BB&T fined $100,000 for failing to disclose wrap-fee conflicts

BB&T fined $100,000 for failing to disclose wrap-fee conflicts
SEC says bank customers were directed to affiliated programs.
SEP 11, 2018
The Securities and Exchange Commission has fined BB&T Investments $100,000 for failing to disclose to clients certain conflicts of interest related to the sale of wrap-fee programs to banking customers. The suit states that from March 2012 through July 2015 BB&T advisers were engaged in the business of recommending to clients investments in wrap-fee programs sponsored by three investment advisers, one of whom was an affiliate of BB&T Investment Services. (More: Finra says BB&T overcharged retirement plans, charities) The SEC found that BB&T failed to disclose sufficient facts to enable clients to determine that the compensation arrangement between BB&T Investment Services and the affiliated adviser created an incentive for BB&T Investment Services and its representative to invest in one wrap fee over the two other options. In addition to the fine, BB&T has since reimbursed affected clients for termination fees in the amount of $635,535. (More: SEC slaps Lockwood with $200,000 fine over unseen trading costs in wrap accounts) "At BB&T, the best interest of our clients continues to be our number one priority," Brian Davis, BB&T director of corporate communications, wrote in a statement. "After reviewing this issue back in 2015, we promptly eliminated the early termination fee and reimbursed all termination fees to clients at that time. BB&T also took measures to prevent any further occurrences."

Latest News

Stratos Wealth Holdings closes 11 acquisitions in push for advisory scale
Stratos Wealth Holdings closes 11 acquisitions in push for advisory scale

RIA aggregator adds $4.8 billion in client assets across seven states as demand grows for alternatives to traditional succession models.

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

Shareholder sues FS KKR Capital board, alleges NAV and dividend cover-up
Shareholder sues FS KKR Capital board, alleges NAV and dividend cover-up

Shareholder targets FS KKR Capital's directors over alleged portfolio valuation and dividend missteps.

UBS loses $1.2 million arbitration claim linked to variable annuities and margin
UBS loses $1.2 million arbitration claim linked to variable annuities and margin

UBS has a history of costly litigation stemming from the sale of volatile investment products.

'We are monitoring the situation,' SEC says of private funds
'We are monitoring the situation,' SEC says of private funds

New director David Woodcock puts firms on notice over fees, conflicts, and liquidity risk as private credit shows signs of stress.

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

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline