According to a Default Decision recently issued by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), David Cannata, formerly employed by Craig Scott Capital, has been permanently barred from working as a stockbroker in the securities industry. Mr. Cannata was named in a FINRA Complaint for allegedly engaging in a pattern of unsuitable and excessive trading in accounts of three customers, one of whom was a 92 year old retiree, causing the clients to collectively suffer losses of $1,566,298.14.
According to FINRA, Mr. Cannata had de facto control over the customers’ accounts and employed a trading strategy which generated extraordinary levels of activity and disregard of his customers’ interests and financial objectives, thereby maximizing his own compensation. For example, FINRA alleged with respect to the account of the 92 year old retiree, Mr. Cannata engaged in 128 trades in a span of 5 months, generating over $95,000 in commissions and fees. In another customer’s account, Mr. Cannata allegedly engaged in 1,680 trades in a nine month time span, generating over $690,000 in commissions and fees.
Consequently, David Charles Cannata, of Smithtown New York, was barred by FINRA and ordered to pay $1,566,298.14, plus interest, in restitution to the affected customers.
FINRA rules require brokerage firms to establish and implement a reasonable supervisory system to protect customers from the risks associated with investing. The implementation of the rules requires supervisors to monitor their employees to ensure compliance with federal and state securities laws, securities industry rules and regulations, as well as the brokerage firm’s own policies and procedures. If broker-dealers and their supervisors fail to establish and implement these protective measures, they may be held liable to account holders for investment losses which stem from their employees’ misconduct. Therefore, investors who have suffered losses due to a brokerage firm’s failure to supervise the acts and omissions of its representatives can bring forth claims to recover damages against firms, like Craig Scott Capital, which have a duty to supervise employees in order to protect their customers’ interests.
Have you suffered losses in your investment account due to a stockbroker’s excessive trading? Did your stockbroker make recommendations and/or trades which were unsuitable given your financial objectives? If so, call Robert Pearce at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. for a free consultation. Mr. Pearce is accepting clients with valid claims against stockbrokers who may have engaged in misconduct and caused investors losses.
The most important of investors’ rights is the right to be informed! This Investors’ Rights blog post is by the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., located in Boca Raton, Florida. For over 40 years, Attorney Pearce has tried, arbitrated, and mediated hundreds of disputes involving complex securities, commodities and investment law issues. The lawyers at our law firm are devoted to protecting investors’ rights throughout the United States and internationally! Please visit our website, www.secatty.com, post a comment, call (800) 732-2889, or email Mr. Pearce at pearce@rwpearce.com for answers to any of your questions about this blog post and/or any related matter.