Securities Arbitration Lawyer Blog
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) has barred broker Gregory Mancuso from the securities industry for providing false testimony during an on-the-record interview connected with an investigation into Mr. Mancuso’s handling of the brokerage accounts of two senior sisters with disabilities. The alleged conduct occurred while Mr. Mancuso was registered with BMA Securities, LLC, from August 2, 2016, to November 13, 2017.
On December 21, 2020, FINRA’s Department of Enforcement filed a complaint against Mr. Mancuso, alleging that Mr. Mancuso had his two elderly customers transfer a large part of their life savings to a company with which he was affiliated. One of the sisters was 73 years old and had dementia. The other sister was 68 years old and had multiple sclerosis. The complaint alleges that in 2017, Mancuso recommended that the elder sister use funds from her 401(k) account to purchase a variable annuity offered by a purported Swiss asset management firm, which Mr. Mancuso was affiliated. The complaint also alleges that Mr. Mancuso testified falsely during an on-the-record interview to conceal both his involvement in the transfer and actions he took to potentially change one of the sister’s power of attorney.
Mr. Mancuso failed to respond to the FINRA complaint. FINRA’s Department of Enforcement then requested a default decision, which the hearing officer granted.