MFDA Hearing Panel makes findings and imposes sanctions against Boyd Yahn
TORONTO, Sept. 8, 2017 /CNW/ - The Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada ("MFDA") commenced a disciplinary proceeding in respect of Boyd Dean Yahn ("Respondent") by Notice of Hearing dated April 13, 2017 ("Notice of Hearing").
A disciplinary hearing in this matter was held yesterday in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 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 concerning the Respondent set out in the Notice of Hearing had been established. In particular, the Hearing Panel made the following findings of misconduct against the Respondent:
Allegation #1: Between about November 5, 2004 and January 31, 2013, the Respondent recommended to at least 679 clients that the clients concentrate all or a substantial portion of their investment holdings in precious metals sector funds, without using adequate due diligence to assess the suitability of his investment recommendations on a client-by-client basis having regard to the essential Know-Your-Client ("KYC") factors relevant to each individual client, including the client's risk tolerance, investment objectives and investment knowledge, contrary to MFDA Rules 2.2.1 and 2.1.1.
Allegation #2: Between about November 5, 2004 and January 31, 2013, the Respondent recorded on account forms in respect of least 679 clients that the clients had, among other things, "100% high" risk tolerance, "100% aggressive growth" investment objectives, and "good" or better investment knowledge, in order to ensure that the clients' KYC information matched his investment recommendations to concentrate all or a substantial portion of the clients' investment holdings in precious metals sector funds, contrary to MFDA Rules 2.2.1 and 2.1.1.
Allegation #3: Between about November 5, 2004 and January 31, 2013, the Respondent misrepresented, failed to fully and adequately explain, or omitted to explain the risks and benefits of investing in precious metals sector funds, thereby failing to ensure that his recommendations were suitable for the clients and in keeping with their investment objectives, contrary to MFDA Rules 2.2.1 and 2.1.1.
Allegation #4: Between about November 5, 2004 and January 31, 2013, the Respondent failed, in his capacity as a Branch Manager, to adequately supervise the activities of an Approved Person, SW, who recommended that clients concentrate all or a substantial portion of the clients' investment holdings in precious metals sector funds, contrary to MFDA Rules 2.5.5, 2.2.1 and 2.1.1.
The Hearing Panel imposed the following sanctions on the Respondent and advised that it will issue written reasons 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 fine in the amount of $75,000; and
- costs in the amount of $10,000.
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 the North Battleford, Saskatchewan 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]; Mark Stott, Vice-President, Prairie Region, 403-215-8329, [email protected]
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