FINRA Bars Another Advisor In COVID Relief Loan Investigation

Posted on November 4th, 2021 at 1:44 PM
FINRA Bars Another Advisor In COVID Relief Loan Investigation

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law:

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has barred yet another Merrill Lynch advisor who improperly applied for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and subsequently failed to cooperate with FINRA’s investigation. 

Manuel Pinazo consented to the bar without admitting or denying any of FINRA’s findings. By comparison, FINRA suspended Latonya Anderson for nine months and issued a $12,500 fine after the former J.P. Morgan advisor also improperly applied to the EIDL program. However, Anderson cooperated with FINRA’s investigation, unlike Pinazo. 

The two disciplinary matters underscore the importance of cooperating with FINRA and, of course, retaining competent and experienced securities legal counsel for representation. 

According to FINRA, Anderson submitted an EIDL application in June 2020 through her cellphone and failed to refer to any documentation. FINRA alleges that Anderson falsely claimed to be the owner of a small real estate business with ten employees. Meanwhile, Merrill reported that Pinazo was terminated for his “conduct involving improperly applying for and receiving” the loan, according to a Form 5 Uniform Termination Notice. Neither Pinazo nor Anderson is currently associated with any FINRA member firms, according to BrokerCheck. 

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, finra, covid

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I just wanted to say thanks again for preparing and executing my case in such a professional manner. It was a pleasure to watch two professionals take such pride in their work, as well as becoming personally in tune with your client (Me). I would personally recommend you and your firm to anyone.

John O.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

December 19, 2024
GPB Capital Investors See Progress as Court Confirms Receivership

In a significant development for investors in GPB Capital Holdings, the private equity firm will move into receivership following a prolonged legal battle.

December 18, 2024
SEC Fines Cantor Fitzgerald $6.75 Million for Misleading SPAC Investors

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. with causing two special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) under its control to make misleading statements to investors before their initial public offerings (IPOs). 

December 17, 2024
Former Western Asset Management Co-CIO Charged with Fraud for Cherry-picking Trades

The SEC recently charged Ken Leech, former Co-CIO of Western Asset Management, with fraud.