Former Kestra Stockbroker Michael Thomas Lee Fined and Suspended for Engaging in Outside Business Activities
Michael Thomas Lee of Darien, Connecticut submitted a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (AWC) to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in which he has been fined and suspended for allegedly engaging in an outside business activity in violation of FINRA Rules 3270 and 2010. From June 2014 until February 2017, Michael Thomas Lee was registered with Kestra Investment Services (Kestra) as a General Securities Representative. According to the FINRA findings, Lee engaged in an outside business activity known as the Origin Fund, a prospective ETF fund, without notice or approval from his firm. The findings stated that Lee allegedly solicited potential investors and distributed written materials prepared by his business partner using his personal e-mail and an e-mail address associated with the fund. FINRA stated that although none of the individuals invested in the fund, the materials falsely represented that the Origin Fund was a hybrid registered investment advisor with $20 million in assets and that Kestra was sponsoring and providing services to the fund. In addition to those FINRA findings, Lee allegedly falsely attested his use of an undisclosed email address to conduct securities business on two annual compliance questionnaires.
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