Bad Brokers

According to FINRA, Juan Manuel Bernal Gomez (CRD #6722271) of Winter Park, Florida was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 16, 2024. This action is associat...

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According to FINRA, Juan Manuel Bernal Gomez (CRD #6722271) of Winter Park, Florida was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 16, 2024. This action is associated with FINRA Case #2021072405401. FINRA Rule 9552(d) authorizes FINRA to suspend an individual who fails to provide information or keep information current as required by FINRA rules. Under this rule, FINRA issues a notice identifying the deficiency and provides a specific deadline for compliance. If the individual does not respond or remedy the deficiency by the deadline, the suspension takes effect automatically. During the period of suspension, the individual is prohibited from associating with any FINRA member firm, meaning they cannot perform any securities-related activities including executing trades, advising customers, or engaging in any other broker-dealer functions. The requirement to provide information to FINRA upon request is one of the most fundamental obligations of every registered person in the securities industry. FINRA Rule 8210 grants FINRA broad authority to request information, documents, and testimony from associated persons in connection with its regulatory investigations and examinations. This authority is critical to FINRA's ability to oversee the industry, detect potential violations, and protect investors from harm. When registered persons fail to comply with these requests, it directly impedes FINRA's regulatory mission and may prevent the discovery and remediation of misconduct that could be harming investors. A suspension under Rule 9552(d) differs from a bar under Rule 9552(h) in that a suspension can potentially be lifted if the individual subsequently complies with FINRA's information request. However, if the individual continues to fail to provide the required information, the suspension may eventually be converted to a permanent bar under subsection (h) of the rule. This graduated enforcement approach is designed to incentivize compliance while providing increasingly severe consequences for continued non-cooperation. Investors should be aware that a suspended individual is temporarily prohibited from working in the securities industry and should always verify the current registration status of their financial professionals through FINRA's free BrokerCheck tool.

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According to FINRA, James Fredrick Easter (CRD #74758) of Draper, Utah was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 23, 2024. This action is associated with FINRA...

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According to FINRA, James Fredrick Easter (CRD #74758) of Draper, Utah was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 23, 2024. This action is associated with FINRA Case #2022074726601. FINRA Rule 9552(d) authorizes FINRA to suspend an individual who fails to provide requested information or keep required information current. The process begins when FINRA identifies that an individual has not complied with an information request or has failed to maintain current information as required by FINRA rules. FINRA then issues a formal notice under Rule 9552, specifying the deficiency and a deadline for compliance. If the individual fails to respond or remedy the issue by the stated deadline, the suspension takes effect. During the suspension period, Easter is prohibited from associating with any FINRA member firm in any capacity, which means he cannot conduct securities business, advise clients, or perform any other regulated activities. The obligation to respond to FINRA information requests is a cornerstone of the self-regulatory framework that governs the securities industry. Under FINRA Rule 8210, FINRA has the authority to demand information, documents, and testimony from current and former associated persons. This information-gathering power enables FINRA to conduct investigations into potential violations of securities laws and regulations, and to take appropriate enforcement action when violations are identified. When individuals fail to cooperate with these requests, it hampers FINRA's ability to protect investors and maintain market integrity. A suspension under Rule 9552(d) is a serious regulatory action, but it is not necessarily permanent. If the individual subsequently complies with FINRA's information request, the suspension may be lifted. However, continued non-compliance can result in the suspension being converted to a permanent bar under Rule 9552(h), which would permanently prohibit the individual from working in the regulated securities industry. Investors should always check the registration status of their financial professionals through FINRA's BrokerCheck tool, which provides free access to the professional background, registration history, and any disciplinary actions associated with brokers and brokerage firms.

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According to FINRA, Janelle Kay English (CRD #6229377) of Tulsa, Oklahoma was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 23, 2024. This action is associated with FI...

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According to FINRA, Janelle Kay English (CRD #6229377) of Tulsa, Oklahoma was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 23, 2024. This action is associated with FINRA Case #2024082093501. FINRA Rule 9552(d) is an administrative provision that empowers FINRA to suspend an individual who fails to provide information or maintain current information as required by FINRA rules. The process is initiated when FINRA identifies a compliance deficiency related to information requirements. FINRA then issues a notice to the individual, specifying the particular deficiency and establishing a deadline for resolution. If the individual does not comply by the deadline, the suspension takes effect automatically. During the period of suspension, English is prohibited from associating with any FINRA member firm in any capacity and cannot engage in any securities-related activities. The requirement to provide information and cooperate with FINRA's regulatory inquiries is a fundamental obligation for all persons registered in the securities industry. FINRA Rule 8210 grants FINRA broad authority to request documents, information, and testimony from current and former associated persons as part of its investigations and examinations. This authority is essential to FINRA's ability to fulfill its mission of protecting investors and ensuring the integrity of the securities markets. Without the cooperation of registered persons, FINRA would be unable to effectively investigate potential misconduct or enforce compliance with securities regulations. A suspension under Rule 9552(d) serves as both a consequence for non-compliance and an incentive to provide the required information. If the individual complies with FINRA's request during the suspension period, the suspension may be lifted. However, if the individual continues to fail to provide the required information, the suspension may ultimately be converted to a permanent bar under Rule 9552(h), which would permanently exclude the individual from the regulated securities industry. Investors should be aware that suspended individuals are not permitted to conduct securities business and should verify the registration status of their financial professionals through FINRA's free BrokerCheck service before making any investment decisions or entrusting their assets to a financial professional.

