The law offices of Gana Weinstein LLP are currently investigating claims that Broker Mark Young (Young) has been accused by investors of engaging in fraudulent misappropriation of their funds. According to records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), it appears that Young was employed by LPL Financial LLC at the time of the activity. If you have been a victim of Young’s alleged misconduct our firm may be able to assist you in recovering funds.
FINRA BrokerCheck shows a settled customer complaint with a damage request of $4,179,859.03 on September 29, 2021.
Misrepresentation and unsuitability alleged with regard to a private investment fund…dates 2015 to 2017
FINRA BrokerCheck shows a settled customer complaint with a damage request of $6,490,412.52 on August 12, 2020.
Misrepresentation and unsuitability alleged regarding placements in a private investment fund
Our law firm has extensive experience representing defrauded victims when their advisors accept loans from clients or conduct securities sales through OBAs. The sale of unapproved investment products, fake investments that cover misappropriated funds, and other fraudulent behavior – is a practice known in the industry as “selling away” – a serious violation of the securities laws. “Selling away” is the term used in the industry when a financial advisor solicits investments in companies, promissory notes, or securities without obtaining approval from their affiliated brokerage firm. Some of these investments may appear legitimate, but they often lead to Ponzi schemes or advisors engaging in fund misappropriation.
However, federal securities laws and the FINRA rules require firms to monitor and supervise its employees in order to detect and prevent brokers from offering investments in this fashion. To ensure proper supervision of brokers, firms must establish procedures for monitoring advisors’ actions and engagements with the public. Selling away misconduct often occurs where brokerage firms either fail to put in place a reasonable supervisory system or fail to actually implement that system. Supervisory failures allow brokers to engage in unsupervised misconduct that can include all manner improper conduct including selling away.
In cases of selling away the investor is unaware that the advisor’s investments are improper. In many of these cases the investor will not learn that the broker’s activities were wrongful until after the investment scheme is publicized, the broker is fired or charged by law enforcement, or stops returning client calls altogether.
Young entered the securities industry in 1988. Young has been registered as a Broker with LPL Financial LLC since 2024.
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.