Florida Securities Dealers & Advisors Member Spotlight

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Joena Bartolini Mitchell

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 20:27:56 GMT

MEET Joena Bartolini Mitchell. An Individual Member of the FSDA

We are speaking today with

Joena Bartolini Mitchell, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in a south suburb of Chicago but raised in the Tampa Bay area. This means I love deep-dish pizza and the smell of the Gulf of Mexico! I have an undergraduate and a masters degree from the University of South Florida and Juris Doctor from Stetson University, College of Law. I have spent over 20 years (!) in financial services where I have been fortunate enough to work in many different facets of the industry including sales management, operations, risk, and business leadership. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends, preferably outdoors!

Tell us a little about your firm:

At JBM Advisors, we collaborate with wealth managers, RIAs, and independent broker-dealers seeking to expand their business, modify their affiliation model, optimize operations, or manage risks. We aid firms in choosing the appropriate custodian or clearing firm and support strategic business growth through a focus on change management, enhanced efficiency, and risk mitigation.

We also provide litigation support services to lawyers and law firms. This includes conducting mock depositions and exams, witness preparation, and case analysis, all under the guidance of legal counsel. This service proves particularly beneficial to highly skilled legal teams who may require assistance in navigating the operational intricacies of broker-dealers, custodians, or wealth management offices. Leveraging our unique qualifications and extensive real-world experience, we effectively and efficiently bridge the gap between counsel and their clients.

Why is it important for JBM Advisors, to be a member of the FSDA?

This field is complicated and the only constant is change. It is incredibly important for us to stay connected with stakeholders to share best practices and learn from each other.

I have also really been inspired by the work the FSDA does in the community around protecting senior and at-risk investors and working to ensure that financial education is available to all Florida students.

I know the members are incredibly involved locally in the Tampa Bay area. Please tell us a little bit about that involvement and your firm’s “give something back” initiative.

Community involvement is at the heart of what we do. JBM Advisors is passionate about creating spaces for education and giving others the tools to excel.

I serve on the board of Southeastern Women in Financial Services (SWIFS) and Holy Family Catholic School. Additionally, I am a board member and part of the Pace Center for Girls, Hillsborough executive committee where I serve as co-chair of the advocacy committee. I am also an active member of the University of South Florida’s Women in Leadership and Philanthropy, where I am honored to serve on the Scholarship Committee

Joena, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Don Lee, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at FinWebTech.

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:45:14 GMT

MEET Don Lee, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at FinWebTech. An Advisory Level member of the FSDA.

We are speaking today with Don Lee.

Don, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I attended college at Florida International University for my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration focused in management information systems; and Nova Southeastern University for my Master’s degree in Business Administration. I have served as Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Anti Money Laundering Officer for several broker dealers and registered investment advisors, before starting my FinTech company FinWebTech to develop our flagship software application Catalyst in 2013.

FinWebTech was founded based on my need at the time serving as a Chief Compliance Officer and AML Compliance Officer, to find a cost-effective automated compliance solution to meet the demanding and ever-changing compliance and regulatory needs. Catalyst was born out of this need, and designed based on my compliance and AML background and experience. Catalyst provides firms with cost effective automated compliance solution including transaction monitoring for AML, sales practice (trading), and risk. Catalyst also provides customer risk rating services as well as supervisory controls.

Why is it important for FinWebTech, to be a member of the FSDA?

I believe that in today’s demanding regulatory world, technology plays a major role in compliance. As a result, I believe FinWebTech being a member of the FSDA, will provide a unique technological perspective to the group, while providing valuable insight into the technology requirements and needs of the industry.

I also believe in giving back to the community and am particularly interested in the outreach committees. We currently participate in several charities including the collection of schools supplies to underprivileged children in the Caribbean.

Don, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: A. Brad Busscher, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, InspereX LLC

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 16:22:49 GMT

Meet A. Brad Busscher, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, InspereX LLC . An individual member of the FSDA.

We are speaking today with Brad Busscher, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am the Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of InspereX, which is primarily engaged in institutional sales and trading of agencies, CDs, corporates and mortgages, and the wholesale distribution of new issue, retail financial instruments including Internotes®, CDs, and structured notes and CDs. I'm a member of InspereX’s Executive and Management Committees and serve as Corporate Secretary to the InspereX Holdings Board.

Prior to joining InspereX, I was Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Mesirow Financial, held senior level roles at Van Kampen/Morgan Stanley and EVEREN Securities, was in private practice at a law firm and served as an Enforcement Branch Chief with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

I obtained my B.A. from Cornell University, J.D. from the University of Miami and MBA in finance and accounting from the University of Chicago Booth Graduate School of Business. I presently serve on the FINRA Fixed Income Committee and am a frequent speaker on regulatory and compliance issues. I've written a chapter for a securities compliance treatise Modern Compliance, published by Wolters Kluwer, entitled “Corporate Transactions: The Role of Compliance.”

About InspereX LLC

InspereX LLC (“InspereX”) is transforming how fixed income securities and marketlinked products are accessed, evaluated, and traded. Home to the pioneering BondNav® platform – one of the first cloud-native bond aggregation platforms – InspereX provides financial advisors, institutional investors, issuers, and risk managers deep access to fixed income market data across asset classes, as well as industry-leading origination, distribution, and education in market-linked products. Focused on delivering true price transparency, liquidity, execution targeting price improvement, and the information advantage gained through data aggregation, InspereX inspires greater confidence through the power of technology.

The firm is a leading underwriter and distributor of securities to more than 2,000 brokerdealers, institutions, asset managers, RIAs, and banks. InspereX represents more than 400 issuing entities and has underwritten more than $670 billion in securities. The firm has seven trading desks and more than 200 employees with principal offices in Delray Beach, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City.

Why is it important for InspereX to be a member of the FSDA?

As we have grown our business substantially in South Florida, being a member of the FSDA will allow us to remain abreast of legislative initiatives in the State. It will also allow for excellent networking opportunities to discuss issues and concerns with like-minded and similar financial services firms.

InspereX’s Charitable Organizations and Foundations

I know that the employees at InspereX are incredibly involved locally in the Delray Beach area. InspereX is very active in the community and on a national basis. We feel strongly about giving back and we have a number of employees that have started charitable organizations and foundations. We are extraordinarily pleased to support those organizations and foundations. Here are a few of the charitable organizations and foundations that we support:

EBC (“Every Boob Counts”) Foundation was created to spread the message that early detection saves lives. The Foundation is dedicated to all women that have or who are battling breast cancer.
Chiera Family Foundation holds a dinner/ auction and golf tournament each spring to help kids that are battling cancer.
Nick’s Camp is a week of summer camp for kids with cancer.
Children’s Tumor Foundation medical foundation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by the neurofibromatosis.
Federated Challenge works with Big Brothers Big Sisters the nation’s largest donor and volunteer mentoring network.

