Massachusetts fines United Planners $100,000 in real estate scam case

Massachusetts fines United Planners $100,000 in real estate scam case
Regulator also fines broker Thomas T. Riquier $50,000 and bars him.
FEB 19, 2019

Massachusetts securities regulators have fined United Planners Financial Services of America $100,000 for failure to supervise one of its brokers, Thomas T. Riquier, in connection with a complex real estate scheme that defrauded investors and other clients out of at least $1 million over a 26-year period. Mr. Riquier was charged on Feb.14, 2018 with violating Massachusetts securities laws in connection with the scheme, in which investors were told that the property Mr. Riquier was buying for them would be sold for a profit; in reality, the investments were used to purchase property he already owned. (More:Galvin fine on Summit Equities raises questions over all adviser technology) As of the filing of the complaint, the property had not provided any return on the money invested. The complaint further alleged that Riquier solicited more than $800,000 in private loans from his clients, in violation of state and federal laws. Under the terms of the order, the state said that Mr. Riquier and United Planners will jointly make offers of rescission and restitution to investors. Mr. Riquier also will be censured, permanently barred from registering with the state and with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and will pay a fine of $50,000. United Planners permitted Mr. Riquier to resign last March.

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.