FINRA Bars Former LPL and Raymond James Advisor Who Improperly Borrowed $850,000 From Clients

Posted on April 12th, 2023 at 1:16 PM
FINRA Bars Former LPL and Raymond James Advisor Who Improperly Borrowed $850,000  From Clients

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has barred a Chattanooga-based financial advisor who improperly borrowed at least $850,000. 

The advisor, William Winchester III, was registered with LPL Financial between 2007 and 2012 prior to working at Raymond James until 2020, according to BrokerCheck. Industry rules typically prohibit financial advisors from borrowing funds from their clients. Winchester agreed to the bar without admitting or denying any of FINRA’s investigatory findings. While he was registered with LPL and then Raymond James, Winchester allegedly borrowed at least $850,000 from three clients between March 2009 and September 2016 without receiving approval from either firm, according to FINRA.

Furthermore, FINRA alleged that Winchester engaged in an unapproved outside business activity (OBA) where “he served as co-executor to the estate of his former customer and received compensation for his services.” Winchester generated $45,000 in compensation from the OBA, according to FINRA. Also, Winchester privately settled two customer complaints without notifying Raymond James or LPL.

 

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law

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

February 5, 2026
FINRA Fines Broker-Dealer for Repeated Form CRS Disclosure Failures

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) fined VSI Securities Inc., formerly known as Venecredit Securities Inc., $20,000 for failing to accurately disclose the firm’s disciplinary history in its customer relationship summary, known as Form CRS.

February 4, 2026
Investor Redemptions Rise in Nontraded BDCs Amid Credit Concerns

Financial advisors and their clients have increased redemptions from nontraded business development companies (BDCs) following a series of high-profile corporate bankruptcies, according to InvestmentNews. The surge highlights growing investor concern about liquidity and credit exposure within these high-yield but often risky investment ...

February 3, 2026
FINRA Accuses Spartan Capital of Widespread Churning That Allegedly Harmed Customers

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has brought a disciplinary complaint against Spartan Capital Securities and several senior leaders of the New York City–based broker-dealer, alleging that the firm facilitated excessive trading that generated millions of dollars in revenue while causing substantial losses to customers.