Brad, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Lia Rolle, Sr. Manager, Counsel for the Senior and At-Risk Clients (SARC) Team and Raymond James and Associates.

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 12:39:49 GMT

MEET Lia Rolle, Sr. Manager, Counsel for the Senior and At-Risk Clients (SARC) Team and Raymond James and Associates. An Institutional Member of the FSDA.

We are speaking today with Lia Rolle. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was raised in Tampa, FL. I went to college at the University of South Florida and Cooley Law. I worked for the Whistleblower Law Firm in Tampa before joining Raymond James in 2020.

Tell us a little about your firm.

Raymond James is an independent firm dedicated to placing clients’ needs first, as well as treating their financial advisors as clients.

Why is it important for your firm to be a member of the FSDA?

It is critical that we partner with and understand the valuable resource that FSDA is for the State of Florida and its residents. I know that the members are incredibly involved locally in the St. Petersburg/Tampa area.

Please tell us a little bit about that involvement and your firm’s “give something back” initiative.

Raymond James is committed to caring. More than five decades later, we’re proud to continue the legacy – started by Raymond James founder Bob James, grown by his son and longtime Chairman and CEO Tom James, and now continued by our Chairman and CEO Paul Reilly, advisors and associates – by investing our time, money and talents into the communities we serve. It’s so much more than tradition; it’s part of who we are.

Charitable Giving. As a financial services firm, we have a unique understanding of the power of charitable giving, which is why we seek to practice it generously.

Volunteerism. The ways we give back extend beyond the financial. Our associates are also enthusiastically generous with their time and get out to give back.

Lia Rolle, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Andy Shipe, Associate General Counsel in the Private Client Group at Raymond James

Thu, 12 May 2022 13:54:43 GMT

MEET Andy Shipe, Associate General Counsel in the Private Client Group at Raymond James, an Institutional Member of the FSDA.

We are speaking today with Andy Shipe, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was raised in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, before I headed off to college at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and then law school at Fordham University in New York City. I began my career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx, and then transitioned to financial services by joining the CFTC and the SEC back in Washington, DC.

At both agencies, I worked on legislation and regulatory reforms that impacted intermediaries in the securities, derivatives and currency markets. After many years in government service, I moved to the private sector where I advised U.S. and non-U.S. firms as to compliance with the overlapping standards that apply to securities broker-dealers, derivatives firms, asset managers, and exchanges. I also advocated on behalf of investment firms before legislators and regulators as they sought to create or change rules that govern the financial services industry.

Tell us a little about your firm.

This November, I relocated to St. Petersburg to join a native Florida institution. Raymond James has a world class team focused on serving individuals and families as they plan for their futures. We’ve been a member of FSDA for many years and appreciate FSDA’s support for investor protection and financial literacy.

Why is it important for Raymond James to be a member of the FSDA?

Working with legislators and agency leaders in Washington taught me just how much policy makers need information from the industries they oversee. Decisions are made quickly, and the agenda can change overnight. For a business to thrive, it has to educate policy makers and be alert to their priorities.

Florida is a growing state with an economy that is attracting new residents, new businesses, and new industries. In this rapidly changing environment, the legislature and the executive branch will be very attentive to the protection of investors and the well-being of the local businesses that employ Floridians. FSDA keeps us up to date on developments in Tallahassee, and provides a voice on the issues that matter to our industry.

Please tell us a little bit about Raymond James’ community involvement and your firm’s “give something back” initiative.

Before moving to Florida, I was the pro bono attorney for our local Little League. I am glad to be with a firm that celebrates community involvement. Raymond James associates are active in cities and towns across the country. During this year’s annual Raymond James Cares Month, our associates and advisors organized donation drives, hosted virtual bingo nights, distributed meals to the needy, and cleaned up public parks. All told, our associates volunteered nearly 6,700 hours to benefit 250 charitable organizations. I believe our presence in local communities and the variety of our associates’ efforts truly sets us apart.

Andy, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

Member Spotlight: Lisa M. Marsden, IACCP® President/Founder of Coulter Strategic Services. A General/Advisor Member of the FSDA

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 15:55:47 GMT

MEET Lisa M. Marsden, IACCP® President/Founder of Coulter Strategic Services. A General/Advisor Member of the FSDA.

We are speaking today with Lisa M. Marsden.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in New York raised in South Florida. I have worked for bank investment trust departments in operations and project management then for independent registered investment advisors as Chief Operating Officer/Chief Technology Officer and Chief Compliance Officer before starting my professional compliance firm in 2016. Coulter Strategic Services works with select advisory firms throughout the US and a foreign advisor.

I am a past board member and former president of the Financial Planners Association of South Florida and am currently a member. I worked with Women in Distress of Broward County (WID) in their Economic Empowerment program. As a volunteer, I helped coordinate CFPs and others to provide financial literacy to survivors of domestic violence. Our goal was to provide the survivors with financial literacy to help them become or remain independent and stay away from their abusers. As part of the educational process, we met in person with the survivors. Due to the pandemic, we met virtually; then, I and a CFP created an educational video for WID to distribute to new survivors.

Please tell us a little bit about your firm.

I founded Coulter Strategic Services in 2016 as a way to help advisory firms leverage their resources to better manage their compliance programs. Coulter Strategic Services assists the firm's Chief Compliance Officer in managing the day-to-day compliance program. Coulter Strategic Services also works on special compliance projects for advisory firms and compliance consultants, hosts discussions with other compliance professionals, provides compliance training for advisory firms, seminars/webinars and at the collegiate level for those seeking financial degrees.

Why is it important for Coulter Strategic Services, to be a member of the FSDA?

I see the impact that legislation and regulation have on the smaller advisory firms, and I would like to help be a voice for those firms so they can continue to help their retail investor clients. I also welcome the opportunity to learn more about the FSDA and the association's work.

Lisa, thanks for taking the time to speak with us today.

2022 January - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: George Chuang, CFA, President and CEO, Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc., and Advisory Member of the FSDA.

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 16:42:53 GMT

MEET George Chuang, CFA, President and CEO, Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc., and Advisory Member of the FSDA.

We are speaking today with George Chuang, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Taiwan and moved to Maryland at the age of 8. While in middle school, my family moved to Southern California where I spent over three decades in the Los Angeles metro area before relocating to Florida. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of California in Irvine, then, earned an MBA from the University of Southern California. I started my financial services career at Bank of America as Assistant Vice President for their mutual fund business. In 1998, I joined Transamerica and served in several different roles, with most of my time in leadership positions for Transamerica’s retail broker dealers. I moved to Tampa in 2009 to join the leadership team in our St Petersburg office.

