Barred by FINRA

Broker Justin Amaral Permanently Barred from Securities Industry

October 15, 2015 | Silver Law Group

Failure to provide on-the-record testimony to FINRA results in disciplinary action

After termination from employment with Morgan Stanley in 2014 following allegations surrounding his status as an executor and beneficiary in a client’s estate and his use of discretion in several client accounts, broker Justin Amaral has been permanently barred from the securities industry by FINRA.

According to Amaral’s BrokerCheck record, as of June 2015 the Boston-based broker’s 12 years in the securities industry has ended as a result of his failure to appear for an on-the-record testimony requested by FINRA during the course of an investigation. The requested testimony may be related to the reasons Morgan Stanley terminated Amaral’s employment.

South Florida Broker Brian Michael Berger Permanently Barred by FINRA

October 12, 2015 | Silver Law Group

South Florida Broker Brian Michael Berger Permanently Barred by FINRA on silverlaw.com

Allegations include elder fraud, misappropriation and failure to provide requested information

Following a fifteen-year career in the securities industry, Boca Raton-based financial adviser Brian M. Berger has been permanently barred from the industry due to allegations of funds misappropriation as well as failing to respond to FINRA requests for information.

According to official documents filed with FINRA in July, Berger was the subject of an investigation by FINRA for misappropriating funds from elderly customers while registered with Wells Fargo, LLC and MetLife Securities, Inc. When FINRA requested documentation and information from Berger, along with on-the-record testimony, Berger reportedly refused, resulting in his exile from the industry.

Alejandro Torres Barred by FINRA on Conversion Allegations

September 29, 2015 | Silver Law Group

Torres allegedly convinced a client to go into business with him, converted at least $59,600 for his personal use

After five years in the securities industry, Alejandro Ariel Torres has been permanently barred by FINRA on May 11, 2015 following allegations of converting customer money for his personal use. Most recently employed by Global Strategic Investments in Miami, Torres was previously employed by

Wells Fargo, BB&T, Statetrust Investments, Inc., and Edward Jones, all in South Florida.

South Florida Broker Ralph Oelbermann Barred by FINRA

September 21, 2015 | Silver Law Group

Record shows customer disputes and failure to respond to FINRA request

FINRA barred Ralph Oelbermann in February after 23 years in the securities industry. According to FINRA’s website, the bar resulted from Oelbermann allegedly failing to respond to FINRA requests for information.

In 2013, Oelbermann was discharged from his employing firm, LPL Financial LLC, for what the firm claimed was unauthorized trading, according to FINRA. Stockbrokers generally cannot make trades in a customer’s account without first seeking the customer’s permission.

Neil Buysse Barred by FINRA

September 1, 2015 | Silver Law Group

Permanent action follows a three-month suspension from the securities industry

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Neil J. Buysse has been permanently barred from practicing within the securities industry following a 2014 suspension.

Buysse was suspended on Dec. 1 following his alleged failure to respond to a FINRA request for information. As of Feb. 10, Buysse has been barred from practicing in any capacity as a broker or as an investment adviser.

Thomas Hogle Barred by FINRA After Alleged Lack of Cooperation With Investigation

September 1, 2015 | Silver Law Group

Allegations concern unsuitable, excessive and unauthorized trades for a 101-year-old customer

After 16 years in the securities industry, FINRA barred Thomas Morley Hogle from acting as a broker or associating with FINRA members in a professional capacity on May 11, according to the FINRA website.

The action comes in the wake of a FINRA investigation into whether Hogle made unsuitable investment recommendations to a 101-year-old customer. According to FINRA documents, FINRA requested documents and information from Hogle in two separate letters. When he did not respond to those requests FINRA staff spoke to him on the phone, at which time Hogle allegedly acknowledged the requests but stated that he would not produce the information requested at any point.

Anthony Diaz Permanently Barred by FINRA for Alleged Unethical Practices

August 31, 2015 | Silver Law Group

Diaz was also fined $10,000 amid allegations of fraud, negligence, unsuitability and misrepresentation

After a 14-year career in the securities industry marred by 44 disclosure events, Anthony Diaz has been permanently barred from acting as a broker and fined $10,000 by FINRA on June 10, 2015. This follows allegations of dishonest and unethical practices, according to FINRA’s report on the matter.

Between December 11, 2014 to May 12, 2015, Diaz was named in 20 customer disputes that are currently pending review by FINRA and one that was settled for $10,000. The amount of damages alleged against Diaz in just those five months total more than $7.3 million. According to the FINRA website, he was working for First Allied Securities, Inc., in Scotrun, Pennsylvania, when the alleged infractions occurred and continued at his subsequent firms.