Merrill Advisor Terminated for Failing to Disclose Outside Business Activity

Posted on July 19th, 2021 at 1:46 PM
Merrill Advisor Terminated for Failing to Disclose Outside Business Activity

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law:

Jorge Sonville, a Miami-based Merrill advisor, was terminated for allegedly engaging in an outside business activity (OBA) after 26 years at the firm. According to a Form U-5 (Uniform Termination Notice) filed with regulators, Sonville participated “in a financial arrangement with a client and failed to disclose outside business activity.” Sonville allegedly convinced Eduardo Tarajano to transfer nearly $5 million from his retirement trust to invest in a Key Biscayne liquor store in 2015, which was sold in 2020 for $585,000. 

According to a complaint filed by Tarajano, Sonville or his spouse allegedly possessed an undisclosed interest in the liquor store, which generated around $70,000 of ill-gained profits. Sonville allegedly provided Tarajano’s son with an ownership stake in the store while Sonville’s cousin earned a commission from liquor store sales, according to the complaint. According to Sonville’s BrokerCheck record, the Tarajano suit requests $4 million in damages related to “an unsuitable investment recommendation and engaging in an undisclosed outside business activity from 2015 until 2020.” 

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, merill lynch, advisor terminated

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I learned two important things working with Eccleston Law. First, I made a friend and ally with Jim and Steph for life. Secondly, and this is a crucial life lesson - if you need counsel, then seek out the very best. Jim was referred to me by a most trusted source. I've never had to hire an attorney for anything. Now, I know the value of hiring an important partner. Meticulous, thorough and detailed in preparation is the best way to describe Jim. Brilliant too, I might add. Bottom line, I would highly highly recommend Jim and Stephany for your legal needs. One of the best life decisions I've ever made.

Howard S.

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.