Danielle Jean McAniff of Albuquerque New Mexico a stockbroker formerly registered with Edward Jones has been fined $5,000.00 and suspended from associating with any Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) member in any capacity based upon findings that McAniff caused an Edward Jones representative to have customers provide signed blank forms so the firm could effect securities transactions for those customers. Letter of Acceptance Waiver and Consent No. 2016051104501 (Nov. 20, 2017).
According to the AWC, during the period of McAniff’s misconduct, the firm specifically prohibited brokers from having customers provide signed documents that were otherwise incomplete or blank. Moreover, the firm disallowed brokers from manipulating or altering a customer’s signature on account documents. Evidently, McAniff was cognizant of the firm’s prohibitions in this respect.
Notwithstanding, from June of 2013 to June of 2016, McAniff caused an office administrator to procure customers’ signatures on incomplete or blank forms. Apparently, the forms impermissibly secured by the Edward Jones representative included authorizations for deposits and withdrawals and asset transfers. Apparently, those incomplete or blank documents signed by customers had been completed by McAniff or the administrator, then furnished to the firm so the transactions would be placed.
The AWC stated that at least fifteen customers have been affected by McAniff’s unauthorized signature practices. Consequently, FINRA found McAniff’s conduct violative of FINRA Rule 2010. Moreover, FINRA found McAniff’s submission to the firm of false information to have caused the firm to maintain inaccurate records and books. Accordingly, FINRA found McAniff’s conduct in this regard violative of FINRA Rules 2010 and 4511.
McAniff was terminated by Edward Jones on July 21, 2016 based upon the allegations of her misconduct as referenced in FINRA’s disciplinary action against her.
