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FINRA Suspends Conrad Branson For Alleged Unauthorized Trading

Conrad Branson (CRD #: 2939162), a broker formerly registered with Kingswood Capital Partners, has been suspended by FINRA, according to his BrokerCheck record, accessed on October 22, 2022. If you want to know more about his conduct as a broker, keep reading.

FINRA Suspension

On August 23, 2022, Conrad Branson consented to the entry of findings that, while employed by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, he allegedly executed unauthorized trades in three client accounts held by the same family.

A Letter of Acceptance, Waiver & Consent (AWC) alleges that between September 4, 2019, and February 12, 2020, Conrad Branson executed 14 unauthorized transactions in three accounts held by Customer A, without that client’s knowledge or authorization.

He also allegedly exercised discretionary authority for another five trades in two of Customer A’s accounts without obtaining client authorization, in accounts that were not approved for discretionary trading by the firm.

During the same time period, Conrad Branson allegedly exercised discretionary authority in executing six trades in accounts of Customers B and C, also without client authorization for the trades or firm approval for discretionary trading in these accounts.

The AWC concludes that these allegations constitute violations of FINRA Rules 2010 and 3260(b).

FINRA Rule 2010

FINRA Rule 2010 holds brokers to high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.

FINRA Rule 3260(b)

FINRA Rule 3260(b) prohibits brokers from conducting discretionary trading outside discretionary accounts that have been approved in advance by the firm and the client.

Sanctions

Conrad Branson consented to the following sanctions:

  • $5,000 fine
  • 45-calendar day suspension

His suspension began on September 19, 2022, and will end on November 2, 2022.

You can read a copy of the AWC here.

Background Information

Conrad Branson has passed the following exams:

  • Series 65 – Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination
  • Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination
  • SIE – Securities Industry Essentials Examination
  • Series 7 – General Securities Representative Examination

In the past, he worked for the following firms:

  • Kingswood Capital Partners (CRD#:288898)
  • Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith (CRD#:7691)
  • Morgan Stanley (CRD#:149777)
  • Morgan Stanley & Company (CRD#:8209)
  • Citigroup Global Markets (CRD#:7059)
  • Citicorp Investment Services (CRD#:23988)

Kurta Law Can Help

If you worked with Conrad Branson and you have concerns about your investments, please contact us today at 877-600-0098 or info@kurtalawfirm.com for a free consultation.

For over 20 years, Kurta Law has advocated on behalf of investors who want to recover their investment losses from brokers and brokerage firms. Kurta Law is a nationally recognized law firm and exclusively represents investors against brokers and brokerage firms on a contingency basis. This means that the firm only earns a fee if our securities attorneys recover money on your behalf. 

 

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