MFDA Hearing Panel makes findings against Dennis Villarin

TORONTO, April 24, 2014 /CNW/ - The Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada ("MFDA") commenced a disciplinary proceeding in respect of Dennis Villarin (the "Respondent") by Notice of Hearing dated November 25, 2013.  

The hearing of this matter on its merits took place yesterday in Winnipeg, Manitoba before a three-member Hearing Panel of the MFDA's Prairie Regional Council.

After hearing submissions from Staff of the MFDA, the Hearing Panel found that the four (4) allegations set out in the Notice of Hearing had been established. The Hearing Panel imposed the following penalties and costs on the Respondent, and advised that it will issue written reasons for its decision in due course:

• a permanent prohibition on the authority of the Respondent to conduct securities related business in any capacity while in the employ of or associated with any MFDA Member;
• a $250,000 fine; and
• $10,000 in costs.

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 carried on business in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The MFDA is the self-regulatory organization for Canadian mutual fund dealers, regulating the operations, standards of practice and business conduct of its 111 Members and their approximately 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

Hugh Corbett, Managing Director, Enforcement, 416-943-4685, [email protected]; Mark Stott, Vice-President, Prairie Region, 403-215-8329, [email protected]