MFDA announces disciplinary proceeding in respect of John Wolfenden

TORONTO, July 23, 2015 /CNW/ - The Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada ("MFDA") has commenced disciplinary proceedings in respect of John Richard Wolfenden (the "Respondent"). In its Notice of Hearing dated June 18, 2015, 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 June 2010 and October 2013, the Respondent borrowed $20,000 from client MP and $80,000 from client JM, thereby engaging in personal financial dealings with clients which gave rise to a conflict or potential conflict of interest between the Respondent and the clients that the Respondent failed to address by the exercise of responsible business judgment influenced only by the best interests of the clients, contrary to MFDA Rules 2.1.1 and 2.1.4.  

Allegation #2:  The Respondent failed to report to the Member within two (2) business days or at all, client MP's complaint received on May 15, 2013 regarding the Respondent's failure to repay the monies he borrowed from client MP which constituted a complaint in respect of personal financial dealings with a client, contrary to MFDA Policy No. 6, subsection 4.1(b)(v).

Allegation #3:  Between August 8, 2013 and September 17, 2013, the Respondent misled the Member with respect to his personal financial dealings with client MP and client JM, thereby interfering with the Member's ability to conduct a reasonable supervisory investigation of the Respondent's activities and failing to observe high standards of ethics and conduct in the transaction of business, contrary to MFDA Rule 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 August 25, 2015 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.

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 the Sarnia, Ontario area.

The MFDA is the self-regulatory organization for Canadian mutual fund dealers, regulating the operations, standards of practice and business conduct of its 103 Members and their over 80,000 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]