HSBC Securities Broker Permanently Barred by FINRA for Converting Blind Client’s Funds

Jaime Rodriguez, a former registered representative with HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., has been permanently barred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) amid findings that he converted funds of his elderly, legally blind customer. According to FINRA, Jaime R. Rodriguez, of Yonkers, New York, converted approximately $200,000 from his elderly, legally blind customer, using the money to purchase two apartments in his own name, unbeknownst to his customer.  In the first apartment purchase, FINRA found that Mr. Rodriguez converted approximately $70,000 of his customer’s funds.  In the second apartment purchase, Mr. Rodriguez allegedly converted $130,000 of his customer’s funds.  In both purchases, the customer had no idea that Mr. Rodriguez was the sole owner of the apartments due to the fact that the elderly customer could not see or read the documents.  In the case of the second apartment, FINRA found that Mr. Rodriguez was renting out the apartment and collecting and keeping the rent.  Without admitting or denying FINRA’s findings, Mr. Rodriguez was permanently barred from association with any FINRA member in any capacity.

Continue Reading