Churning (Excessive Trading)

Advisor Yousuf (Joe) Saljooki Subject to Multiple Churning Complaints

April 16, 2019 | by Staff Attorney

According to BrokerCheck records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) broker Yousuf (Joe) Saljooki (Saljooki) has been subject to at least seven customer complaints, two regulatory actions, two employment terminations for cause, and one debt lien or judgement during his career. Saljooki is formerly employed by Worden Capital Management LLC (Worden Capital) but has worked for a total of nine firms during his 12 year career. The customer complaints against Saljooki concern allegations of high frequency trading activity also referred to as churning and unsuitable investments.

In July 2018 FINRA suspended Saljooki after he failed to respond to the regulator’s requests for information.

In April 2018 Saljooki was discharged from Worden Capital for failing to disclose and outstanding tax lien to the State of Arkansas during the application process for registration with the state.

In February 2018 a customer filed a complaint alleging that Saljooki violated the securities laws by engaging in churning, unsuitable investments, and fraud. The claim alleged $523,930 in damages. The claim settled for $50,000.

In December 2017 SW Financial discharged Saljooki after the firm alleged that Saljooki opened a branch office under another name without the permission of the firm in violation of FINRA Rule 3270. The firm also accused him of violating Reg S-P by obtaining client information.

Joseph Stone Capital Broker Joseph Ambrosole Subject to Churning Claim

January 14, 2019 | by Staff Attorney

According to BrokerCheck records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) broker Joseph Ambrosole (Ambrosole) has been subject to two customer complaints, two regulatory actions, and one tax lien during his career. Ambrosole is currently employed by Joseph Stone Capital L.L.C. (Joseph Stone Capital). One of the the customer complaints against Ambrosole concern allegations of high frequency trading activity also referred to as churning and unsuitable investments.

In August 2018 a customer filed a complaint alleging that Ambrosole violated the securities laws by engaging in common law fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and negligence causing $100,000 in damages. The claim is currently pending.

In March 2018 a customer filed a complaint alleging that Ambrosole violated the securities laws by engaging in churning, unsuitable investments, and overconcentration causing $275,000 in damages. The claim is currently pending.

In addition, Ambrosole has one financial disclosure concerning a tax lien for $57,199. This information has been found to be material for investors to have because an advisor who cannot manage his own finances is a relevant factor for investors to consider. In addition, a broker in financial distress may be influenced to recommend high commission products or strategies.

IFS Securities Advisor Thomas Williams Subject to Churning Claims

January 10, 2019 | by Staff Attorney

According to BrokerCheck records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) broker Thomas Williams (Williams) has been subject to five customer complaints and one termination for cause during his career. Williams is currently employed by IFS Securities. Several of the the customer complaints against Williams concern allegations of high frequency trading activity also referred to as churning and unsuitable investments.

In October 2018 a customer filed a complaint alleging their account was excessively traded, churning, and unsuitable investments. The claim alleged $50,000 in damages and is currently pending.

In August 2010 Williams was terminated by First Allied Securities, Inc. (First Allied) in connection with allegations that a customer complained over unsuitable investments, misrepresentation, and breach of fiduciary duty.

Garden State Securities Advisor Christhian Palacios Subject to Churning Claims

January 9, 2019 | by Staff Attorney

According to BrokerCheck records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) broker Christhian Palacios (Palacios) has been subject to two customer complaints and four tax liens during the course of his career. Palacios is currently employed by Garden State Securities, Inc. (Garden State Securities). One of the customer complaints against Palacios concern allegations of high frequency trading activity also referred to as churning and unsuitable investments.

In June 2018 a customer filed a complaint alleging their account was excessively traded and unsuitable from January 2009 until March 2016. The claim alleged $298,109 in damages and is currently pending.

In July 2016 Palacios disclosed a tax lien of $140,000. Tax liens can be sign that a broker may have a conflict of interest to recommend or engage in high risk trades and improper recommendations due to the need to obtain funds. FINRA discloses tax liens information because it is important for investors to know whether or not a broker can manage their own finances.

Advisor Stephen Murray Subject to Allegations of Excessive Trading

November 14, 2018 | by Staff Attorney

According to BrokerCheck records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) broker Stephen Murray (Murray) has been subject to seven customer complaints, two financial disclosures or tax liens, and one regulatory action. Murray was formerly employed by Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (Raymond James) prior to his bar from the financial industry. Many of the customer complaints against Murray concern allegations of high frequency trading activity also referred to as churning, unauthorized trading, and unsuitable investments.

In May 2018 FINRA barred Murray after he failed to respond to FINRA’s requests for documents and information concerning his activities.

In May 2017 a customer filed a complaint alleging churning unauthorized trading, negligence, and breach of fiduciary duty. The claim alleged $100,000 in damages and settled.

In addition, Murray has two financial disclosures concerning debts and tax liens. This information has been found to be material for investors to have because an advisor who cannot manage his own finances is a relevant factor for investors to consider. In addition, a broker in financial distress may be influenced to recommend high commission products or strategies.

