Matrix Capital Markets (Matrix) and firm representative, Nicholas Mitsakos of San Francisco, California were named Respondents in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) complaint that alleges the firm, acting through Mr. Mitsakos, falsely marketed themselves and used clients’ funds for their own personal use. The SEC alleges from approximately the spring of 2014 to the present, the Respondents made false and misleading statements to prospective investors and financial institutions in order to raise funds and increase clientele.
The SEC alleged that Mr. Mitsakos made numerous false and misleading statements included lying about investment returns and their broker and auditor relationships. According to the SEC, the Respondents marketed themselves as experienced money managers with a highly successful track record. They claimed to be managing millions, when in fact they did not manage client assets at all, and allegedly fabricated a hypothetical portfolio of investments earning 20-66% annual returns.
In September 2015, Matrix purportedly received $2 million in client assets to manage. The SEC alleges that the Respondents used $800,000 of these client funds to pay for unauthorized personal expenses. The SEC complaint charges that Mr. Mitsakos and Matrix violated the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced they will be filing criminal charges against Mr. Mitsakos. Hopefully, Matrix and Mr. Nicholas have retained proper counsel because they have a battle on their hands.
Attorney Pearce began his career at the SEC as an enforcement attorney more than 40 years ago. His SEC and FINRA defense law practice clients have included public companies and their officers and directors, broker-dealers, investment advisors, and individuals being investigated in connection with their personal securities transactions. He has broad, extensive experience in matters arising from alleged 10b-5 fraud violations including, “insider trading,” Section 16(b) “short swing profit,” and Section 14 “proxy rule” violations as well as Section 9 “market manipulation” cases.
Have you have been contacted by the SEC or FINRA and believe that you may be subject of an investigation? If so, call Mr. Pearce at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. for a free consultation. Mr. Pearce defends various entities and individuals who may be the subject of a FINRA or SEC investigation or enforcement action regarding their alleged involvement in securities laws violations.
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 representing investors and financial industry professionals 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.
Robert Wayne Pearce
Robert Wayne Pearce of The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. has been a trial attorney for more than 40 years and has helped recover over $125 million dollars for his clients. During that time, he developed a well-respected and highly accomplished legal career representing investors and brokers in disputes with one another and the government and industry regulators. To speak with Attorney Pearce, call (800) 732-2889 or Contact Us online for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION with Attorney Pearce about your case.
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