According to FINRA, Suzanne Therese Charrin was barred from association with any FINRA member in all capacities for providing false information to FINRA in connection with its investigation into allegations that she engaged in an undisclosed outside business activity.

In response to FINRA's requests for documents and information, Charrin falsely stated that her outside business activities involved the extraction of lavender oil and manufacture of lavender oil products, when in fact, both businesses were involved in the cannabidiol (CBD) oil industry. During subsequent on-the-record testimony provided to FINRA, Charrin admitted that she had provided false information related to her activities.

Additionally, Charrin falsely stated in a response to FINRA that the outside business activity had not manufactured or tested any products when, in fact, the business involved the manufacturing and selling of CBD products. Furthermore, Charrin produced her tax returns that were requested by FINRA, but falsely represented that her accountant had incorrectly described the nature of one of her outside business activities on her federal tax return as involving CBD oil business, rather than lavender oil business. During her on-the-record testimony, Charrin admitted that she had provided false information to FINRA in response to these requests.

Providing false information to regulators is one of the most serious violations a securities professional can commit. FINRA relies on truthful and complete information from registrants to fulfill its mission of protecting investors. When individuals lie to regulators, they undermine the entire regulatory process and make it impossible for FINRA to effectively investigate potential misconduct.

In this case, Charrin's repeated false statements about the nature of her business activities suggest an intent to conceal her involvement in the CBD industry from regulators. The fact that she eventually admitted to providing false information does not excuse the initial deception. The bar sanction reflects the severity of providing false information to regulators and serves as a reminder that honesty and cooperation with regulatory inquiries are fundamental obligations of securities professionals.