Finra bars former Merrill assistant for tapping broker's account

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. has barred Julie Ann Mineard, a former registered assistant at Merrill Lynch in Seattle, for keeping $24,044 from the account of the rep she worked for, instead of paying his personal bills as he requested. [More: Broker barred for excessive trading that cost clients $1.8 million] Ms. Mineard, who was discharged in 2017 after 16 years with Merrill Lynch, submitted four check requests for the disbursement of funds from one of her adviser's brokerage accounts at the firm on three dates during the summer of 2017. The requests, in the amounts of $4,744, $2,500, $3,800, and $13,000, were made without the rep's prior knowledge or authorization and then deposited to bank accounts belonging to Ms. Mineard. She subsequently used the funds for her personal expenses. [Recommended video:​ Change agent in financial advice] Ms. Mineard is no longer employed in the securities industry. Our final Women Adviser Summit of 2019 will be held in New York City.​ Register now.