Tell us a little about your firm.

Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (“TFA”) is a retail broker-dealer and RIA that provides services and products through our independent financial professionals. Almost all of our financial professionals are affiliated with one our retail insurance agencies. Our financial professionals primarily serve the middle market in all 50 states. We have approximately 3100 registered representatives and 1200 investment advisory representative. In serving the middle market, financial literacy and education is a core part of our culture.

Why is it important for Transamerica, to be a member of the FSDA?

Transamerica is very committed to advocacy efforts that help our industry deliver product solutions for our retail clients. Like FSDA, we are very interested in creating better financial futures for the investing public including supporting FSDA’s commitment to financial literacy for Floridians. The networking opportunities through its Outreach programs have also been extremely valuable.

I know that the members at Transamerica are involved locally in the St. Petersburg area. Please tell us a little bit about that involvement and your firm’s “give something back” initiative.

Transamerica’s offices in Florida are located in St. Petersburg. Our St. Pete Foundation Committee and our employees are very involved in our local community. We regularly support the Suncoast United Way, Operation PAR, American Heart Association, Toy for Tots, Habitat for Humanity, Pinellas Hope as well as various other non-profit organizations.

George, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2021 November - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Dionne Fajardo, Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel at Element Pointe Advisors, LLC

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 16:42:13 GMT

Meet Dionne Fajardo, Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel at Element Pointe Advisors, LLC and Individual Member of the FSDA

We are speaking today with Dionne Fajardo of Element Pointe Advisors, LLC, an investment adviser located in Miami, Florida.

Dionne Fajardo, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was raised in Minneapolis and went to college at World College West in California. After college, I lived in Taiwan, R.O.C. and then moved to Saint Petersburg, Florida where I began my career in financial services with William R. Hough & Co. I attended Stetson University College of Law and worked at AEGON/Transamerica. I then worked in private practice at Wiand Guerra King P.A., where I led its Compliance Practice Group representing broker-dealers and investment advisors with compliance and regulatory matters. I joined Element Pointe Advisors, LLC in 2020.

Tell us a little about your firm

Element Pointe Advisors is an investment advisor to high net worth investors and family offices.

Why is it important for you, to be a member of the FSDA?

I have appreciated FSDA’s engagement with our state regulator. I believe that FSDA’s open dialogue with Tallahassee has helped to effectively promote and support investor protection, public education, and industry initiatives.

Dionne Fajardo, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2021 September - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Joshua Cefkin, Sr. Director, Client Services and Brokerage Operations, TradeStation Securities Inc.

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 13:18:36 GMT

We are speaking today with Joshua Cefkin, Sr. Director, Client Services and Brokerage Operations, TradeStation Securities Inc.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself:

I was born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and graduated from Mars Hill College, NC where I majored in Business Management & Finance, including a study abroad at Regents College in London, UK. After working in banking and finance for 10 years I shifted my career focus to the brokerage industry and became a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley. I have always enjoyed managing a team and have been in a managerial role for most of my career. Looking to continue to gain knowledge and experience in the industry, I joined TradeStation in 2012 where I have had the privilege to lead multiple departments in achieving new milestones in service levels and new account growth. Throughout my carrier at TradeStation I’ve had the opportunity to create and manage several different groups that cover various aspects of the business, including Client Services, Technical Support, Trade Desk, Retail and Institutional Sales, Account Services and Tax Reporting. Whether creating a new team or taking over an existing one, my focus is on process efficiency, automation, and business scalability.

Tell us a little about your firm:

TradeStation offers advanced trading technology and online electronic brokerage services to active individual and institutional traders in the U.S. and worldwide. The company’s innovative trading and analysis platforms provide one-click access to all major U.S. exchanges and market centers, while its expansive product offering enables clients to design, test, optimize, monitor, and automate their own custom equities, options, and futures trading strategies. Currently we support trading in equities, equity options, futures and futures options. Remaining committed to providing the best trading experience, our platforms and brokerage services have received awards and recognition from respected industry reviewers like Barrons.com, StockBrokers.com, Investopedia and Investor’s Business Daily.

Why is it important for TradeStation, to be a member of the FSDA?

TradeStation is a self-directed, self-clearing, brokerage firm, meaning we offer multiple trading platforms and extensive educational resources, but we do not offer trade advice. That being said, we are a licensed broker-dealer which means we are subject to the same rules and regulations that govern full-service broker-dealers. Because of our setup, especially now that commission-free online trading has become so omnipresent, it is important for us to network and share our perspective on the securities industry with all types of brokerage and advisory firms. Being a member of the FSDA allows us the opportunity to participate in these discussions with other industry professionals, embrace our shared mission to educate investors and collectively advocate for fair laws to protect the public.

I know that the members at are incredibly involved locally in the South Florida area. Please tell us a little bit about that involvement and your firm’s “give something back” initiative.

TradeStation has a firmwide initiative to give back to our community and help those in need through a program called TradeStation Cares. To raise money, we incorporate fundraising events into our department initiatives, for example, during Client Services Week, we donate prizes for a raffle in which all proceeds are utilized by TradeStation Cares to help families in need. Additionally, we fundraise and work with several different causes and organizations throughout the year, for example The Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, Habitat for Humanity and others. We also volunteer at homeless shelters, food banks and environmental clean-ups. TradeStation is also a proud sponsor of the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a nationally known childhood cancer prevention and support charity.

Joshua Cefkin, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2021 August - Heather Cooper, Associate Attorney of FSDA Advisory Member Baritz & Colman LLP

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 20:03:31 GMT

MEET Heather Cooper, Associate Attorney of FSDA Advisory Member Baritz & Colman LLP.

We are speaking today with Heather Cooper, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I have been with Baritz & Colman LLP since 2015, where I concentrate my practice in financial services litigation. Prior to that, I was a Law Clerk with the Office of the General Counsel of the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, where I had the opportunity to work with all four divisions of OFR, giving me a broad range of legal experience in the oversight of Florida's financial services providers.

I was born in Miami, but spent most of my childhood throughout Broward County, Florida. My high school career was focused on journalism and working on the student newspaper, so I followed suit in college, but the long-term goal was always law school. I am a very proud “Double Gator”. I earned my BS in Journalism Summa Cum Laude from the University of Florida in 2010, and I received my JD in 2015 from the University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law. In law school, I was a member of the Corporate and Securities Moot Court Team, editor of the Journal of Technology Law & Policy, and publicity chair for the Law Association for Women. While obtaining my degrees, I also worked as a legal assistant at an Am Law 200 defense firm and made sure to travel internationally as often as I could get away with.

