North Dakota shuts down small RIA selling crypto, weed investments

North Dakota shuts down small RIA selling crypto, weed investments
Jeremy Carlson allegedly acted as an unregistered broker-dealer and salesperson, and engaged in fraudulent practices, according to the state's securities commissioner.
JUL 20, 2022

The North Dakota Securities Commissioner's office Monday moved to close down a small registered investment adviser based in West Fargo, Jamieson Capital Financial, after it alleged its owner committed violations of state securities laws and took custody of $17.8 million in client money from 2017 to earlier this year.

North Dakota RIAs are prohibited from having custody of client securities and funds under the North Dakota Securities Act.

The RIA's owner, Jeremy Carlson, allegedly acted as an unregistered broker-dealer and salesperson and engaged in fraudulent practices, according to a statement by the commissioner, Karen Tyler.

Carlson allegedly paid himself and others commissions at a 3% rate that totaled at least $338,000, according to North Dakota. Carlson used several funds with specific investment focuses during the five-year period to solicit and hold investor money, according to the regulator.

The state's orders essentially close both the firm and the funds.

Carlson did not return a call Wednesday morning to comment.

The Securities Department began investigating Jamieson and Carlson after a routine examination uncovered a number of deficiencies in the business conduct of the firm, according to the regulator.

Carlson solicited and raised money from investors for numerous private funds he controlled, which made investments related to real estate, oil and gas, digital assets and medical marijuana.

With no purchase agreement executed or regulatory approval granted by the State Department of Health Division of Medical Marijuana, Carlson used client investor funds to make numerous payments totaling over $3.9 million to acquire ownership in a medical marijuana-related business, according to the regulator.

Latest News

Most asset managers are using AI, but few let it call the shots
Most asset managers are using AI, but few let it call the shots

Survey finds AI widely embedded in research and analysis, but barely touching portfolio construction or trade execution.

LPL, Raymond James score fresh recruits in advisor recruiting battle
LPL, Raymond James score fresh recruits in advisor recruiting battle

Two firms land teams managing more than $1.1 billion in combined assets from Kestra and Edward Jones.

Edward Jones facing more race bias claims in new lawsuit
Edward Jones facing more race bias claims in new lawsuit

A private partnership, Edward Jones is a giant in the retail brokerage industry with more than 20,000 financial advisors.

Advisor moves: LPL recruitment momentum continues with $815M Northwestern Mutual team
Advisor moves: LPL recruitment momentum continues with $815M Northwestern Mutual team

Meanwhile, Raymond James and Tritonpoint Partners separately welcomed father-son teams, including a breakaway from UBS in Missouri.

SEC chief Atkins signals caution on prediction market ETFs amid broader rethink of novel fund structures
SEC chief Atkins signals caution on prediction market ETFs amid broader rethink of novel fund structures

Paul Atkins has asked staff to solicit public comment on novel ETFs, pausing the clock on as many as 24 filings linked to the booming event contracts market.

SPONSORED Are hedge funds the missing ingredient?

Wellington explores how multi strategy hedge funds may enhance diversification

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management