Manuel Pinazo Barred by FINRA For Allegedly Failing to Testify

Manuel Pinazo (CRD #: 5398494), a broker formerly registered with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, has been barred by FINRA, according to his BrokerCheck record, accessed on November 22, 2021.  

FINRA Allegations  

According to an Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent agreement dated October 26, 2021, Manuel Pinazo consented to the findings that he allegedly refused to provide on-the-record testimony requested by FINRA in connection with its investigation into whether he improperly applied for and received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan while working at Merrill Lynch. By refusing to produce all the information and documents requested in accordance with FINRA Rule 8210, he also violated FINRA Rule 2010. 

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.” 

You can read the whole AWC here. 

FINRA Sanctions 

As part of the terms of the AWC, Manuel Pinazo consented to  a bar from associating with any FINRA member in all capacities.  

Employment Termination Details 

On August 23, 2020, Manuel Pinazo was discharged from his position at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated following allegations that he improperly applied for and received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. 

Background Information 

Manuel Pinazo has passed the following exams:  

• SIE – Securities Industry Essentials Examination 
• Series 7 – General Securities Representative Examination 

Manuel Pinazo has also worked with the following firms: 

• Citi International Financial Services (CRD#:17053) 
• PFS Investments (CRD#:10111) 
• Dinosaur Financial Group (CRD#:104446) 
• Global Strategic Investments (CRD#:117028) 
• Capital Guardian (CRD#:137919) 

Kurta Law Can Help 

If you have suffered losses after working with Manuel Pinazo, 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 get started recovering your investment losses.