Advisor Michael Polyakov Subject to Multiple Allegations of Excessive Trading

November 7, 2018 | by Staff Attorney

According to BrokerCheck records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) broker Michael Polyakov (Polyakov) has been subject to three customer complaints and eight financial disclosures. Polyakov is currently employed by Westpark Capital, Inc. (Westpark Capital). Many of the customer complaints against Polyakov concern allegations of high frequency trading activity also referred to as churning, unauthorized trading, and unsuitable investments.

In January 2013 a customer filed a complaint alleging unsuitable investments, churning, and excessive trading. The claim alleged $157,178 in damages and settled.

In March 2010 a customer filed a complaint alleging churning, unauthorized trades, and unsuitable investments claiming $250,000 in damages. The complaint was settled.

In addition, Polyakov has eight financial disclosures concerning debt compromises. This information has been found to be material for investors to have because an advisor who cannot manage his own finances is a relevant factor for investors to consider. In addition, a broker in financial distress may be influenced to recommend high commission products or strategies.

William Brunner Barred From Securities Industry After Allegations of Excessive Trading

October 10, 2018 | by Staff Attorney

According to BrokerCheck records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) broker William Brunner (Brunner) has been subject to five customer complaints, one bankruptcy, two regulatory actions, and one termination for cause. Brunner was formerly registered with Investment Planners, Inc. (Investment Planners) until May 2017. Many of the customer complaints against Brunner concern allegations of high frequency trading activity also referred to as churning, unauthorized trading, and unsuitable investments.

In April 2018 FINRA barred Brunner from the industry stating that Brunner consented to the sanction and declined to appear for on-the-record testimony requested by FINRA in connection with an investigation into excessive trading and use of discretion without written authorization in customers’ accounts. In May 2017 Investment Planners terminated Brunner claiming that allegations were made by a client concerning unauthorized trading.

In June 2017 a customer filed a complaint claiming that Brunner engaged in negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, churning, unauthorized trading, and unsuitable investments claiming $1,000,000 in damages. The claim was settled.

Erik Pica Subject to Multiple Customer Complaints Over Unauthorized Trading

October 8, 2018 | by Staff Attorney

According to BrokerCheck records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) broker Erik Pica (Pica) has been subject to three customer complaints. Pica is currently registered with Joseph Stone Capital L.L.C. (Joseph Stone). Many of the customer complaints against Pica concern allegations of high frequency trading activity also referred to as churning, unauthorized trading, unsuitable investments, and speculative investment strategies.

The last customer complaint occurred in May 2018 when a customer alleged unauthorized trading in Rite Aid and Valeant Pharmaceutical leading to $7,613 in damages. The claim is currently pending.

Also in May 2018 another customer alleged negligent supervision, overconcentration, and unsuitable investments causing $293,000 in damages. The claim is currently pending.

In March 2018 another customer alleged $500,000 after claiming that Pica engaged in unsuitable investments, churning, and other claims. The claim is currently pending.

Newbridge Securities Advisor Dana Davis Subject to Multiple Allegations of Excessive Trading

October 8, 2018 | by Staff Attorney

According to BrokerCheck records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) broker Dana Davis (Davis) has been subject to seven customer complaints and one termination for cause. Davis is currently employed by Newbridge Securities Corporation (Newbridge Securities). Many of the customer complaints against Davis concern allegations of high frequency trading activity also referred to as churning, unauthorized trading, and unsuitable investments.

In January 2018 a customer filed a complaint alleging misrepresentation, unsuitable and excessive trading, negligent supervision, and breach of fiduciary duty. The claim alleges $250,000 in damages and is currently pending.

In October 2011 a customer filed a complaint alleging excessive transactions claiming $9,078 in damages. The complaint was closed.

In September 2006 Davis was terminated from First Montauk Securities Corp. after allegations were made that Davis failed to follow procedures concerning unauthorized trading.

Worden Capital Financial Advisor Michael Rosalia Subject to Customer Complaints

September 25, 2018 | by Staff Attorney

According to BrokerCheck records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Worden Capital Management LLC (Worden Capital) broker Michael Rosalia (Rosalia) has been subject to six disclosed customer complaints, eight tax liens or judgements, and two financial disclosures including bankruptcy. Many of the customer complaints against Rosalia allege churning or excessive trading.

In June 2013 Rosalia declared bankruptcy. Such disclosures on a broker’s record can reveal a financial incentive for the broker to recommend high commission products or services. FINRA discloses information concerning a broker’s financial condition because a broker’s inability to handle their own personal finances has also been found to be material information in helping investors determine if they should allow the broker to handle their finances.

In May 2018 a customer filed a complaint alleging Rosalia engaged in churning, improper use of margin, unsuitability and high commissions. The complaint alleged $503,828 in damages and has been settled.