security attorneys

SII Investments Terminates Frank Cuenca Over Variable Annuity Practices

August 3, 2018 | by Staff Attorney

The securities attorneys at Gana Weinstein LLP are currently investigating former International Assets Advisory, LLC (International Assets) broker Frank Cuenca. According to BrokerCheck records, in December 2017, Cuenca was terminated by SII Investments, Inc. (SII investments) for failing to follow his firm’s procedures regarding submitting variable annuity transactions. He also failed to submit a customer complaint and unapproved email in a timely manner. In addition, Cuenca has been subject to five customer disputes, the majority alleging failure to follow customer instructions.

In March 2009, a customer alleged that in 2008, Cuenca failed to follow customer instructions to liquidate the account and to move $12,000 back into the market. The customer requested $12,000 in damages.

In December 2008, a customer alleged that Cuenca liquidated the customer account without the customer knowledge or permission. The customer requested $5,000 in damages.

Edward Mirabella Subject to Multiple Customer Complaints for Unsuitable Unauthorized Transactions

July 29, 2018 | by Staff Attorney

The securities attorneys at Gana Weinstein LLP are currently investigating previously registered broker Edward Mirabella (Mirabella). According to BrokerCheck records kept by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Mirabella has been subject to 5 customer disputes, 2 of which are still pending. Mirabella has also been subject to two tax liens. The majority of these disputes involve unsuitable investment recommendations, unauthorized trading, and breach of fiduciary duty.

Most recently, in November 2017, a customer alleged that Mirabella churned the customer account and engaged in unsuitable investment transactions. The customer has requested $879,584 in damages. This dispute is currently still pending.

In January 2014, a customer alleged that Mirabella was executing unauthorized trades in the customer account. The customer has requested $40,000 in damages. This complaint is currently still pending.

Bruce Musselman Subject to Customer Complaints Alleging Unsuitable Investments

July 8, 2018 | by Staff Attorney

The securities attorneys at Gana Weinstein LLP are investigating claims against Fortune Financial Services, Inc. (Fortune Financial) broker Bruce Musselman (Musselman). According to BrokerCheck records, Musselman has been subject to nine customer complaints and one criminal regulatory action.

Most recently, in February 2013, customers alleged that Musselman recommended unsuitable investments, misrepresented securities, over-concentrated customer funds into aggressive investments, and excessively used margin. The dispute was settled at $14,900.

In August 2011, a customer alleged that from 2007 to 2009, Musselman recommended highly risky investments that were unsuitable and inappropriate to customer’s needs. The customer requested $80,000 in damages.