According to FINRA, Steven Michael Blanchard was assessed a deferred fine of $15,000 and suspended from association with any FINRA member firm in all capacities for two years for submitting falsified documents to his member firm and providing false information to FINRA.

Blanchard submitted falsified documents to his firm during an internal investigation of a firm customer with whom Blanchard had a personal relationship. The investigation focused on whether the customer had submitted a fabricated offer of employment from the firm in support of a mortgage loan application.

To make the firm believe he had legitimately hired the customer, Blanchard produced an offer letter he fabricated and a purported email exchange using the firm's email system. In fact, the emails had been fabricated and the firm's email system had no record of them. Blanchard also fabricated an email exchange between the customer and the mortgage company and forwarded it from his firm email account.

During FINRA's investigation, Blanchard provided false information and documents, including falsely representing that his offer letter was genuine and producing fabricated documents purportedly showing the customer had performed marketing services for the firm. Blanchard subsequently recanted and accepted responsibility for the false information and documents.

The suspension is in effect from January 6, 2025, through January 5, 2027.

This case demonstrates the serious consequences of falsifying documents and lying to regulators. Blanchard's two-year suspension reflects the severity of his misconduct.