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Michael Mandel Sanctioned For Selling Away Violations In A Tequila Business

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Updated on: March 4, 2022

Between May 2014 and October 2016, Michael Mandel participated in unauthorized investment transactions, also called selling away, in violation of securities industry rules. Michael Mandel solicited 18 investors to invest approximately $815,000 in 6 Degree Tequila, LLC (“6 Degree Tequila”), a tequila production company, without approval or knowledge from either of his brokerage firms. FINRA sanctioned Michael Mandel with suspension, a fine, and disgorgement of the funds received from the violative conduct.

Michael Mandel’s Registration

During the period Michael Mandel engaged in selling away, he was employed by two different brokerage firms.  First, he was registered with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. (“Royal Alliance”) from August 8, 2008 through December 11, 2015. Then, Mr. Mandel was registered with LPL Financial LLC (“LPL”) from December 8, 2015 through February 11, 2022.

Michael Mandel’s Improper Conduct

From May 2014 through October 2016, Michael Mandel invited investors to 6 Degree Tequila’s promotional events, introduced them to the company’s founder, and provided the investors with the paperwork needed to invest in the tequila company without knowledge or approval of his brokerage firm.

During that entire two-and-a-half-year period, Michael Mandel solicited 18 investors to invest a total of $815,000 in 6 Degree Tequila; 7 of those investors were brokerage firm customers. Mr. Mandel failed to request approval from his brokerage firm to participate in the sale of investments in the tequila company. Further, Michael Mandel lied in an LPL 2016 annual compliance questionnaire by stating that he had not participated in any private securities transactions outside of the firm.

Since these unauthorized investments in 6 Degree Tequila took place, the founder of the tequila company pled guilty to charges of making false and misleading statements to investors and misuse of investor funds. Additionally, in January 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a complaint against the founder for material misrepresentations to investors and misappropriation of investors’ funds for personal use.

Selling Away Defined

Selling away is the term used for the sale of investment products by a financial advisor that are not offered by nor approved by their brokerage firm. It is dangerous for investors because little to no due diligence is being performed on the investment to protect the investor from potential severe financial consequences.

Michael Mandel’s Rule Violations

FINRA Rule 3280, previously FINRA Rule 3040, forbids a financial advisor’s participation in a private securities transaction without:

  • providing written notice to their broker-dealer
    • with a description of the proposed transaction
    • explanation of the financial advisor’s proposed role in the transaction
    • a statement as to whether the financial advisor has, or will, receive compensation in connection with the transaction.

In other words, the sale of investments by a financial advisor without the approval of their brokerage firm is called selling away. It is a violation of the securities industry and can result in disciplinary action. These rules exist to protect the investor from properly vetted products which can lead to serious financial risks.

By default, a violation of FINRA Rules 3280 or the previous 3040 is a violation of FINRA Rule 2010 that requires financial advisors to conduct their business in a manner where they “observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.”

Michael Mandel Sanctioned by FINRA

According to the Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (“AWC”), signed by FINRA on March 2, 2022, Michael Mandel has received various sanctions for selling away. Specifically, Mr. Mandel agreed to:

  • a seven month suspension from associating with any FINRA member in all capacities, including clerical or ministerial functions;
  • a $5,000 fine; and
  • disgorgement of $5,635.35 plus interest as defined by the IRS Code from October 15, 2016 through the day the AWC is accepted by the National Adjudicatory Council.
Michael Mandel Royal Alliance and LPL Financial Investigation

Former customers of Michael Mandel who have experienced losses, and who have information relating to the manner in which he handled customer accounts, are encouraged to contact Lawrence L. Klayman, Esq., at (561) 997-9956, and download our Special Investor Report.

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