According to FINRA, Matthew Alexander Sinclair was barred from association with any FINRA member in all capacities for refusing to provide information and documents to FINRA.

The investigation stemmed from allegations in a Form U5 filed by Sinclair's member firm reporting that he had been discharged for intentionally altering and submitting documentation required to obtain hardship withdrawals from his retirement account. Despite FINRA's requests for information and documents related to these allegations, Sinclair refused to cooperate.

Hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts are subject to specific regulatory requirements and documentation standards to prevent abuse. The allegation that Sinclair intentionally altered documentation to obtain hardship withdrawals suggests potential fraud and misrepresentation to obtain funds to which he may not have been entitled.

Sinclair's refusal to cooperate with FINRA's investigation into these serious allegations prevented the regulator from determining the full scope of the misconduct and whether it extended to customer-related activities. When a registered representative is willing to falsify documents related to their own retirement account, it raises concerns about their trustworthiness in handling customer matters.

The permanent bar means Sinclair can no longer work in any capacity at any FINRA member firm. For investors, this case demonstrates that integrity and honesty are fundamental requirements for anyone working in the securities industry. The willingness to falsify documents, combined with refusal to cooperate with investigators, reflects a character unsuited for a position of trust in managing other people's money.