The North American Securities Administrators Association released for public comment Tuesday proposed model rules regarding unpaid arbitration awards and regulatory fines.
If adopted by NASAA members, the rules would make it an unethical business practice for a broker-dealer, agent, investment advisor or investment advisor rep registered in a jurisdiction to fail to pay an arbitration award or fine.
Melanie Senter Lubin, NASAA president and Maryland Securities Commissioner, said in a statement that the model rule "would require financial professionals to meet their regulatory obligations including payment of arbitration awards and sanction those applicants or registrants who fail to fulfill those obligations."
If adopted, the model rules could prompt enforcement actions by NASAA members against violators, including revoking their license, the group said.
Specifically, the model rules would add the following provisions to the existing rules on dishonest or unethical business practices by broker-dealers, agents, investment advisors and investment advisor reps:
