TFS Securities

Advisor Judith Bufis Accused of Engaging in Unapproved Securities

December 19, 2018 | by Staff Attorney

According to BrokerCheck records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) former advisor Judith Bufis (Bufis), formerly associated with Kovack Securities Inc. (Kovack Securities) in East Brunswick, New Jersey has been accused by FINRA over private securities transactions.

In October 2018 Bufis consented to the sanction and to the entry of findings that she failed to provide documents and information requested by FINRA in connection with potential private securities transactions. In so doing she accepted a bar from the securities industry.

At this time it is unclear the nature or scope of the alleged outside business activities (OBAs) and private securities transactions. Bufis public disclosures state that she engaged in the sale of insurance and annuities but discloses not other activities.

FINRA Bars Broker Wayne Schultz Over Private Securities Transactions

March 31, 2016 | by Staff Attorney

The investment lawyers of Gana Weinstein LLP are investigating a regulatory action brought by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) against Wayne Schultz (Schultz) (FINRA No. 2015044640601) of Branchburg, New Jersey. According to the FINRA action, Schultz consented to a bar from the securities industry after he failed to provide documents and information requested by FINRA during its investigation concerning certain notes that Schultz had issued to an elderly client. The selling of notes and other investments outside of a brokerage firm constitutes impermissible private securities transactions – a practice known in the industry as “selling away”.

At this time it unclear the nature and scope of Schultz’s outside business activities and private securities transactions. However, according to Schultz’s public records his outside business activities include a law practice. Often times, brokers sell promissory notes and other investments through side businesses as accountants, lawyers, or insurance to clients of those side practices.

Schultz was associated with brokerage firm TFS Securities, Inc. from September 2008 until December 2010. From January 2011 until June 2013 Schultz was registered with Sterne Agee Financial Services, Inc. Finally, from June 2013 until February 2016 Schultz was registered with Adirondack Trading Group LLC.

Jeffrey Isaacs of Investors Capital Corporation Suspended Over Unsuitable Sale of Securities

December 30, 2013 | by Staff Attorney

Broker Jeffrey M. Isaacs (Issacs) of Investors Capital Corporation (ICC) was recently suspended and sanctioned by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) over allegations that Isaacs made negligent material misrepresentations of fact in connection with the unsuitable sale of two private placements to ICC customers. In addition, after the customers complained to Isaacs, he settled their claims without notifying ICC.

From January 12, 2005, through December 12, 2011, Issacs was associated with Investors Capital Corporation. On December 12, 2011, ICC filed a Form U5 stating that Isaacs “submitted a voluntary request to terminate association with the firm while under investigation for failing to follow firm policies.” Thereafter, Isaacs was registered with TFS Securities, Inc. (TFS) from November 21, 2011 through December 15, 2011. On December 15, 2011, TFS filed a Form U5 stating that Isaacs’ termination was voluntary. Issacs’ BrokerCheck discloses that he is also employed by JB Financial Resources.

FINRA alleged that Isaacs negligently misrepresented two customers that an investment in the Insight Real Estate LLC 2007 Secured Debenture Offering (Insight) was a safe, low-risk investment, misstated its payment terms, and omitted material facts relating to the speculative nature of the investment. The customers invested $100,000 in Insight in reliance on Issacs’ representations. Thereafter, FINRA alleged that Isaacs negligently misrepresented to the customers that an investment in CIP Leverage Fund Advisors, LLC (CIP) was for moderately conservative investors and would pay interest to the investors on a monthly basis. In fact, the CIP was a speculative investment that paid interest only on an accrued basis with the final payment of principal. The customers also invested $100,000 in CIP in reliance on Issacs representations.