According to FINRA, Christian Eduardo De Berardinis (CRD #4312327), a registered representative based in West Palm Beach, Florida, was assessed a deferred fine of $15,000, suspended from association with any FINRA member in all capacities for 24 months, and ordered to pay deferred disgorgement of selling compensation in the amount of $22,500 plus interest. Without admitting or denying the findings, De Berardinis consented to the sanctions and to the entry of findings that he participated in private offerings of securities that raised $2.45 million from customers of his member firm without providing prior written notice to, or receiving approval from, his firm. The findings stated that De Berardinis introduced the customers to the chief executive officer of a dairy company and recommended that they invest in the company. De Berardinis facilitated the customers' investments by providing them with information about the investment, assisting customers with paperwork, and, at customers' requests, transferring funds from the customers' firm accounts to the company to fund their investments. De Berardinis received $22,500 from the company in referral fees. In addition, De Berardinis falsely responded to questions on annual firm compliance questionnaires about whether he had participated in private securities transactions. The suspension was in effect from October 7, 2024, through October 6, 2026. The severity of the sanctions in this case -- a $15,000 fine, a two-year suspension, and disgorgement of $22,500 -- reflects the seriousness of participating in unapproved private securities transactions. FINRA Rule 3280 (commonly referred to as the "selling away" rule) prohibits registered representatives from participating in securities transactions outside of their firm without prior written notice and approval. This rule is one of the most important investor protections in the securities regulatory framework. Private securities offerings are inherently risky, and when a broker facilitates these investments outside of firm supervision, investors lose critical protections including the firm's due diligence review and compliance oversight. The $2.45 million raised from firm customers in this case represents significant exposure for those investors. For investors, "selling away" is one of the most dangerous forms of broker misconduct. Always verify that any investment recommended by your broker is offered through their firm and subject to the firm's supervisory processes. Be cautious of investments introduced through personal connections or outside channels.