Finra fines former LPL rep for falsifying client net worth

Finra fines former LPL rep for falsifying client net worth
Donald Woods inflated retirees’ wealth figures so that he could sell them REITs
MAY 08, 2020

Donald Woods, a former representative who had been affiliated with LPL in Kentucky, has been fined $10,000 and suspended for six months by Finra for inflating the net worth of customers on firm documents.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. said that Woods inflated the wealth of a retired couple and a single elderly customer to circumvent LPL restrictions so that he could sell the clients real estate investment trusts. Finra said Woods earned $5,600 from the sales, which he will have to disgorge, according to Finra’s letter of acceptance, waiver and consent.

Woods, who began his career in 1981, was affiliated with LPL from January 2010 to January 2017, when LPL terminated his registration due to a business dispute. He was with Thurston Springer Financial until 2018 and is no longer employed in the securities industry.

Latest News

Summit Financial, MassMutual boost advisor appeal with growth-focused tech
Summit Financial, MassMutual boost advisor appeal with growth-focused tech

Summit Financial unveiled a suite of eight new tools, including AI lead gen and digital marketing software, while MassMutual forges a new partnership with Orion.

SEC enforcement actions drop sharply, with focus shifting to investor fraud
SEC enforcement actions drop sharply, with focus shifting to investor fraud

A new analysis shows the number of actions plummeting over a six-month period, potentially due to changing priorities and staffing reductions at the agency.

MAI inks mega-deal with Evoke Advisors to form $60B AUM firm
MAI inks mega-deal with Evoke Advisors to form $60B AUM firm

The strategic merger of equals with the $27 billion RIA firm in Los Angeles marks what could be the largest unification of the summer 2025 M&A season.

Employees tapping retirement funds amid financial strain, led by Gen Zs
Employees tapping retirement funds amid financial strain, led by Gen Zs

Report highlights lack of options for those faced with emergency expenses.

LPL Financial on target to retain 90% of Commonwealth financial advisors, Wolfe Research analyst says
LPL Financial on target to retain 90% of Commonwealth financial advisors, Wolfe Research analyst says

However, Raymond James has had success recruiting Commonwealth advisors.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.