

The FINRA records of  Charles J. Lawrence,  a  stockbroker who currently is employed by  R. F. Lafferty & Co.  disclose a pending regulatory investigation and a recent employment separation after allegations.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the agency that licenses and regulates stockbrokers and brokerage firms. FINRA requires brokers and brokerage firms to report customer complaints and disputes as well as regulatory sanctions. In addition brokers are required to disclose certain financial matters such as personal bankruptcies, judgments and liens.

In March 2016, Lawrence was discharged from Morgan Stanley who made the following allegations on his FINRA record: “Allegations involving adherence to industry rules and/or firm policy regarding use of trading discretion.”

In January 2018 Lawrence was sent a Wells Notice indicating that FINRA has made a preliminary determination to recommend that disciplinary action be brought against him alleging potential violations of NASD Rules 2510 (Discretionary Accounts)  and 2310 (Recommendations to Customers) and FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles).

Lawrence  was registered with Morgan Stanley from 6/2009-4/2016. He has been registered with R.F. Lafferty since 4/2016.

What is Discretionary Authority ?

 In this context, it means that the broker makes trades in the customer’s account without first consulting the customer. It means that the broker can decide how much of a security to buy or sell, and at what price, without customer input. Generally discretionary trading in an investor account is only allowed if the investor has authorized the broker to do so in writing and the brokerage firm has approved the account for discretionary trading.

If a broker makes trades in an account without having discretionary authority and without first consulting with the customer, that is generally considered to be an unauthorized trade and the customer may be entitled to damages for any losses.

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

Nationwide Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870

Failure to Cooperate with Regulatory Investigation, Failure to Supervise, FINRA, Finra Investigation of Stockbroker, J.P. Morgan Securities, Misrepresentation, Outside Business Activities, Promissory Notes, Selling Away, Stockbroker Discharged, Stockbroker Malpractice

Charlotte Guin-Former J.P. Morgan Securities Broker-Subject of $10M+ Lawsuit-Huffman, Texas

May 2018- Huffman, Texas 

According to FINRA records, Charlotte A. Guin,  a  former stockbroker who was last  employed by J.P. Morgan Securities , disclose  a prior regulatory event a termination from employment and a pending dispute by a former customer who is seeking damages in excess of $10 million.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the agency that licenses and regulates stockbrokers and brokerage firms. FINRA requires brokers and brokerage firms to report customer complaints and disputes as well as regulatory sanctions. In addition brokers are required to disclose certain financial matters such as personal bankruptcies, judgments and liens.

In currently pending Case2016-76988, Harris County, Texas, a former J.P. Morgan Securities customer alleges that Guin diverted funds from the clients accounts held at a firm affiliate and that Guin made false loan guarantees and misrepresentations from 2004-March 2015. The customer seeks an amount of damages in excess of $10 million.

In 2015 Guin   entered into a Letter of Acceptance Waiver and Consent (AWC) with the FINRA to resolve allegations that she failed to provide documents and information during the course of a FINRA investigation into allegations that Guin converted the funds of a non-firm customer. Guin agreed to a permanent bar from the securities industry. AWC No. 2015045263801

According to FINRA records, Guin was registered with J.P. Morgan Securities  from 6/2011-4/2015. She was discharged by J.P. Morgan who made the following allegation on her FINRA record: “Employee had potentially recommended an unapproved outside investment to a client that was not disclosed to the firm”

If you have questions about an account handled by Charlotte Guin, call for a no charge consultation to discuss your options.

Rex Securities Law , with offices in Boca Raton, FL,  and  Austin, TX,   provides representation to  investors  nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers and broker dealers. If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call to speak with an experienced securities attorney.

Most cases handled on a contingent fee basis meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.

Nationwide Representation

Rex Securities Law

TollFree: 877-224-3199

Florida-561 391 1900 

Texas-512-329-2870