MFDA announces disciplinary proceeding in respect of James Edward Curtis

TORONTO, Nov. 21, 2016 /CNW/ - The Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada ("MFDA") has commenced disciplinary proceedings in respect of James Edward Curtis (the "Respondent"). In its Notice of Hearing dated October 11, 2016 (the "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: Between about January and April 2014, the Respondent failed to follow a series of compliance directives from the Member requiring the Respondent to reassess the suitability of his recommendations to clients to hold 100% of their investments in a single precious metal sector fund and, where appropriate, make recommendations to reduce the clients' concentration in the fund, contrary to MFDAs Rules 2.2.1 and 2.1.1.

Allegation #2: Between about January and April 2014, the Respondent arranged for at least 75 clients to complete updated Know-Your-Client ("KYC") forms which increased the clients' risk tolerance, in order to ensure that the clients' KYC information matched his recommendations to hold 100% of their investments in a single precious metal sector fund, contrary to MFDA Rules 2.2.1 and 2.1.1.

The first appearance in this proceeding will take place by teleconference before a Hearing Panel of the MFDA's Central Regional Council on January 26, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern), or as soon thereafter as the appearance can be held, in order to schedule a date for the commencement of the hearing on the merits and to address any other procedural matters. The first appearance will be open to the public, except as may be required for the protection of confidential matters.

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 Waterloo, 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 83,000 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, Director, Litigation, 416-943-4619, [email protected]