On a personal level, my family, my dogs, and traveling are my passions. Another major priority for me is to support diversity and inclusion initiatives in not only the financial services industry but also the legal profession. I also feel very strongly about promoting the rights of women generally. For the past several years, I have served on the board of the South Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL) and have been a member of the Southeastern Women in Financial Services (SWIFS). I also currently serve on FSDA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, and I sit on the board for the Young Lawyer Section of the South Palm Beach County Bar Association.

Tell us a little about your firm

Baritz & Colman LLP was founded by Neil Baritz in 1996, with offices in New York and Florida. We represent financial firms, clearing and custodial firms, broker-dealers, registered representatives, investment advisors, insurance agents and industry professionals before state and federal courts, AAA and FINRA arbitration panels, and state and federal regulators (including Florida’s OFR, the SEC, and FINRA) throughout the country. We are regularly engaged in matters such as entity formation, registration, licensing, arbitration, litigation, employment, and regulatory inquiries or investigations. Our Firm’s other practice areas include real estate, corporate, commercial litigation and trust and estates.

My firm believes it is important to give back to the community and supports its attorneys in the initiates we feel strongly about. My firm has donated its time and resources to numerous local fundraising events put on by the organizations and associations that I am involved in. Also, through SWIFS, I am able to contribute my time and resources to the Pace Center for Girls. On a personal level, I also like to support Black Girls CODE as well as the South Florida Wildlife Center. I have volunteered at the Center and delivered countless hurt animals there - Birds, squirrels, possums, you name it. If you are local and find hurt or orphaned wildlife, please try and deliver or coordinate a rescue with the Center.

Why is it important for Baritz & Colman LLP, to be a member of the FSDA?

FSDA is an integral advocate for securities firms and professionals in the state of Florida, and the goal of Baritz & Colman LLP is to support the financial services industry, so our involvement with FSDA naturally flows and is a priority of the Firm in order to best serve our clients.

Heather Cooper, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2021 July - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Julia Richardson, VP, Supervision-Fiduciary Services at Raymond James.

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 15:45:07 GMT

MEET Julia Richardson, VP, Supervision-Fiduciary Services at Raymond James. A Corporate Member of the FSDA.

We are speaking today with Julia Richardson, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was raised in St. Matthews, SC and most of my extended family still lives in South Carolina. I earned a B.A. in Political Science from Barnard College, Columbia University in New York City. I worked for a few years at a non-profit in Philadelphia before attending law school at the George Washington School of Law in Washington, D.C. After law school, I moved a little closer to home and accepted a job in Charlotte, NC at K&L Gates where I began my career as an ERISA & Executive Compensation attorney. I spent a number of years at Wells Fargo Institutional Retirement & Trust focusing on institutional fiduciary issues, before joining Raymond James, in July of 2019 to spearhead the implementation of Regulation Best Interest for Raymond James. My current focus continues to be on Reg BI, but also on other fiduciary related regulatory matters that impact Raymond James.

Why is it important for Raymond James, to be a member of the FSDA?

As a financial institution based in Florida, Raymond James sees the critical importance of the FSDA as a representative body of the industry in both regulatory and legislative matters. In addition the FSDA is an organization that espouses the values Raymond James believes in with giving back to our community in various ways. This includes, but is not limited to, expanding financial literacy amongst our youth in Florida, protecting vulnerable communities against financial abuse, and working with industry peers to highlight the career opportunities available in our industry for future generations.

I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in various committees on the FSDA. The breadth and depth of expertise and knowledge both brings awareness for me and my firm, but also to our broader community. The financial industry in Florida is not only growing, but the clients and customers in need of our services is as well. The FSDA is a platform for both networking, education, and advocacy that aligns with the values and culture of Raymond James. Knowing I can impact the industry positively is gratifying to me as an industry professional. The FSDA members work for the good of both investors and the industry.

Along with being on the Executive Committee of the FSDA, I am on the board of the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts. I am co-chair of the Women’s Inclusion Network, along with Erin Linehan for Raymond James. I also am active in supporting the arts and cultural institutions in the local Tampa Bay area.

Julia, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2021, June - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Hank Sanchez, Managing Director, Bates Group LLC.

Fri, 28 May 2021 19:28:10 GMT

MEET Hank Sanchez, Managing Director, Bates Group LLC.

Hank, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a seasoned compliance and legal professional with over 30 years of securities industry experience working with a wide range of companies, from small financial firms to national clients. I have extensive expertise in risk management, investment advising, financial legal issues, risk assessment, compliance, and due diligence. I was raised in Bayonne, NJ and graduated from Richard Stockton State College, Pomona, NJ (B.A. in Criminal Justice). In between college and law school I was a New Jersey State Trooper. I went on to earn a J.D. from Rutgers-Newark law school, and then an LLM in Securities Regulation from Georgetown University Law School. For over a decade, I worked as a regulator for the SEC, and enforcement counsel for NASD n/k/a FINRA. I have worked in private practice both in Tampa and in Washington, DC. I have served as general counsel for a broker-dealer in Lakeland, FL, as a compliance officer for TIAA CREF, and as CCO for LPL Financial. I joined Bates Group in 2019 and now work closely with the Bates Compliance team on compliance projects and regulatory enforcement matters. This includes expert consultation and testimony.

Tell us a little about your firm.
Bates Group assists clients with litigation support, data analysis, and compliance consulting, regulatory and internal investigations, and AML and financial crimes. The Bates Compliance team consists of experienced industry professionals who provide comprehensive offerings for broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and hybrid clients, assisting them with supervision, compliance, risk, AML, and internal audit functions. Bates Compliance performs as-needed or ongoing reviews and guidance to meet your regulatory compliance obligations. Our seasoned professionals closely review and test policies and procedures, supervisory and compliance processes, and the related practices involved in operating your business, recommending changes and industry standards to supplement and enhance clients' compliance and supervisory systems, and remediate the results of regulatory, litigation, and internal audit findings and decisions.

Our Regulatory Investigations practice team works closely with regional and multi-national financial services firms, law firms, and federal and state regulators.

Our role is that of a partner to our clients and their counsel, bringing our technical, industry and managerial expertise to address the issues and support their work through a full and final resolution.

Why is it important for the Bates Group, to be a member of the FSDA?Personally, while living in the Tampa area for about 10 years, I joined FSDA during the 1990’s, and found the FSDA to be so helpful to its members and to the local communities. Bates itself has deep ties to the Florida financial community and the counsel who serve them for over four decades. FSDA is at the forefront of providing financial and regulatory education to its members, the community as a whole, and to students. FSDA also takes the lead on important investor protection legislation. Finally, the ability to network with many of its members’, who span all levels of the financial services industry, helps all members grow their knowledge.

