NOTE: Stipulations of Fact and Consent to Penalty (SFC); Offers of Settlement (OS); and Letters of Acceptance Waiver, and Consent (AWC) are entered into by Respondents without admitting or denying the allegations, but consent is given to the described sanctions & to the entry of findings. Additionally, for AWCs, if FINRA has reason to believe a violation has occurred and the member or associated person does not dispute the violation, FINRA may prepare and request that the member or associated person execute a letter accepting a finding of violation, consenting to the imposition of sanctions, and agreeing to waive such member's or associated person's right to a hearing before a hearing panel, and any right of appeal to the National Adjudicatory Council, the SEC, and the courts, or to otherwise challenge the validity of the letter, if the letter is accepted. The letter shall describe the act or practice engaged in or omitted, the rule, regulation, or statutory provision violated, and the sanction or sanctions to be imposed.
2011
Mission Securities Corporation and Craig Michael Biddick (Principal) 2006003738501/ 2011
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sustained the sanctions following appeal of a National Adjudicatory Council (NAC) decision. The sanctions were based on findings that the firm and Biddick converted and misused customer securities. The SEC affirmed the NAC’s findings that the firm and Biddick intentionally caused the transfer of securities from customers’ accounts to the firm’s account without any prior authorization from, or notification to, these customers. The findings also stated that the firm and Biddick then sold a portion of the converted shares and used some of the proceeds for the firm’s operating expenses.
Mission Securities Corporation: Expelled
Craig Michael Biddick: Barred
The Firm and Biddick were ordered to pay $38,946.06, plus interest, in disgorgement to firm customers.
CMG Institutional Trading LLC was expelled from FINRA membership and Baldwin was barred from association with any FINRA member in any capacity. The National Adjudicatory Council (NAC) imposed the sanctions following appeal of an Office of Hearing Officers (OHO) decision. The sanctions were based on findings that the firm, acting through Baldwin, failed to respond to FINRA requests for information and documents.