Stuart Blake Nichols Registered Rep Formerly with Raymond James & Associates, Inc. Has Been Sanctioned by FINRA for Failure to Cooperate with FINRA Investigation
Publicly available records recently provided by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) indicate that broker/advisor Stuart Blake Nichols (CRD # 4932310), formerly with Birmingham, AL based Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (CRD # 705) was recently sanctioned by FINRA’s Department of Enforcement for failing to cooperate with a FINRA investigation after being terminated from Raymond James & Associates, Inc. The Law Office of Kevin J. Deloatch, Esq. is interested in speaking to investors who have complaints regarding Mr. Nichols.
Mr. Nichols has been registered in the securities industry since 2005 and has been with Raymond James & Associates, Inc. from February 2013 until his termination in December 2018. His prior registrations included Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. (CRD # 4161) from March 2008 to February 2013 and Stern Agee Financial Services, Inc. (CRD # 18456) from August 2005 to February 2008.
FINRA’s Finding and Conclusions
According to FINRA Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (AWC) dated October 25, 2019, Mr. Nichols consented to, without admitting or denying, the following findings from an investigation by FINRA’s Department of Enforcement regarding allegations of Mr. Nichols engaging in excessive trading in customer accounts at Raymond James & Associates, Inc.:
- On October 3, 2019, FINRA sent Mr. Nichols a request for an on-the record interview in connection with its investigation into allegations of excessive trading in customer accounts while associated with Raymond James & Associates, Inc.;
- On October 3, 2019, Mr. Nichols’ counsel notified FINRA by email that Mr. Nichols would not appear for the on-the –record interview; and
- By virtue of the refusal, Mr. Nichols violated FINRA Rules 8210 and 2010.
FINRA Sanctions Stuart Blake Nichols
Pursuant to FINRA Rule 8210, registered individuals are required to provide information with respect to a FINRA investigation. Violation FINRA Rule 8210 is also a violation of FINRA Rule 2010, which requires associated persons to “observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.” As a result of such violations and in addition to the above described findings and conclusions, FINRA’s October 25, 2019 AWC also indicates that Mr. Nichols consented to the following sanction:
- Being barred from associating with any FINRA member firm in any and all capacities.
If you or someone you know has or had a brokerage account with Stuart Blake Nichols and have concerns regarding excessive trading and/or losses in your investments or possible fraud, you may be entitled to recover lost funds. The Law Office of Kevin J. Deloatch, Esq. has an extensive securities law practice and over 30 years of experience on Wall Street. Call today at (646) 792-2156 for a free consultation. The time to file your claim may be limited so you should call today to avoid delay.