Benjamin Benoit Lowder Jr. (also known as Ben Lowder), of Charlotte, North Carolina, a stockbroker registered with MSI Financial Services Inc., is the subject of a customer initiated investment related civil action that was settled for $200,000.00 in damages based upon allegations that Lowder engaged in selling away and fraud in connection with the sale of unregistered private securities when Lowder was associated with MSI Financial Services Inc. Civil Action No. 19CVS5033 (Dec. 24, 2020). As it turns out, these were fictitous investments in fake entities.
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Public Disclosure shows that Lowder is referenced in other customer initiated investment related disputes concerning Lowder’s conduct while associated with securities broker dealers, including MSI Financial Services Inc. On July 1, 2019, a customer initiated investment related civil action involving Lowder’s conduct was settled for $680,000.00 in damages based upon allegations that Lowder violated securities laws in connection with with the sale of unregistered private securities and real estate securities when Lowder was associated with MSI Financial Services Inc. Civil Action No. 19CVS12902.
On December 3, 2020, a civil action involving Lowder’s conduct was settled for $975,000.00 in damages based upon allegations that Lowder violated securities laws in connection with the sale of unregistered private securities when Lowder was associated with MSI Financial Services Inc. Civil Action No. 18CVS19512. Lowder is also referenced in a civil action that was settled for $2,975,000.00 in damages based upon allegations that Lowder agaikn violated securities laws with regard to the recommendation and sale of insurance products when Lowder was associated with MSI Financial Services Inc. Civil Action No. 18CVS01050 (Dec. 3, 2020).
On December 9, 2020, a civil action involving Lowder’s conduct was settled for $34,000.00 in damages based upon allegations that Lowder violated securities laws in connection with the recommendation and sale of investment contracts when Lowder was associated with MSI Financial Services Inc. Civil Action No. 18CVS01124.
Lowder is also referenced in a civil action that was settled for $86,000.00 in damages based upon allegations that Lowder violated securities laws in connection with the sale of unregistered private securities when Lowder was associated with MSI Financial Services Inc. Civil Action No. 18CVS24234 (Dec. 10, 2020). Similarly. on December 18, 2020, a civil action involving Lowder’s conduct was settled for $1,190,000.00 in damages based upon allegations that Lowder violated securities laws in connection with the sale of unregistered private securities. Civil Action No. 18CVS22954.
FINRA Public Disclosure shows that Lowder has been barred from associating with any FINRA member in any capacity based upon allegations that Lowder failed to testify when FINRA investigated the stockbroker for possible violations of FINRA rules. FINRA Enforcement (AWC) Case No. 2017054137001 (Oct. 3, 2019).
According to the AWC, on May 23, 2018, MSI Financial Services Inc. filed an amended Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry Registration (Form U5) with FINRA, where it was indicated that Lowder was the subject of two civil lawsuits claiming deceptive and unfair trade practices and state securities fraud in connection with the sale of fictitous investments. On November 12, 2018, January 28, 2019, April 4, 2019, and July 22, 2019, MSI amended the Form U5 again after additional civil lawsuits were filed involving Lowder.
FINRA began an investigation into Lowder based on the allegations contained within the Form U5. In connection with that investigation, FINRA sent Lowder a request for testimony. Through his counsel, Lowder indicated that he had received FINRA’s request but would not appear for testimony at any time. As a result, Lowder violated FINRA Rules 2010 and 8210.
Benjamin Lowder was associated with MSI Financial Services Inc. from August 8, 2000 to February 22, 2017.