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According to FINRA, Sara Therese Jankowski (CRD #6639418) of Crown Point, Indiana was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 27, 2024. This action is associated...

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According to FINRA, Sara Therese Jankowski (CRD #6639418) of Crown Point, Indiana was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 27, 2024. This action is associated with FINRA Case #2024080968401. FINRA Rule 9552(d) authorizes FINRA to suspend an individual who fails to provide information or keep information current as required by FINRA rules. Under this administrative proceeding, FINRA first issues a notice identifying the specific deficiency and providing a compliance deadline. If the individual does not respond or remedy the issue by the deadline, the suspension takes effect automatically. While suspended, Jankowski is prohibited from associating with any FINRA member firm in any capacity, meaning she cannot engage in any regulated securities activities including trading, advising clients, or performing any other broker-dealer functions. The obligation to cooperate with FINRA's information requests is a foundational element of the regulatory framework governing the securities industry. FINRA Rule 8210 grants FINRA the authority to request information, documents, and testimony from registered persons and former associated persons. This authority enables FINRA to conduct thorough investigations into potential violations of securities laws and industry rules, and to take appropriate enforcement action to protect investors. When individuals fail to meet their obligation to provide information, it undermines FINRA's regulatory effectiveness and may prevent the detection and remediation of practices that harm investors. A suspension under Rule 9552(d) is a significant regulatory action that can have far-reaching consequences for the affected individual's career in the securities industry. While the suspension can potentially be lifted if the individual subsequently complies with FINRA's information request, continued non-compliance may result in the suspension being escalated to a permanent bar under Rule 9552(h). This escalation mechanism ensures that there are meaningful consequences for those who refuse to cooperate with FINRA's regulatory authority. Investors should always verify the current registration and disciplinary status of any financial professional before making investment decisions by using FINRA's BrokerCheck, a free tool that provides comprehensive background information on brokers and brokerage firms.

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According to FINRA, David Jerry Love (CRD #4788074) of Edmond, Oklahoma was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 30, 2024. This action is associated with FINR...

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According to FINRA, David Jerry Love (CRD #4788074) of Edmond, Oklahoma was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 30, 2024. This action is associated with FINRA Case #2024082371501. FINRA Rule 9552(d) empowers FINRA to suspend an individual who fails to provide information or maintain current information as required by FINRA rules. The administrative process begins when FINRA identifies a compliance deficiency and issues a notice to the individual, specifying the deficiency and a deadline for compliance. If the individual does not remedy the deficiency within the allotted time, the suspension takes effect automatically. During the suspension, Love is prohibited from associating with any FINRA member firm in any capacity and cannot engage in any regulated securities activities. The duty to respond to FINRA's information requests is among the most basic obligations imposed on registered persons in the securities industry. FINRA Rule 8210 provides FINRA with broad authority to request information, documents, and testimony from current and former associated persons in connection with regulatory investigations and examinations. This authority is critical to FINRA's ability to detect potential misconduct, investigate complaints, and take enforcement action to protect investors. When registered persons fail to cooperate with these requests, it directly hampers FINRA's ability to carry out its investor protection mission. A suspension under Rule 9552(d) serves a dual purpose: it is both a sanction for non-compliance and a mechanism to encourage the individual to provide the required information. If the individual complies during the suspension period, the suspension may be lifted and the individual may be permitted to resume their securities activities. However, if non-compliance continues, the suspension may be converted to a permanent bar under Rule 9552(h), which would permanently exclude the individual from the regulated securities industry. Investors who may have worked with a suspended financial professional should be vigilant about monitoring their accounts and should consider whether it is appropriate to transfer their accounts to another qualified professional. FINRA's BrokerCheck tool is available free of charge to help investors research the background and status of financial professionals.

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According to FINRA, James Uriel Marrero (CRD #5332847) of Lindenwold, New Jersey was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 27, 2024. This action is associated ...

