Financial West Stockbroker Daniel G. Maughan Barred for Churning and Unsuitable Recommendations
Daniel Gordon Maughan submitted an Offer of Settlement to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in which he allegedly churned, excessively traded and made unsuitable recommendations in a customer’s account in violation of Section 10(b) of the exchange Act of 1934, Rule 10b-5, and FINRA Rules 2020 and 2010. From May 18, 2010 until August 17, 2017, Daniel Maughan was registered with Financial West as a General Securities Representative. According to FINRA, Mr. Maughan exercised de facto control over a customer’s trust account, executing approximately 1,648 trades, totaling $70 million. FINRA stated that Daniel Maughan’s churning and excessive trading generated commissions of $841,000 while causing the account to incur losses of $812,000. FINRA’s findings also stated the trading was inconsistent with the customer’s objectives and financial needs, and Mr. Maughan did not have a reasonable basis to believe the transactions were suitable. In addition, FINRA stated that by churning and seeking to maximize his own financial benefit Daniel Maughan acted either with intent to defraud the account or with reckless disregard for the customer’s interests. Daniel Maughan has been barred from association with any FINRA member in all capacities.
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