FINRA Cracks Down On UBS and Berthel Fisher

Posted on May 4th, 2022 at 1:35 PM
FINRA Cracks Down On UBS and Berthel Fisher

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law:

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has issued a $350,000 fine to UBS for failing to report trades in TRACE-eligible securities. 

UBS failed to report at least 3,850 trades between July 2018 and September 2021, according to FINRA. The trades included nearly 340 large-block transactions in corporate debt securities as well as 424 large-block transactions in agency debt securities. UBS failed to timely report the trades, which constituted 4.72% of the firm’s large-block corporate debt transactions and 9.3% of the firm’s large-block agency debt transactions, according to FINRA. FINRA additionally alleged that UBS failed to timely report at least 1,830 transactions in securitized products. 

Additionally, FINRA has issued a $100,000 fine to Berthel Fisher & Co. for failing to adequately supervise options trades in a client’s account. Last summer, FINRA initiated an examination sweep evaluating the supervision, communications and diligence relating to the opening of options accounts. According to FINRA, Berthel Fisher failed to exercise due diligence to verify a client’s investment experience and knowledge when the firm was reviewing a client’s request for approval to trade options in August 2015. Berthel Fisher additionally recommended options trades to the client between August 2015 and February 2018 absent a reasonable belief that the transactions were suitable for the client, according to FINRA. FINRA additionally alleged that Berthel Fisher failed to create and implement a supervisory system to effectively evaluate the suitability of options trading in client accounts. 

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

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.