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According to FINRA, James Uriel Marrero (CRD #5332847) of Lindenwold, New Jersey was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 27, 2024. This action is associated with FINRA Case #2024081954801. FINRA Rule 9552(d) is an administrative provision that authorizes FINRA to suspend an individual who fails to provide information or keep information current as required by FINRA rules. The process is initiated when FINRA identifies a deficiency in the individual's compliance with information requirements and issues a formal notice specifying the deficiency and a deadline for compliance. If the individual does not respond or cure the deficiency by the deadline, the suspension takes effect. While suspended, Marrero is prohibited from associating with any FINRA member firm and cannot conduct any securities business or other regulated activities. Providing information to FINRA when requested is a fundamental obligation that every registered person in the securities industry must fulfill. Under FINRA Rule 8210, FINRA has the authority to request documents, information, and testimony from current and former associated persons as part of its regulatory investigations and examinations. This information-gathering power is essential to FINRA's ability to investigate potential misconduct, enforce compliance with securities laws and regulations, and protect investors from harm. When individuals fail to meet this obligation, it impairs FINRA's regulatory effectiveness and can leave investors without the protections they deserve. The consequences of a suspension under Rule 9552(d) can be significant. While the suspension can potentially be reversed if the individual subsequently complies with FINRA's information request, continued non-compliance may lead to the suspension being elevated to a permanent bar under Rule 9552(h). A permanent bar would completely and permanently exclude the individual from the regulated securities industry. This graduated enforcement approach reflects FINRA's preference for obtaining compliance while maintaining the enforcement tools necessary to protect the investing public. Investors should always take the time to verify the registration status and disciplinary history of their financial professionals using FINRA's free BrokerCheck tool, which provides comprehensive background information on brokers and brokerage firms across the country.

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According to FINRA, Luis Quintanar Castanon (CRD #7475634) of Naperville, Illinois was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 13, 2024. This action is associate...

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According to FINRA, Luis Quintanar Castanon (CRD #7475634) of Naperville, Illinois was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 13, 2024. This action is associated with FINRA Case #2023078733401. FINRA Rule 9552(d) authorizes FINRA to suspend an individual who fails to provide information or keep information current as required by FINRA rules. The administrative process involves FINRA issuing a notice to the individual identifying the specific deficiency and providing a deadline for compliance. If the individual does not respond to the notice or remedy the deficiency within the specified time, the suspension takes effect automatically. During the period of suspension, Quintanar Castanon is prohibited from associating with any FINRA member firm and cannot perform any securities-related activities, including trading, advising clients, or engaging in other broker-dealer functions. The obligation to provide information to FINRA is a bedrock principle of the self-regulatory framework that governs the securities industry in the United States. FINRA Rule 8210 grants FINRA expansive authority to demand information, documents, and testimony from current and former associated persons. This authority is indispensable to FINRA's mission of protecting investors and maintaining the integrity of the financial markets. Investigations into potential misconduct, examinations of firm compliance, and enforcement actions all depend on the ability to obtain information from regulated persons. When individuals fail to cooperate, it can allow potentially harmful conduct to continue undetected. A suspension under Rule 9552(d) is a serious action, but it is not necessarily permanent. The individual may be able to have the suspension lifted by subsequently providing the required information to FINRA. However, if the individual continues to refuse to comply, the suspension may be converted to a permanent bar under Rule 9552(h), which would permanently prohibit the individual from working in the regulated securities industry. Investors are encouraged to use FINRA's free BrokerCheck tool to verify the registration status and review the disciplinary history of any financial professional before entrusting them with their investments.

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According to FINRA, Michael Joseph Russo (CRD #3072489) of Manorville, New York was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 16, 2024. This action is associated w...

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According to FINRA, Michael Joseph Russo (CRD #3072489) of Manorville, New York was suspended from the securities industry for failure to provide information or keep information current pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(d). The suspension became effective on September 16, 2024. This action is associated with FINRA Case #2021073013701. FINRA Rule 9552(d) is an administrative provision that empowers FINRA to suspend an individual who fails to provide information or maintain current information as required by FINRA rules. The suspension process begins when FINRA identifies a deficiency and notifies the individual, providing a specific deadline for compliance. If the individual fails to comply by the deadline, the suspension takes effect. During the suspension, Russo is prohibited from associating with any FINRA member firm in any capacity, which prevents him from conducting securities business, advising clients, or performing any other regulated activities. The duty to provide information to FINRA upon request is one of the most important obligations of every person registered in the securities industry. FINRA Rule 8210 gives FINRA broad authority to request information, documents, and testimony from associated persons and former associated persons in connection with its regulatory investigations and examinations. This authority is vital to FINRA's ability to identify and address potential violations of securities laws and industry regulations. When individuals fail to meet their information obligations, it compromises FINRA's ability to investigate potential misconduct and protect investors from financial harm. A suspension under Rule 9552(d) carries significant consequences for the individual's career and can also affect the investors who relied on that person for financial guidance. While a suspension under this rule can potentially be lifted if the individual complies with FINRA's information request, continued non-compliance may result in the suspension being upgraded to a permanent bar under Rule 9552(h). The permanent bar would forever prohibit the individual from working in the regulated securities industry. This case underscores the importance of cooperation with regulatory authorities in the securities industry. Investors should routinely verify the registration status and disciplinary history of their financial professionals by using FINRA's free BrokerCheck tool, which is accessible online and provides detailed background information on brokers and brokerage firms.

