MFDA announces disciplinary proceeding in respect of Robert Stephen Mitchell
TORONTO, Dec. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - The Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada ("MFDA") has commenced disciplinary proceedings in respect of Robert Stephen Mitchell (the "Respondent"). In its Notice of Hearing dated November 15, 2016, 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 September 2014 and March 2015, the Respondent processed approximately 28 trades in respect of 10 clients where he determined the specific elements of the trades, including the mutual fund that was traded, the amount of the trade and/or the timing of the trade, thereby engaging in discretionary trading, contrary to MFDA Rules 2.3.1 and 2.1.1.
Allegation #2: Between March 2005 and January 2015, the Respondent directly reimbursed 4 clients for deferred sales charge fees and short term trading fees incurred by the clients, 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 address by the exercise of responsible business judgment influenced only by the best interests of the clients, contrary to MFDA Rules 2.1.4 and 2.1.1.
Allegation #3: Between about March 2010 and August 2014, the Respondent obtained, possessed and, in some instances, used to process transactions, 25 pre-signed account forms in respect of 12 clients, 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 January 12, 2017 at 10:30 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 the Thunder Bay, 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 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]
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