Decision Notice - CIRO Hearing Panel issues Reasons for Decision in the matter of Sean Joseph Howes

HALIFAX, NS, June 4, 2024 /CNW/ - Following a settlement hearing held on May 2, 2024 pursuant to the Mutual Fund Dealer Rules, a hearing panel of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) found that Sean Joseph Howes altered and used to process transactions 35 account forms in respect of 20 clients, by altering information on the account forms without having the client initial the alterations.

The hearing panel issued its reasons for decision on May 23, 2024, which are available at:

Re Howes 2024 CIRO 52

In its reasons for decision, the hearing panel confirmed the $20,000 fine imposed on Sean Howes.

Sean Howes is also required to pay costs in the amount of $2,500.

At all material times, Sean Howes conducted business in the Halifax, Nova Scotia area.

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) is the national self-regulatory organization that oversees all investment dealers, mutual fund dealers and trading activity on Canada's debt and equity marketplaces. CIRO is committed to the protection of investors, providing efficient and consistent regulation, and building Canadians' trust in financial regulation and the people managing their investments. For more information, visit www.ciro.ca.

All information about disciplinary proceedings relating to current and former member firms and individual registrants under the Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules (for investment dealers), the Mutual Fund Dealer Rules (for mutual fund dealers) and the Universal Market Integrity Rules (UMIR) is available on CIRO's website.

Background information regarding the qualifications and disciplinary history, if any, of advisors currently employed by CIRO-regulated investment firms is available free of charge through the AdvisorReport service. Information on how to make dealer, advisor or marketplace-related complaints is available by calling 1-877-442-4322.

CIRO investigates possible misconduct by its member firms and individual registrants. It can bring disciplinary proceedings which may result in sanctions including fines, suspensions, permanent bars, expulsion from membership, or termination of rights and privileges for individuals and firms.

SOURCE Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO)

Joanna Nicholson, Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, [email protected]