MFDA announces disciplinary proceeding in respect of Blair Harcourt Addison
TORONTO, Dec. 27, 2018 /CNW/ - The Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada ("MFDA") has commenced disciplinary proceedings in respect of Blair Harcourt Addison ("Respondent"). In its Notice of Hearing dated December 14, 2018 ("Notice of Hearing"), Staff of the MFDA alleges that the Respondent engaged in the following conduct contrary to the By-laws, Rules and/or Policies of the MFDA:
Allegation #1: Commencing on at least August 1, 2008, the Respondent misappropriated, or failed to account for, approximately $1,390,890 solicited or received from at least eight clients and six individuals, thereby failing to deal fairly, honestly, and in good faith with clients, failing to observe high standards of ethics and conduct in the transaction of business, and engaging in business conduct or practice that is unbecoming and detrimental to the public interest, contrary to MFDA Rule 2.1.1.
Allegation #2: Commencing on December 16, 2009, the Respondent borrowed approximately $107,302 from clients BH and IH, thereby engaging in personal financial dealings with the clients, which gave rise to a conflict or potential conflict of interest that the Respondent failed to disclose to the Member or ensure was addressed by the exercise of responsible business judgment influenced only by the best interests of the clients, contrary to the Member's policies and procedures and MFDA Rules 2.1.4, 2.1.1, 2.5.1, and 1.1.2.
Allegation #3: Between May 8, 2012 and September 30, 2014, the Respondent misled the Member and MFDA Staff during an investigation into his conduct, contrary to MFDA Rule 2.1.1.
Allegation #4: Commencing September 27, 2017, the Respondent failed to cooperate with MFDA Staff's investigation into his conduct, contrary to section 22.1 of MFDA By-law No. 1.
The first appearance in this proceeding will take place by teleconference before a Hearing Panel of the MFDA's Central Regional Council on January 29, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern), or as soon thereafter as the appearance can be held, to schedule a date for the commencement of the hearing on the merits and to address any other procedural matters. The appearance will be open to the public, except as may be required for the protection of confidential matters. Members of the public who would like to listen to the teleconference should contact [email protected] to obtain particulars.
A copy of the Notice of Hearing is available on the MFDA website at www.mfda.ca. During the period described in the Notice of Hearing, the Respondent conducted business in Mississauga, Ontario.
The MFDA is the self-regulatory organization for Canadian mutual fund dealers, regulating the operations, standards of practice and business conduct of its Members and their approximately 82,000 Approved Persons with a mandate to protect investors and the public interest. For more information about the MFDA's complaint and enforcement processes, as well as links to 'Check an Advisor' and other Investor Tools, visit the For Investors page on the MFDA website.
SOURCE Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada
Charles Toth, Managing Director, Litigation, 416-943-4619, [email protected]
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