Penalties and fines

The broker’s written promise of 7% returns on a variable annuity made for a simple case, the lawyer for the claimant says.

On the heels of a record-breaking year in enforcement, the regulator takes aim at cybersecurity, anti-money laundering policies and protection for senior clients.

A federal judge issued a restraining order and a temporary asset freeze against the former broker.

The broker slashed her payment by pressing for funds she said the firm promised but never paid.

Stocks and Puerto Rican bonds are the focus of many cases among clients, advisers and firms.

The wirehouse has already paid $415 million in fines and disgorged profits in a settlement.

The transactions cost the client $575,000 in fees and lost dividend payments, according to FINRA.

An adviser at the firm squandered the aging clients' retirement money on oil and gas investments and Puerto Rico bonds, their lawyer said.

The former planner says she was wrongfully terminated and that she did not agree to settle with the wirehouse.

A recent court case demonstrates how the criminal liability has dramatically increased, even in the absence of a monetary benefit for the tipper.