Donovan St. Anthony Hunter of Houston Texas a stockbroker formerly employed by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC has been barred from associating with any Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) member in any capacity based upon consenting to findings that he failed to comply with FINRA’s investigation into accusations that Hunter engaged in unapproved outside business activities and solicited funds from a customer only to use those funds for Hunter’s personal use. Letter of Acceptance Waiver and Consent No. 2018059718201 (Mar. 6, 2019).
According to the AWC, Hunter became subject of a FINRA investigation following his termination from J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. Evidently, J.P. Morgan reported to FINRA on August 31, 2018 that it discharged Hunter on August 27, 2018 based upon allegations that Hunter solicited investments in an outside business activity that the firm had not provided approval for. The firm alleged that Hunter solicited the investment from a customer of the firm. After obtaining the funds, Hunter reportedly utilized the funds for his personal use. Not surprisingly, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC indicated to FINRA that Hunter violated the firm’s policies.
The AWC stated that Hunter received correspondence from FINRA which requested his information to be provided under Rule 8210 so that the regulator could examine the accusations of Hunter’s misconduct referenced by J.P. Morgan. Evidently, Hunter’s responses to two of FINRA’s requests were due on November 28, 2018 and December 27, 2018.The AWC stated that Hunter untimely responded to FINRA’s requests; he did not hand over the information until January 7, 2019.
Subsequently, the AWC stated that FINRA reached out to Hunter a second time to request more information from him for the investigation. However, on February 8, 2019, Hunter reported to FINRA personnel that he would not be providing the information requested by the regulator. Hunter ultimately confirmed that he understood the nature of FINRA’s request but would at no point be participating in the investigation into his alleged misconduct. Consequently, FINRA found Hunter’s conduct violative of FINRA Rules 2010 and 8210.
