According to records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) financial Broker Charles Cook (Cook), previously associated with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, has at least one disclosable event. These events include one tax lien, alleging that Cook recommended unsuitable investments in different investment products including debt securities among other allegations and complaints.
FINRA BrokerCheck shows a final customer complaint on May 31, 2024.
S-24-3778-24-TO01 – Columbia Square Wealth Management LLC & Charles Andew Cook – Summary Order\<char_lb_r>\, On May 31, 2024, the Securities Division entered a Summary Order to Cease and Desist, a Statement of Charges, Notice of Intent to Impose a Fine and to Charge Costs against Respondents Columbia Square Wealth Management LLC (“CSWM”) and Charles Andew Cook (“Cook”). The Securities Division alleged that Cook, an investment advisor representative, and Chief Compliance Officer of CSWM, engaged in a scheme to defraud a client out of more than $50,000 and, undertook efforts to conceal the scheme that included false filings and false statements to regulators. Further, CSWM failed to properly maintain records and net worth requirements, related to client funds. The Securities Division alleged that the Respondents made false or misleading statement in filed documents and engaged in dishonest and unethical practices in the securities division, violating Securities Act of Washington. The Securities Division ordered the Respondents to cease and desist from violating the Securities Act of Washington. The Securities Division gave notice of its intent to revoke registrations, deny future registrations, collect fines and charge costs. The Respondents have a right to request a hearing on the Summary Order.
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