According to FINRA, Amy Fulghum was assessed a deferred fine of $5,000 and suspended from association with any FINRA member in all capacities for six months for forging and falsifying customer signatures.

Fulghum electronically signed documents on behalf of nine customers at her member firm without their permission. She also electronically signed documents on behalf of 97 firm customers with their permission. The documents included required records of the firm.

While the underlying transactions were authorized and no customers complained, Fulghum had the mistaken belief that signing customer names was permissible. This belief does not excuse the violation. Signing on behalf of customers, even with permission, violates securities regulations, and signing without permission constitutes forgery.

The scale of the conduct is notable. With 106 customers affected across numerous documents, this was not an isolated incident but rather a pattern of behavior.

Customer signatures serve critical functions in the securities industry. They provide evidence that customers have reviewed and approved transactions, received required disclosures, and agreed to applicable terms. When these signatures are falsified, the integrity of the documentation process is compromised.

The suspension is in effect from October 20, 2025, through April 19, 2026.

For investors, this case reinforces the importance of personally signing all documents related to your accounts. Review documents carefully before signing and retain copies for your records. If you receive copies of signed documents you do not recall signing, contact your firm's compliance department immediately.

Never authorize a broker to sign documents on your behalf, regardless of how convenient it might seem. Your signature is your acknowledgment of the document's contents.