According to FINRA, Harshavardhan Reddy Pakhal (CRD #6354296), a registered representative based in Mountain View, California, was assessed a deferred fine of $5,000 and suspended from association with any FINRA member in all capacities for six months. Without admitting or denying the findings, Pakhal consented to the sanctions and to the entry of findings that he engaged in outside business activities (OBAs) without providing prior written notice to, or receiving written approval from, his member firm to engage in those activities. The findings stated that Pakhal began working for an international retail company as a director in the company's corporate development department, assisting with various investment projects and coordinating project activities. The company paid Pakhal approximately $530,000. While employed by the company, Pakhal incorrectly answered "No" on annual compliance certifications to questions asking whether he was involved in any OBAs. Later, again without providing notice to his firm, Pakhal accepted a separate position as vice president of corporate development for a technology company, where his responsibilities included preparing presentations for senior management and assisting with fundraising efforts. The technology company paid Pakhal approximately $77,500. Pakhal's firm discovered his employment with both companies when it reviewed a press release announcing his new position with the technology company. Pakhal initially denied to his firm that he had any outside employment, but later admitted that the press release was accurate. The suspension was in effect from October 7, 2024, through April 6, 2025. This case stands out for the scale and deliberateness of the undisclosed outside employment. Pakhal earned a combined total of approximately $607,500 from two undisclosed positions -- as a director at an international retail company and as a vice president at a technology company. These were not minor side engagements; they were substantial, senior-level corporate positions. The six-month suspension is among the longer suspensions in this month's disciplinary actions, reflecting the magnitude and duration of the violations. Particularly troubling is that Pakhal initially denied having any outside employment even when confronted by his firm. For investors, this case demonstrates the risk of working with a broker who may be dividing their attention between multiple demanding roles. If your financial advisor is secretly working full-time at other companies, they may not be giving your financial interests the attention they deserve.