AG Edwards & Sons To Settle Securities Charges

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan says that A.G. Edwards & Sons LLC will pay $755,000 to settle charges over improper annuity sales. The financial firm allegedly sold variable annuities without the necessary documentation to elderly clients. The Missouri’s Securities Division, AG began its investigation because an 18-year-old Missouri resident reported noticing irregularities after the liquidation of a variable annuity.

Per the investigation’s findings, AG Edwards, now known as Wells Fargo Advisors after Wachovia Corp. acquired it and the latter was later acquired by Wells Fargo & Co. (WFC), sold the annuities to elderly clients but failed to maintain proper records of transactions. This lack of proper documentation prevented the annuity sales, which occurred between July 2006 and June 2007, from being in compliance with company policy and state law.

At least 31 Missouri investors were affected by this oversight. They will receive $381,993. The Missouri Investor Education and Protection Fund will get $375,000. The Missouri’s Securities Division will be reimbursed the $50,000 it cost to probe the investor complaint.

In a release issued last month, Carnahan said that she appreciated AG Edwards’s willingness “to work with my office.” She also reminded investors that if they believe their investment is at risk, they can always contact her office for help. Meantime, Wells Fargo Advisors says it is pleased that these “legacy issues” have been resolved.

More Blog Posts:
Protect Yourself from Texas Securities Fraud by Making Sure that the Company or Agent that Sells You Annuities Has a Valid Insurance License, Stockbroker Fraud Blog, March 13, 2010
Market Timing Violations Against AG Edwards & Sons Inc. Supervisors and Broker Upheld by the SEC, Stockbroker Fraud Blog, October 17, 2009
If you are an investor that suffered financial losses because a financial firm or its representatives failed to do their jobs properly, you may have grounds for a securities fraud case. Contact our stockbroker fraud law firm today.