Two Former Merrill Lynch Brokers Contend with Unauthorized Trading Claims

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Ameriprise Financial (AMP) broker Lorene Fairbanks, formerly with Merrill Lynch. Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, was recently sanctioned over allegations that she effected over 57 discretionary transactions for several customers without getting the required written authorization from the clients or the approval of the firm. Fairbanks also allegedly mismarked over 50 order tickets, noting them as “unsolicited” when they were “solicited” orders. Brokers are not allowed to exercise discretionary authority in a client account without written authorization.

The Ohio broker was registered with Merrill Lynch from 8/06 to 3/12. The firm fired Fairbanks in February 2012 for purportedly taking discretion in client accounts and mismarking customer orders. She has been associated with Ameriprise since June 2012. There also have reportedly been other customer complaints accusing Fairbanks of excessive trading and unsuitable trading.

Also sanctioned by FINRA for allegations of unauthorized trading is George Zaki, another ex-Merrill Lynch broker. The self-regulatory organization contends that Zaki implemented or executed about 3,600 trades in some 80 accounts without written customer authorization between 6/10 and 8/12.

Zaki was let go by Merrill Lynch in October 2012. The firm said the termination was because of conduct related to exercising discretion in client accounts that were not discretionary. FINRA rules prohibits a registered representative from exercising discretionary power in the account of a customer without that client’s prior written permission and firm acceptance of the account.

After Zaki was terminated from Merrill Lynch, he was registered with Barclays (BARC) Capital Inc. until earlier this year.

Our broker fraud lawyers represent investors in the U.S., as well as those headquartered abroad with claims against brokerage firms in the country.

BrokerCheck, FINRA

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