Please tell us a little bit about your firm’s “give something back” initiative.
Bates empowers their employees to learn about the world and their impact on their communities. Many of our employees are involved in local organizations as featured on our “Bates in the Community” page. On employee/affiliate anniversaries, Bates donates to a charity of their choice. Last year, in addition to Pace Center for Girls, Hillsborough, our 2020 charitable recipients included: Oceana, Feeding America, The Humane Society and the Equal Justice Initiative.

Personally, for over 20 years, approximately 6-8 times per year, I head to my local blood bank and donate platelets. Platelets help form clots and stop bleeding. They are essential to help cancer patients, burn victims, and those with major injuries. Platelets have a shelf-life of only five days, whereas blood has a shelf-life of over a month. So, the need for platelets is immediate and constant. I have never known who receives those platelets; the important thing is that I know the platelets go to someone in dire need.

Hank, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2021, May - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Leo Peraza

Mon, 03 May 2021 14:09:32 GMT

MEET Leo Peraza, Principal at FSDA Corporate Member, Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C.

We are speaking today with Leo Peraza of Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C., in its Miami, Florida office.

Leo, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. When I was not in school, you could generally find me on a baseball field at shortstop. I attended Florida International University, where I double-majored in Finance and International Business. Prior to attending law school, I worked at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, primarily servicing clients from Latin America. I decided to go to law school at the University of Miami, where I focused on a business and securities law curriculum. In law school, I was truly fortunate to participate in the inaugural class of the Investor Rights Clinic, where we represented under-served investors in securities arbitration claims before FINRA. This experience set the tone for my legal career. Ever since graduating from the University of Miami in 2012, my practice at Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. has focused primarily on representing financial institutions in a variety of contexts, including customer disputes, employment, and regulatory issues before state and federal regulators.

Tell us a little about your firm.

It is inspiring to work at Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. When I started with the firm eight years ago, it was much smaller, with offices in New Jersey, New York, and Florida (Fort Lauderdale). Since then, the firm has grown tremendously, adding offices in Miami, Alabama, Texas, Washington D.C., and North Carolina. We have also added several excellent practice groups during that time, creating a firm with a comprehensive geographic footprint to represent clients across numerous industries and more than two dozen practice area specialties. In the securities arena, I am fortunate that through Bressler, I work with top-tier financial institutions and their exceptional in-house legal teams in a wide range of sophisticated matters. Beyond my legal work, Bressler supports my local community involvement, which is particularly important to me as a Cuban American.

Why is it important for Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C., to be a member of the FSDA?

Bressler has been a member of the FSDA for over 30 years and counts a former FSDA President among its ranks. Bressler’s longstanding involvement is a testament to the importance of the FSDA’s mission as the single most important advocate for the securities industry in Florida. Through the FSDA, Bressler has an opportunity to amplify its advocacy for its clients in more ways than it can as an individual law firm. This advocacy includes supporting regulatory and legislative improvements for the industry and providing educational opportunities for members of the industry and Florida’s investing public. In addition, the FSDA has developed incredible community outreach programs and opportunities that facilitate our ability to educate and better prepare vulnerable communities from financial abuse.

I know that Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C., is incredibly involved in childhood cancer charities. Please tell us a little bit about that involvement.

Bressler is involved in a several charities nationwide, and we are committed to serving as responsible corporate citizens in the communities where we live and work. Our dedication to community service and pro bono work spans our network of offices, directly benefiting our local communities. On a local level, our Florida offices are incredibly engaged with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer and the I Care I Cure Childhood Cancer Foundation, which have recently merged. We have had the privilege to organize and lead many successful fundraising events, and community outreach initiatives to increase awareness. Several of my Bressler colleagues are leaders and board members of the local organizations, and they have infused our offices with a tremendous passion for the cause.

Leo, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2021, April - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Bart McDonald

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 14:53:43 GMT

Meet Bart McDonald, (EVP/COO) and (Renaissance Regulatory Services, Inc.). A (Corporate Member) of the FSDA

Bart, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Devon, Pennsylvania but spent most of my childhood in Chappaqua, New York. I earned a BS in Marketing from Merrimack College in Andover Massachusetts and then came south to Boca Raton, where I obtained a BA in Economics and my Master of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University. I first learned about the “compliance” side of the financial services industry while completing my MBA and working part-time at Securities Consultants International, LLC, where I prepared Net Capital statements and filed FOCUS reports for broker-dealers with the then Nation Association of Securities Dealers (“NASD”). That experience opened a whole career path in compliance, and after a short stint with Templeton Global Investors, Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, I worked for regulatory compliance practices at KPMG L.L.P. and BISYS Regulatory Services. I then went to work for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Southeast Regional Office, where I was an examiner and Branch Chief from 2004 through 2006. In 2007 I joined Renaissance Regulatory Services, Inc. (“RRS”), as Executive Vice President and Co-Owner where I am responsible for RRS’ investment advisory practice.

Tell us a little about your firm?

RRS provides a comprehensive suite of regulatory compliance consulting and support services designed to help broker-dealers, investment advisors, and other financial institutions meet their ever-changing regulatory requirements. We focus on a customized, “hands on” approach designed to integrate with the firm’s compliance infrastructure. Our consultants work closely with senior management and compliance personnel to assess each firm’s unique needs, develop recommendations, and prepare a project plan to implement the recommended strategy. We offer a wide range of services, which include compliance examinations, policies and procedures, regulatory response and litigation support, ongoing compliance support programs, and business planning, startup, registration, and licensing.

Why is it important for RRS, to be a member of the FSDA?

FSDA’s mission is to advocate on behalf of the industry and provide education opportunities for our members and Florida's investing public.

I believe this aligns with our core values as a Firm. We view ourselves as partners with our clients to help them navigate the regulatory maze. An important element of that is understanding the state and federal securities laws and then communicating them in an understandable and actionable way. In addition, when our clients are going through a regulatory examination, our job is to advocate for them with the regulators to ensure their business practices are properly communicated. The FSDA allows us to provide our clients indirect input with their Florida regulator while utilizing our educational approach to consulting to the wider Florida constituency regarding investor education, financial exploitation of seniors and other vulnerable adults, privacy, and a host of other important issues.

I know that the members at FSDA are incredibly involved locally in the within their communities. Please tell us a little bit about that involvement and your firm’s “give something back” initiative.

