Investors in alleged Ponzi scheme to receive $63 million

Investors in alleged Ponzi scheme to receive $63 million
The SEC obtains an order to return funds to more than 200 investors
JAN 24, 2020

The Securities and Exchange Commission has obtained a court order authorizing the distribution of over $63 million to investors in connection with an allegedly fraudulent real estate investment scheme.

The SEC’s complaint, which was filed last May, alleged that Robert C. Morgan, a New York real estate developer, and two firms he operated, Morgan Mezzanine Fund Manager and Morgan Acquisitions sold securities to more than 200 retail investors representing that their money would be used to improve multifamily properties.

Instead, the SEC charged that the money, much of which came from retirement accounts, was diverted to pay earlier investors. The agency also charged that Mr. Morgan and his firms misrepresented prior fund performance.

Since the filing, Mr. Morgan voluntarily liquidated certain assets to generate funds for collection by the receiver. They money returned to harmed investors represents the full return of those funds, the SEC said in a release.

Latest News

Osaic's ex-CFO Kristy Britt joins PE-backed accounting firm Wipfli
Osaic's ex-CFO Kristy Britt joins PE-backed accounting firm Wipfli

Britt is named CFO of Wipfli, a $600 million accounting firm that audits two NFL franchises

YCharts acquires Informa's Zephyr to bolster SMA analytics for advisors
YCharts acquires Informa's Zephyr to bolster SMA analytics for advisors

The acquisition pairs Zephyr's 21,000-product separately managed account database with YCharts' newly launched AI agent assistant for investment research.

Advisor moves: Raymond James, Ameriprise, and Janney announce additions in Florida
Advisor moves: Raymond James, Ameriprise, and Janney announce additions in Florida

The war for talent continues in the Sunshine State with as Truist and RayJay teams managing a collective $1 billion in client assets defect to other firms.

Retirement’s new magic number? Workers say they’ll need $1.2 million
Retirement’s new magic number? Workers say they’ll need $1.2 million

Americans now estimate they need $1.2 million to retire comfortably, but rising costs and debt are making that goal increasingly difficult to reach.

Can mega RIAs go public? Integration may decide it, veteran leaders say
Can mega RIAs go public? Integration may decide it, veteran leaders say

Crewe Advisors' Ryan Halliday and Accelerated Wealth Partners' Eric Amar suggest mega RIA's readiness to integrate — not just scale — will determine whether an IPO exit actually works.

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income