Former Western International financial advisor, Brittney Jade Sias (Sias), recently settled allegations with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) following an enforcement action. The underlying basis of the investigation involved allegations Sias received client funds directly. As a consequence of Sias’ failure to cooperate with FINRA’s investigation, FINRA permanently barred her from the financial industry.

Sias (FINRA CRD No. 4274432) entered the financial industry in 1999. From 2010 to 2013, Sias worked for U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. From 2013 to October 2017, Sias worked for Western International securities, Inc. (“Western International”). Following her disciplinary action, Sias no longer woks in the financial industry.

FINRA’s Department of Enforcement initiated an investigation into Sias’ alleged misconduct. FINRA specifically investigated Sias’ alleged receipt of funds from a Western International customer. FINRA sent Sias a request to provide documents and information pursuant to FINRA Rule 8210. According to FINRA, Sias failed to cooperate with the investigation.

Based upon the foregoing alleged misconduct, FINRA asserted Sias violated FINRA Rules 2010 and 8210. Specifically, FINRA Rule 8210 authorizes FINRA, in the course of its investigations, to require persons associated with a FINRA member to “provide information orally, in writing, or electronically . . . with respect to any matter involved in the investigation...” Here, Sias failed to provide information in response to FINRA’s request, thereby violating FINRA Rule 8210.

Lufrano Law, LLC is a national investment litigation firm and has experience representing investors who have investment disputes with brokers and broker-dealers. Please contact us at (800) 627-2179 for more information if you have been the victim of investment negligence or fraud.