We are in the middle of a global pandemic and fortunate to work in an industry that has been less harmed by this pandemic than many other industries. Our Firm, driven by our employees, resolved to give back locally and we have provided time and resources as a group to local food banks, and most recently to preparing non-perishable care packages (socks, granola bars, toothbrushes, water bottles etc.) to hand out to whomever we see or pass by in our daily life that appears in need. That hands on approach works well for our size Firm and is also the approach the FSDA takes regarding financial education and Florida specific regulatory issues.

Bart, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2021, March - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Bill Reilly

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 15:21:15 GMT

Meet Bill Reilly, Associate Director at Oyster Consulting, LLC and an Advisory level member of the FSDA.

We are speaking today with Bill Reilly

Bill, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Connecticut and then moved to Florida in late 1960s; went to college at University of Florida. From 1984 until 2012, during my employment with the Florida Division of Securities, I held several positions, including Bureau Chief, and was responsible for running the Division’s examination program for broker-dealers and investment advisors. During this time, I was also involved in securities regulation at the national level through my association with the North American Securities Administrators Association. In 2012 I joined Oyster Consulting, opening a location in Tallahassee, Florida. While at Oyster I have worked with both broker-dealers and investment advisors to guide them through both proactive and reactive regulatory processes and compliance issues.

Tell us a little about your firm.

Oyster Consulting was formed in October 2008, which, depending on your perspective, was the best of times or the worst of times to start a securities consulting firm at the start of the Great Recession. Oyster provides consulting, software and outsourcing services following a risk-based approach with our clients. We take time to understand risks the organization is experiencing and develop policies, procedures, and practices to mitigate those risks. The team at Oyster includes not just former regulators and CCOs, but operations, trading and finance professionals that make sure our clients get practical results.

Why is it important for you and our firm, to be a member of the FSDA?

Oyster believes that most industry firms and individuals strive to comply with industry regulations and best practices, which protect clients. We work with industry members on compliance issues and participate through the FSDA in the effort to support reasonable regulations and provide educational outreach to investors and industry participants.

As both a consultant and regulator I have worked with industry members and investors to protect senior and vulnerable investors. I have personally seen the devastation which can occur when a senior investor is defrauded, losing some or all of their nest egg intended for their “golden years.” Oyster works with firms on developing effective policies, procedures, and best practices to protect these investors and actively participates in legislative and educational outreach efforts of the FSDA to protect our most vulnerable citizens.

Bill, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

The FSDA strives to showcase a member of our group each month.

2019, December - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: KACY DONLON

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 15:52:40 GMT

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: KACY DONLON

MEET KACY DONLON OF FSDA CORPORATE MEMBER, WIAND GUERRA KING P.A., AND THE INCOMING FSDA PRESIDENT FOR 2020

We are speaking today with Kacy Donlon of Wiand Guerra King P.A., a law firm located in Tampa, Florida.

Kacy, please tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. I attended Birmingham-Southern College where I was fortunate to take study trips to Australia, China and Egypt, and also spent a summer studying at Oxford. This wanderlust led to a Rotary Scholarship to study at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. after I graduated from college. After St. Andrews, I worked as a paralegal doing securities and insurance sales practice litigation. With that experience, my course was set. I attended Washington & Lee University School of Law where I was the Securities Editor for the Law Review. After law school, I clerked for U.S. District Court Senior Judge Seybourn Lynne in Birmingham.

After my clerkship, I started my legal practice in the fall of 1995 at Fowler White Boggs Banker in Tampa, representing broker-dealers in securities arbitrations and insurance companies in sales practice class actions. Several of my partners and I left Fowler White in 2009 and started Wiand Guerra King.

Tell us about your current legal practice and the types of clients that you represent.

The majority of my practice involves the representation of broker-dealer firms and their representatives in FINRA customer and employment arbitrations. This carries over to similar representation in dealing with SROs and state and federal regulators. Additionally, I represent businesses in commercial disputes in both state and federal courts.

Why is it important for Wiand Guerra King P.A., to be a member of the FSDA?

Wiand Guerra King’s main practice is commercial and white-collar litigation with a focus in the financial services industry. Given that the FSDA is the heartbeat for securities firms in the state of Florida, our affiliation with FSDA is a natural fit. FSDA allows our firm to collaborate with others in the industry to serve not just financial services firms but also the investing public through legislative efforts and public education.

I know that the lawyers in your firm are very involved locally in the Tampa Bay area. Please tell us about that involvement and your firm’s desire to give back to the community.

Our firm believes that it is imperative to give back to the community. We have chosen to do that through numerous organizations and initiatives. For years, our firm has been actively involved with the Epilepsy Services Foundation and the Children’s Dream Fund. Additionally, we encourage our attorneys and staff to follow their passions and support charities that help worthy causes.

Kacy, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2019, November - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: NEIL BARITZ

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 20:56:10 GMT

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: NEIL BARITZ

MEET NEIL BARITZ, ESQ. OF FSDA ADVISORY MEMBER BARITZ & COLMAN LLP.

We are speaking today with Neil Baritz of Baritz & Colman LLP, a law firm with offices in Boca Raton, Florida, and New York, New York.

Neil, please tell us a little bit about yourself

I was raised in Roslyn, New York, got my bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology at the University of Rochester and graduated from Brooklyn Law School in 1983. I founded Baritz & Colman LLP in 1996 after having practiced law in New York and Florida. I have spent my entire professional life in the financial services industry. My career began while I was in law school, working in EF Hutton’s Legal Department, where I became in-house counsel upon graduation. I then served as General Counsel to Ehrlich Bober & Company, a publicly traded broker-dealer and registered investment advisor. I moved my family to Florida in 1993, where I worked for two well-known South Florida law firms handling securities arbitration and litigation, before joining one of my clients as the firm’s in-house corporate securities and litigation counsel. In 1996, Baritz & Colman opened its doors for business, where my primary focus has been on the financial services industry.

Tell us a little about your current legal practice and the types of clients that you represent.

My practice is almost entirely focused on the financial services industry. We represent broker-dealers, registered investment advisors, clearing and custodial firms, and their respective associated personnel. I am regularly engaged in matters ranging from entity formation and registration to arbitration and litigation, and from employment to regulatory matters. On behalf of the Firm’s clients, I have represented the industry and its associated persons before AAA and FINRA arbitration panels, state and federal regulators (including Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation, the SEC, and FINRA) throughout the country. On the broker-dealer side, our clients include full-service and discount firms, large and small, and on the investment advisory side, we represent newly formed entities at their inception as well as established firms with multi-billion dollars under management. Part and parcel to both the broker-dealer and investment advisory aspects of our practice, we are regularly engaged to assist our clients with ever increasing licensing and registration challenges. Because of the breadth of our financial services practice, I am regularly asked to present at client and industry conferences around the country, principally in the area of best practices.

