According to FINRA, Robin K. Johnson, also known as Robin K. Runco (CRD #2249156), a registered representative based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, was suspended from the securities industry effective January 5, 2024, for failure to comply with an arbitration award or related settlement pursuant to FINRA Rule Series 9554. The associated FINRA Arbitration Case number is 19-01933.

FINRA Rule Series 9554 provides for the suspension of registered individuals who fail to comply with arbitration awards, related settlements, or orders of restitution. This enforcement mechanism is critical to maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of FINRA's arbitration program, which serves as the primary dispute resolution forum for investor complaints against brokers and brokerage firms.

The arbitration case number associated with Johnson's suspension, 19-01933, indicates that the underlying arbitration proceeding was initiated in 2019. The fact that more than four years elapsed between the initiation of the arbitration case and the suspension for non-compliance with the resulting award suggests a prolonged period during which the award went unpaid. This extended timeline is unfortunately not uncommon in cases where respondents lack the financial resources to pay awards or simply refuse to do so.

Robin K. Johnson's use of an alternate name, Robin K. Runco, is worth noting for investors. When financial professionals use multiple names, it can sometimes make it more difficult for investors to conduct thorough background checks. Investors should be aware that FINRA's BrokerCheck system tracks individuals by their CRD number, which remains consistent regardless of name changes, making it a reliable identifier for checking a broker's regulatory history.

The suspension means that Johnson is prohibited from associating with any FINRA member firm until the arbitration award is satisfied. This suspension protects the investing public by preventing an individual who has not honored their legal obligations from continuing to serve investors in a professional capacity.

For investors, this case underscores the importance of FINRA's arbitration enforcement program. When investors win arbitration awards, they deserve to have those awards honored. FINRA's Rule 9554 provides a powerful incentive for compliance by threatening the individual's ability to continue working in the securities industry. Investors who have won arbitration awards that remain unpaid should be aware of FINRA's enforcement tools and should consider contacting FINRA to explore their options for securing compliance.