Securities Lawyers Blog
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) recently sanctioned and barred broker Brian Exford (Exford) concerning allegations Exford refused to appear for on-the-record testimony requested by FINRA in connection with an investigation into possible private securities transactions (also referred to as “selling away”). According to FINRA BrokerCheck records Exford was disclosed outside business activities include Ives Hill Retirement. It is unclear whether FINRA’s investigation concerns this particular outside business activity. In addition, there is one customer complaint pending alleging unsuitable investments in a secondary market pension.
ln November 2002, Exford first became registered with FINRA as an Investment Company Products and Variable Contracts Representative (Series 6). From August 2009 through October 2012, Exford was registered with IBN Financial Services, Inc. (IBN Financial). Thereafter, from November 2012 to March 2015, Exford was registered through State Farm VP Management Corp.
According to FINRA, in January, 2014, the agency began investigating whether Exford had engaged in a private securities transaction. As part of its investigation, on January 13, 2015, FINRA sent a request to Exford’s attorney for on-the-record testimony. According to FINRA, Exford’s attorney stated on a call with FINRA staff on January 30, 2015, that he will not appear for on-the-record testimony at any time. Consequently, Exford was barred by FINRA.