How does Baritz & Colman’s New York Office fit into the picture?

While Florida has been home for almost 27 years, I confess to being a New Yorker and remain a diehard Giants fan. On the business side, we have found that whether it’s on the financial services front or in the context of our other practice areas (real estate, corporate, commercial litigation and trust and estates), it’s a perfect fit. Our New York team perfectly complements our Florida business and adds depth to what we are able to offer our clients and collaborative solutions to their challenges.

Why is it important for Baritz & Colman to be a member of the FSDA?

Alex Sarafoglu “recruited” me several years ago, telling me that I needed to get involved with FSDA – and he was right. Since joining, I have found the work that FSDA does, be it education, outreach, or industry advocacy, to be first-rate and committed. For the last several years, I have chaired the Education Committee where I have been involved with a committed team in presenting topical agendas with highly regarded experts in their respective fields. What I find most rewarding about FSDA is its collegiality and the shared goal of advancing industry objectives, while providing education to our membership as well as the public-at-large.

I know that the lawyers in your firm are very involved locally in Boca Raton. Please tell us a little bit about that involvement.

Yes. Our lawyers are involved both at the civic and the charitable levels. One of our lawyers is an elected member of the Boca Raton City Council, while other members are very active with organizations like the local Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, to name a few. My family and I are very involved with the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, one of the most highly regarded such organizations in the country. Through the Federation, we do great work in both local and international arenas. Our particular interest is providing a “safety net” to the community where essential services are not otherwise available or its needs met. To say it’s rewarding is an understatement!

Neil, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2019, October - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: JOHN PEACOCK

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 21:04:00 GMT

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JOHN PEACOCK

MEET JOHN PEACOCK OF FSDA CORPORATE MEMBER, EDWARD JONES.

We are speaking today with John Peacock of Edward Jones.

John, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was raised outside of Philadelphia, PA. I attended college at Excelsior College and earned a BS in Liberal Arts. I joined the U.S. Navy out of high school and served 8 years in the Nuclear Power Program. I worked as a consultant to the Department of Energy before joining Edward Jones in 1995. I was working on my Nuclear Technology degree when I switched careers and joined Edward Jones.

Tell us a little about your career with Edward Jones.

I joined Edward Jones in 1995. I was a single parent with full custody of my 3 sons. I moved to Pensacola to open an Edward Jones office and didn’t know anyone in the area. The training and support provided by Edward Jones allowed me to build my practice and still have time to be a full-time father. Today I manage a successful branch and have a great team of 3 Branch Office Administrators.

What is a typical business day for you at your office in Pensacola?

We focus primarily on the holistic side of financial services. A typical day would be anywhere from 4-6 appointments with return and proactive phone calls in between appointments. My branch team schedules and prepares the information necessary for me to deliver a very focused client-centric experience for the client during the appointment.

I notice that you emphasize saving for college as part of your financial advice. What is the most important rule for grandparents, parents or students to remember in regard to saving for college?

Many of our clients want to provide financial assistance to children or grandchildren for their postsecondary educations. Since it is important that parents and grandparents first have enough assets to accomplish their goals and dreams, we try to make sure that college planning is part of the overall financial picture, rather than a primary objective.

Why is it important for Edward Jones to be a member of the FSDA?

It is important for Edward Jones to be an industry partner and have a voice at the table. We have a very effective Grassroots Task Force that focuses on lobbying Congress on behalf of our clients. The FSDA is a natural extension of this process at the state level.

I know that you are very involved with charitable organizations in Pensacola. Please tell us a little bit about your involvement.

Pensacola has been very good to me. Part of the Edward Jones philosophy is to get involved in the community in which you work and live. I have served on a vast majority of the non-profit boards in town and we sponsor a large amount of charitable functions. I lost a son 19 years ago and this year we will have the 18th Annual Panhandle Charitable Open in his memory. To date, this charitable golf outing has raised over $1.4 million for a variety of charities in the Pensacola area.

John, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2019, September - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: MICHAEL UNDERWOOD

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 00:57:05 GMT

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MICHAEL UNDERWOOD

MEET R. MICHAEL UNDERWOOD OF FSDA CORPORATE MEMBER, BUCHANAN INGERSOLL & ROONEY P.C.

We are speaking today with Mike Underwood of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney P.C., in its Tallahassee, Florida office.

Mike, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Tennessee and spent summers there, but I was raised on the Florida Space Coast, graduating from Satellite High School in Satellite Beach in 1968. I avoided the draft by dumb luck, worked briefly on the Apollo moon launch program and edited an underground newspaper before enrolling at USF in Tampa. From there, I transferred to the University at Buffalo to earn a degree in philosophy. In large part due to the influence of the Watergate hearings, I decided to go to law school and managed to get in-state tuition at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Through law school, I worked part-time for a title insurance company, assisted a law professor to write a new judicial article for the Tennessee Constitution and served as Research Editor of the Tennessee Law Review. After graduation, I returned to Florida and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1980.

Tell us a little about your experience with the predecessor to the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.

The predecessor of OFR was the Office of the State Comptroller, also known as the Florida Department of Banking and Finance. Both the Cabinet position of Comptroller and the Department were abolished in 2002, replaced respectively by the Florida CFO and the Department of Financial Services, of which OFR is an autonomous unit headed by the Governor and Cabinet. From 1982 through 1990, I served Comptroller Gerald Lewis as Deputy General Counsel and Chief Legislative Counsel. In these positions, I prosecuted oil and gas fraud cases in Florida, served as counsel to a Task Force on Securities Regulation chaired by former Governor Rubin Askew and wrote many statutes and rules applicable to banking, securities and consumer finance. I was additionally appointed by Attorney General Jim Smith as a Special Assistant Attorney General to appear for the state twice in the U. S. Supreme Court.

Tell us a little about your current legal practice and the types of clients that you represent.

I became Of Counsel to Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC in 2014 when it combined with Fowler White Boggs where I was a shareholder. Today I work in the firm’s Litigation practice, chiefly in administrative law, representing business clients before government. I also serve in the Firm’s Blockchain Practice Group and Financial Services Industry Group. My clients include broker-dealers, investment advisors and their associated persons as well as banks, insurers and financial technology firms. I appear before OFR, FINRA, SEC, FinCEN, OCC, the Federal Reserve Board and other state and federal regulators.

Why is it important for Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney P.C. to be a member of the FSDA?

