Triad Advisors Faces $30 Million FINRA Complaint Over Alleged Supervisory Failures

A significant legal battle is unfolding as more than 70 investors have filed a FINRA complaint against Triad Advisors, alleging that the firm failed to supervise two former brokers who led them into unsuitable investments, resulting in over $30 million in losses. This case brings to light critical issues of accountability and oversight within the financial advisory industry, especially concerning vulnerable populations like retirees. At the heart of this complaint are James Walesa and Kenneth Luccioni, two brokers previously employed by Triad Advisors in Park Ridge, Illinois. The allegations against them include making unsuitable investment recommendations and engaging in practices that amount to common law fraud and gross negligence. BrokerCheck records reveal that Walesa’s settlements have totaled nearly $7 million, with five additional cases pending, while Luccioni’s settlements amount to $1.175 million. The magnitude of these settlements underscores the severe financial impact on the investors involved. One of the most striking aspects of this case is the demographic of the [...]

By |August 1st, 2024|Blog|

Financial Advisor Raul Benitez Faces Multiple Allegations of Unsuitable Investment Recommendations

The recent allegations against financial advisor Raul Benitez have raised significant concerns within the securities industry. Benitez, formerly employed by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, is under scrutiny following at least six customer complaints and one termination for cause. The complaints, documented by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), allege unsuitable investment recommendations and various other infractions, including common law fraud and gross negligence. One of the most pressing cases involves a complaint filed in January 2024, in which a customer accused Benitez of violating securities laws by making unsuitable investment recommendations and misrepresentations in September 2014 and March 2015. This claim, seeking $500,000 in damages, is currently pending. Another significant complaint from November 2023 also alleges unsuitable investment recommendations by Benitez, again seeking $500,000 in damages and currently pending resolution. These cases are not isolated incidents. In July 2021, a customer claimed that Benitez made an unsuitable investment recommendation in NorthStar, resulting in a settlement of $175,000, although the [...]

By |August 1st, 2024|Blog|

SEC Charges 16 Firms with $81 Million Penalty for Recordkeeping Failures

On Feb. 9, 2024, in a significant enforcement action, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced charges against five broker-dealers, seven dually registered broker-dealers and investment advisers, and four affiliated investment advisers for widespread and longstanding failures to maintain and preserve electronic communications. These firms have collectively agreed to pay more than $81 million in civil penalties. The Violations and Penalties The SEC's investigation revealed that employees at these firms were using unapproved communication methods, known as off-channel communications, to discuss business matters. These methods included personal text messages, which the firms failed to maintain or preserve as required by federal securities laws. This lack of compliance deprived the SEC of critical information necessary for monitoring and enforcement. The penalties are substantial, as outlined below: Northwestern Mutual (NMIS, NMIM, and Mason Street): $16.5 million Guggenheim Securities (Guggenheim Securities and GPIM): $15 million Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.: $12 million Cambridge Investment Research (CIR and CIRA): $10 million Key Investment Services (KIS [...]

Affinity Fraud: A Hidden Threat to Investors Highlighted by the Wilkinson Family Speaker Series

Affinity fraud, a pernicious form of investment fraud targeting specific groups with shared identities, took center stage at the University of Oklahoma College of Law’s Wilkinson Family Speaker Series. This series, generously funded by Bruce Wilkinson, a 1969 OU College of Law alumnus, aims to educate students, alumni, and the broader Oklahoma community about critical issues in securities fraud and investor protection. Bruce Wilkinson's vision for the series is rooted in his deep appreciation for his legal education, even though he never practiced law. He recognized the importance of giving back to the institution that played a significant role in his life. The series is designed to provide practical, real-world insights that benefit not only law students but also anyone with an interest in investing. The second annual series, held in March of 2023, began with an opening dinner where OU Law Dean Katheleen Guzman presented alarming statistics from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Over 25,000 complaints involving securities [...]