Former Edward Jones broker, Michael Jean-Paul Mason (Mason), recently settled allegations with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) following an enforcement action. The underlying basis of the investigation involved allegations Mason falsified client information on new firm accounts and provided Edward Jones with inaccurate information during an internal review. As a consequence of Mason’s failure to cooperate with FINRA’s investigation, FINRA permanently barred him from the financial industry.
Mason (FINRA CRD No. 4938877) entered the financial industry in 2009 as general securities representative. Over the course of his career, Burskey worked for Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC and Edward Jones. On January 12, 2015, Mason resigned from Edward Jones due to the misconduct described herein. Mason is no longer associated with any FINRA-member. FINRA’s Department of Enforcement initiated an investigation into Mason’s alleged misconduct. FINRA specifically investigated whether Mason falsified client information to open seven new firm accounts and provided the firm with inaccurate information during an internal review. In connection with this investigation, FINRA sent Mason a request to provide on-the-record testimony pursuant to FINRA Rule 8210. According to FINRA, Mason failed to cooperate with the investigation. Based upon the foregoing alleged misconduct, FINRA asserted Mason 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, Mason failed to provide information in response to FINRA’s request, thereby violating FINRA Rule 8210. Lufrano Law, LLC is a national securities litigation firm and has experience representing investors who have investment disputes with brokers and broker-dealers. If you suffered investment damages with Mason while employed by Edward Jones, you may be able to recover your losses through FINRA arbitration. Our firm only receives a fee if you recover money. Please contact one of our attorneys at (800) 627-2179 to schedule a free consultation or complete our free case evaluator.