According to records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) financial Broker Charles Wodrich (Wodrich), previously associated with Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLC, has at least one disclosable event. These events include one regulatory event, alleging that Wodrich recommended unsuitable investments in different investment products including debt securities among other allegations and complaints.
FINRA BrokerCheck shows a final customer complaint on May 30, 2024.
Wodrich was named a respondent in a FINRA complaint alleging that he failed to produce documents and information requested by FINRA in connection with its investigation into whether he had made unsuitable recommendations and provided misleading information to a senior customer, whether he engaged in discretion without written authorization in that customer’s account, and whether he had communicated with customers using a personal email address that was not monitored or retained by his member firm. The complaint alleges that Wodrich’s failure to provide the requested information and documents impeded FINRA’s investigation. The complaint also alleges that Wodrich failed to appear for on-the-record testimony requested by FINRA. Wodrich’s testimony was material to FINRA’s investigation. Wodrich’s failure to provide on-the-record testimony impeded FINRA’s investigation.
Brokers are required to adhere to the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) standard of care under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which establishes a ‘best interest’ standard for broker-dealers and associated persons. Reg BI applies when brokers recommend a retail investor engage in securities transaction or an investment strategy involving one or more securities. Reg BI also applies to financial advice concerning the transfer of funds and opening of accounts. Reg BI is drawn from fiduciary principles that include an obligation to act in the retail investor’s best interest and the broker is prohibited from placing their own interests ahead of the investor’s interest.
There are several different aspects of the rule that brokers must comply with. One of which is the care obligations which requires brokers to form a reasonable belief that their investment advice and recommendations are in the retail investor’s best interest. The care obligations includes three components. First, the advisor must have an understanding of the potential risks, rewards, and costs associated with a product, investment strategy, account type, or series of transactions. Next, the advisor must have a reasonable understanding of the specific retail investor’s investment profile. The customer’s profile information generally includes an investor’s financial situation and needs; investments; assets and debts; marital status; tax status; age; investment time horizon; liquidity needs; risk tolerance; investment experience; investment objectives and financial goals; and any other information the retail investor may disclose in connection with the recommendation or advice. The associated person must then apply both their reasonable diligence into various investment options as well as the information gathered as to the investor’s specific needs when considering the investment recommendation. The broker must explore various alternative investment options available to address these needs and determine that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the recommendation or service being recommended is in the retail investor’s best interest.
In addition to specific investments being recommended, under Reg BI, a broker must also understand the type of account that their client would need in order to meet their care obligations. The SEC has stated that the type of securities account an investor has can greatly affect a customers’ costs and overall investment returns. Further, different account types can offer and support different features, products, securities, or services, and account type would not be appropriately applied in a one size fits all manner.
Wodrich has been in the securities industry for more than 26 years. Wodrich has been registered as a Broker with Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLC since 2013.
Investors who have suffered losses are encouraged to contact us at (800) 810-4262 for consultation. At Gana Weinstein LLP, our attorneys are experienced representing investors who have suffered securities losses due to the mishandling of their accounts. Claims may be brought in securities arbitration before FINRA. Our consultations are free of charge and the firm is only compensated if you recover.