SEC bars ex-compliance officer of Idaho RIA over wire fraud

SEC bars ex-compliance officer of Idaho RIA over wire fraud
Agency alleges Cameron High participated in the $11 million overbilling of clients.
OCT 31, 2019
The Securities and Exchange Commission has barred Cameron High, the former chief compliance officer of Yellowstone Partners, a defunct RIA firm in Idaho Falls, Ida., for his participation in a scheme to defraud clients. [Recommended video: Social Security COLA not great news for 2020, says Mary Beth Franklin] The Commission's complaint alleged that from 2008 through June 30, 2017, Mr. High took part in a scheme led by Yellowstone CEO David Hansen that defrauded clients "by engaging in fraudulent, deceptive, and manipulative transactions and practices." It said that the scheme intentionally or recklessly overbilled clients in excess of $11 million and misrepresented the nature of overbillings by sending clients statements that represented the overbilled charges as fees. [More:See more adviser moves in InvestmentNews' Advisers on the Move database.] On March 14, 2018, Mr. High pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and is expected to be sentenced sometime after December. In November 2018, Mr. Hansen was indicted on 17 counts of wire fraud and six counts of tax fraud.

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