Jim Kent Suspended for Allegedly Failing to Respond to FINRA Requests

Jim Kent (CRD #: 2255753), a broker formerly registered with Emerson Equity, was recently suspended for allegedly failing to respond to FINRA requests for information, according to his BrokerCheck Record accessed on November 8, 2021. Jim Kent’s alleged conduct is a violation of FINRA Rule 8210. 

FINRA Rule 8210 requires members to provide information under oath if requested, regarding any matter that pertains to an investigation, complaint, examination, or proceeding. A violation of FINRA Rule 8210 is also a violation of FINRA Rule 2010, which requires member firms and their associated persons to “observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.” 

Sanctions 

Pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552 and in accordance with FINRA’s Notice of Suspension letter dated September 1, 2021, Jim Kent was suspended on September 27, 2021, from associating with any FINRA member firm in all capacities. 

FINRA Rule 9552 applies in situations where a brokerage firm or representative has failed to provide information or keep information current. FINRA Rule 9552 is a Notice of Suspension if corrective action is not taken. This means if Jim Kent fails to request termination of the suspension within three months, he will automatically be barred on December 6, 2021, from association with any FINRA member in all capacities pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(h). 

Other Disclosures 

Regulatory Disclosure  

According to an Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent agreement dated February 1, 2021, Jim Kent consented to the findings that between February 2017 and December 2018, he allegedly failed to amend his Form U4 in a timely fashion to disclose that he was the subject of one federal tax lien for $131,952.45. By virtue of his actions, Jim Kent violated Article V, Section 2(c) of the FINRA By-Laws and FINRA Rules 1122 and 2010. 

Jim Kent consented to a $3,500 fine and a 30-day suspension which ended on March 30, 2021. 

You can read the full AWC here. 

Employment Termination 

On May 12, 2021, Jim Kent was discharged from his position at Emerson Equity following allegations that he failed to disclose to the firm a felony DUI charge within 30 days of the event. 

Jim Kent Background Information 

Jim Kent 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 
• Series 6 – Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative Examination 

He has worked with the following firms: 

• Emerson Equity (CRD#:130032) 
• Newport Coast Securities (CRD#:16944) 
• National Securities Corporation (CRD#:7569) 
• Brecek & Young Advisors  CRD#:40395) 
• Brookstreet Securities Corporation (CRD#:14667) 
• Palm State Equities (CRD#:24271) 
• First Southeastern Securities Group Incorporated (CRD#:14538) 
• Painewebber Incorporated (CRD#:8174) 
• Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (CRD#:4095) 
• Metlife Securities (CRD#:14251) 

Kurta Law Can Help 

If you have suffered losses after working with Jim Kent, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 877-600-0098 or info@kurtalawfirm.com for a free consultation. 

For nearly 20 years, Kurta Law has advocated for investors. 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. Reach out today to start the process to recover your investment losses.