Finra bars two former Wells Fargo reps over unsuitable energy securities

California brokers Charles Frieda and Charles Lynch allegedly exposed clients to undue risks.
DEC 11, 2017

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has barred former Wells Fargo reps Charles Frieda and Charles Lynch for recommending an over-concentration in energy-sector securities, some of which were speculative, resulting in significant customer losses. Finra said that between November 2012 and October 2015, the two brokers, who worked together in Irvine, Calif., recommended an investment strategy involving four speculative energy stocks to more than 50 customers, which was a majority of their customers. Due to the speculative nature of the securities, the volatility of the energy market and the high level of concentration, Finra said, the strategy exposed customers to significant potential losses. The two brokers failed to properly consider and obtain accurate customer investment profile information to determine the suitability of their recommendations, Finra said. (More: Retired Morgan Stanley rep fined for unsuitable advice.) Mr. Frieda was terminated by Wells Fargo this past August. Mr. Lynch was terminated in April 2016. Neither is currently employed in the securities business. Mr. Frieda began his securities career in 2008 at Citigroup, left for Morgan Stanley in 2009 and joined Wells Fargo in 2012, according to Finra's BrokerCheck website. Mr. Lynch began his securities career in 1999 at Morgan Stanley then worked at Citigroup from 2005 to 2009, when he rejoined Morgan Stanley. Mr. Lynch started at Wells Fargo in 2012.

Latest News

DOJ's fraud sweep bags over $1B in convictions, guilty pleas and indictments in a single week
DOJ's fraud sweep bags over $1B in convictions, guilty pleas and indictments in a single week

Medicare scam, pandemic benefit theft, offshore tax evasion — federal prosecutors are casting a wide net.

Retirement without guaranteed income streams may mean near-total asset wipeout
Retirement without guaranteed income streams may mean near-total asset wipeout

Report finds that pension income acts as a financial lifeline for retirees facing late-life shocks and raises urgent questions about the DC-only future.

Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Nine-month electronic trading freeze and share lending program at the center of dismissed claim.

RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone
RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone

Meanwhile, Rossby Financial's leadership buildout rolls on with a new COO appointment as Balefire Wealth welcomes a distinguished retirement specialist to its national network.

Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500
Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500

With a smaller group of companies driving stock market performance, advisors must work more intentionally to manage concentration risks within client portfolios.

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