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According to FINRA, Adam J. Sciuto (CRD #5613899) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was suspended from the securities industry for failure to pay FINRA dues, fees, and other charges pursuant to FINRA Rule 9553. The suspension began on June 6, 2024 and was lifted on September 4, 2024. FINRA Rule 9553 i...

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According to FINRA, Adam J. Sciuto (CRD #5613899) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was suspended from the securities industry for failure to pay FINRA dues, fees, and other charges pursuant to FINRA Rule 9553. The suspension began on June 6, 2024 and was lifted on September 4, 2024. FINRA Rule 9553 is an administrative proceeding that authorizes FINRA to suspend or cancel the membership or registration of any person who fails to pay dues, fees, assessments, or other charges required by FINRA rules. Under this process, FINRA sends a notice to the individual identifying the outstanding financial obligation and providing a deadline for payment. If the individual does not pay the amount due by the deadline, the suspension takes effect. The suspension remains in place until the individual satisfies the outstanding obligation. In Sciuto's case, the suspension lasted approximately three months before being lifted, indicating that the outstanding financial obligation was eventually satisfied. During the suspension period, Sciuto was prohibited from associating with any FINRA member firm in any capacity, which meant he could not conduct securities business, advise clients, or perform any other regulated activities. The requirement to pay FINRA dues, fees, and other charges is a basic obligation of registration in the securities industry. These financial obligations support FINRA's operations, including its regulatory oversight, enforcement activities, investor education programs, and market surveillance functions. When registered persons fail to meet these financial obligations, it can affect FINRA's ability to carry out its mission of protecting investors and maintaining market integrity. While a failure to pay dues and fees may seem less serious than other types of regulatory violations, it is nonetheless a compliance failure that can have real consequences for the affected individual and their clients. A suspension means the individual cannot work in the securities industry during the suspension period, which can disrupt the individual's practice and leave their clients without access to the financial services they depend on. Investors should be aware that even administrative suspensions such as this one appear on an individual's regulatory record and can be viewed through FINRA's free BrokerCheck tool. Checking the background of financial professionals before making investment decisions is an important step investors can take to protect themselves.

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According to FINRA, Helen Thomasine Andrews (CRD #4951340) of Brooklyn, New York was suspended from the securities industry for failure to comply with an arbitration award or related settlement pursuant to FINRA Rule 9554. The suspension became effective on September 12, 2024. This action is related...

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According to FINRA, Helen Thomasine Andrews (CRD #4951340) of Brooklyn, New York was suspended from the securities industry for failure to comply with an arbitration award or related settlement pursuant to FINRA Rule 9554. The suspension became effective on September 12, 2024. This action is related to FINRA Arbitration Case #18-03364. FINRA Rule 9554 is an administrative proceeding that allows FINRA to suspend or bar any person who fails to comply with an arbitration award, a related settlement agreement, or an order of restitution. The arbitration process is a core component of the securities industry's dispute resolution framework. When customers file complaints against their brokers or brokerage firms, these disputes are frequently resolved through FINRA's arbitration forum. When an arbitration panel issues an award in favor of a customer, the broker or firm is obligated to comply with that award within a specified timeframe. When a registered person fails to pay an arbitration award, FINRA can take administrative action under Rule 9554 to enforce compliance. The process begins with FINRA sending a notice to the individual, identifying the outstanding obligation and providing a deadline for compliance. If the individual fails to comply by the deadline, a suspension takes effect. The suspension prohibits the individual from associating with any FINRA member firm in any capacity, effectively preventing them from working in the regulated securities industry until the obligation is satisfied. The failure to comply with an arbitration award is a particularly concerning violation because it directly affects investors who have already been found to have been harmed. The arbitration process is designed to provide a fair and efficient mechanism for resolving disputes, and its effectiveness depends on the willingness of all parties to comply with the resulting awards. When brokers refuse to pay awards that have been issued in favor of their customers, it undermines the entire dispute resolution system and leaves harmed investors without the compensation they are entitled to receive. Investors who have obtained arbitration awards that have not been paid should be aware that FINRA has enforcement mechanisms to address non-compliance. Additionally, investors can check whether their financial professionals have any unpaid arbitration awards through FINRA's free BrokerCheck tool.

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