On June 22, 2018 Newport Coast Securities appealed a National Adjudicatory Council decision to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm was expelled from FINRA membership, fined $403,000 and ordered to pay $853,617.04, plus prejudgment interest, jointly and severally, in restitution to customers. Representatives Andre Vincent La Barbera and Douglas Anthony Leone were barred from association with any FINRA member in all capacities and ordered to pay full restitution to their customers. The sanctions were based on the findings that the firm, La Barbera and Leone excessively traded customers’ accounts. Specifically, the investigation found that La Barbera and Leone exercised de facto control of customers’ accounts and the firm is liable for the excessive trading and churning of its representatives. FINRA found that the firm ignored multiple red flags indicating that these representatives were excessively trading and churning certain customers’ accounts. FINRA noted that these representatives’ clients appeared repeatedly on the firm’s exception reports reflecting the high volume of trading, commission charges, or both. As a result of their conduct, the firm, La Barbera and Leone violated Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5, NASD Rule 2120 and FINRA Rule 2020. The firm’s expulsion is in effect pending review. On June 25, 2018 the NAC decision became final with respect to La Barbera and Leone.
It was unclear from FINRA’s announcement whether customers had initiated FINRA arbitrations or any other type of securities arbitrations. If you believe that you have suffered losses as a result of misconduct, you may contact David A. Weintraub, P.A. 7805 SW 6th Court, Plantation, FL 33324. By phone: 954.693.7577 or 800.718.1422.