Former Transamerica broker assistant barred for forging customer signature

Francis Acosta signed customer's name on forms requesting account transfers.
MAY 31, 2018

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. has barred a brokerage assistant formerly employed by Transamerica Financial Advisors for signing a customer's name on forms and documents in connection with an account transfer. The assistant, Francis Acosta, was never registered and was terminated by Transamerica in May 2017. In December 2015, in order to speed up an account transfer for her broker's client, Ms. Acosta "caused someone to impersonate the customer during five telephone calls with his prior broker-dealer," Finra said in its letter of acceptance, waiver and consent. She also signed replacement forms that her broker was supposed to sign because he was not available. Finally, in March 2017, Ms. Acosta admitted to causing another person to impersonate her broker's customer on five telephone calls with another broker-dealer. She also admitted to signing the customer's name on other forms.

Latest News

SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund
SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund

Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.

The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training
The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training

From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.

Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry
Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry

"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.

SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says
SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says

Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.

Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest
Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest

Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.