FINRA Fines 3 Firms for Failing to Establish AML Programs

FINRA announced that it has fined three firms a total of $900,000 for failing to establish and implement adequate anti-money laundering (AML) programs and other supervisory systems to detect suspicious transactions. FINRA also fined and suspended four executives involved.

FINRA imposed the following sanctions:

• Atlas One Financial Group, LLC – Miami, Florida – fined $350,000; Napoleon Arturo Aponte, former Chief Compliance Officer and AML Compliance Officer, fined $25,000 joint and severally with the firm, and suspended for three months in a principal capacity
• Firstrade Securities, Inc. – Flushing, New York – fined $300,000
• World Trade Financial Corporation (WTF) – San Diego, CA – fined $250,000; President and Owner Rodney Michel fined $35,000 and suspended in all capacities except as a financial operations principal for four months; Chief Compliance Officer Frank Brickell fined $40,000 and suspended from association in all capacities for nine months; trade desk supervisor and minority owner Jason Adams fined $5,000 and suspended for three months in a principal capacity