I have been a member of FSDA for approaching thirty years and a member of its Board of Governors for a dozen years. Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney succeeded Fowler White Boggs as a corporate member. Since the merger in 2014, senior partners of the firm like Hala Sandridge and Stan Yorsz have taken part in FSDA events. We regard these as networking opportunities, keeping up with the current and potential clients and staying informed about issues of concern to the industry we serve.

I know that you are very involved with Big Bend Cares in Tallahassee. Please tell us a little bit about this organization and your involvement.

Big Bend Cares is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency that provides education and comprehensive support to people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. It serves the mainly rural eight-county area surrounding Tallahassee in the Florida Panhandle. My wife, Zilpha, has been a volunteer at Big Bend Cares for many years and a few years ago, after a career in journalism, joined the staff. During the holiday season, the Tallahassee office of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney adopts a family served by Big Bend Cares to donate gifts through its Holiday Angels program. In this photo our conference room was filled with presents for a family with five children ages 5 to 14 whose dark and difficult holiday was, we hope, brightened by our efforts.

Mike, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2019, August - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: JODI PERRY

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 20:49:01 GMT

This month’s Member Spotlight is Jodi Perry, Raymond James Financial

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JODI PERRY

MEET JODI PERRY OF FSDA INSTITUTIONAL MEMBER, RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL.

We are speaking today with Jodi Perry of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.

Jodi, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was raised in St. Petersburg, Florida; went to college at Eckerd College; and worked for a small local accounting firm before joining Raymond James.

Tell us a little about your career with Raymond James Financial.
I’ve been with Raymond James for more than 25 years. I started in an operational area (one that no longer exists, thanks to technology), and then moved into sales with our asset management group after a few years, selling fee based products to our financial advisors. Enjoying the sales process, I moved into recruiting for about a decade to work with financial advisors who were interested in leaving their firms to join Raymond James. I then moved in regional management where I was responsible for a seven-state region with nearly 350 offices. Last year, I moved into my current role as president of the independent contractor division. Time has flown by because I’ve had so many opportunities within the firm, and have had the chance to lead multiple teams in each of my prior positions, which is one of my favorite things to do.

What is the typical business day for the President/Independent Contractor Division at Raymond James Financial Services?
It varies, which keeps it exciting. I might meet with our advisors, meet with advisors from other firms who have expressed an interest in joining Raymond James, travel to offices or attend industry conferences. Sometimes I meet with various Raymond James departments regarding products, services, technology or new regulations. Never a dull moment!

Why is it important for Raymond James Financial to be a member of the FSDA?
In a word - advocacy. As a financial institution based in Florida, the FSDA represents the industry in regulatory and legislative matters. I’ve had the opportunity to lobby for important industry-related bills in Tallahassee alongside other regional and national firms. Knowing I can impact the industry positively is gratifying to me as an industry professional. I also enjoy the outreach programs – whether it’s educating young people on financial literacy, the elderly on potential scams, or educating children on the dangers of certain cyber activity, the FSDA members work for the good of both investors and the industry.

I know that you are very involved with a charitable organization. Please tell us a little bit about this organization and your involvement.
I sit on the Board of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. I started volunteering there some time ago and was thrilled to be invited to sit on the board. The free clinic first started, as the name would indicate, as a clinic for healthcare for those who couldn’t afford it in underserved communities. Eventually, it grew into the addition of a food bank that provides food to families, the elderly, and my favorite program, “Pack a Sack,” which provides food for children each Friday who might not otherwise have food to eat on the weekends during the school year. The clinic also has a men’s residence, a women’s residence and a family residence. Being involved in an organization that specializes in providing basic human needs – healthcare, food and shelter is extraordinarily meaningful to me.

Jodi, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2019, July - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: KEN CERRUTO

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 14:06:03 GMT

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: KEN CERRUTO

MEET KEN CERRUTO OF FSDA CORPORATE MEMBER, RBC WEALTH MANAGEMENT

We are speaking today with Ken Cerruto, Senior Vice President-Financial Advisor with RBC Wealth Management.

Ken, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Answer: I was born and raised in New Jersey, graduated from Rutgers University, became licensed in the financial services industry in 1979 and earned my CFP designation in 1988. Before joining RBC Wealth Management in 2013 we ran our practice with Raymond James and Associates.

I know that you are a member of REACH Wealth Solutions, an advisory team at RBC. How long have you worked with your team?

Answer: We formed our team in 2010 and penned REACH Wealth Solutions in 2014. REACH is an acronym that stands for Responsible Ethical Accountable Caring Honorable. The foundation of our practice is built upon these character traits. No exceptions.

Why do you believe the team concept benefits your RBC clients?

Answer: In today’s world of financial services it’s important to identify the value that separates you from another practitioner, especially when social media has been driving investor focus toward cost, not value. We believe it’s difficult for one person to offer holistic comprehensive planning and guidance with consistency and sustainability. Having a team with a disciplined process that understands and properly executes their respective roles has enabled us to leverage our practice, provide the capacity for growth, increase levels of service and administer to the changing needs of our diverse clientele.

Why is it important for RBC to be a member of the FSDA?

Answer: As one of the world’s leading diversified financial services companies, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), has a long heritage of integrity and unwavering dedication to the clients they serve. These objectives are similarly aligned with the FSDA which is an association dedicated to preserving the integrity of the financial services industry in Florida. The FSDA works closely with legislators, regulators and investors to ensure high standards are both set and met to protect and sustain the suitable delivery of financial services within the state.

I know that you are very involved with Full Court Press on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Please tell us a little bit about this organization and your involvement.

Answer: In early 2014 my brother-in-law, a practicing dentist in New Jersey was diagnosed with ALS otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. At the time I really didn’t know much about the disease like many others who are unaware until it affects someone they know. We also realized that since so few are diagnosed with ALS relative to other diseases, research funding was not, and is not, high on the funding list compared to cancer, heart disease etc. Today, most ALS funding goes towards providing aid to the families and the patients for care and equipment. My brother-in-law was always passionate about basketball and coaching in his spare time. He would rent gymnasiums at night during the winter months in New Jersey in many of the inner cities to keep young men off the streets. He structured basketball programs designed to divert young men from joining gangs and required adherence to rules in order to participate in the programs. My brother-in-law along with our family founded Full Court Press on ALS with the goal of using basketball as a tool to raise awareness for a disease that does not receive a lot of attention due to the limited number of people affected by it. The foundation helps fund research through major medical organizations across the country with the hope of someday finding a way to slow, and ultimately cure this misunderstood and horrible disease.

Ken, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2019, June - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: STEVEN M. GREENBAUM

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 14:21:23 GMT

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: STEVEN M. GREENBAUM

MEET STEVEN M. GREENBAUM OF FSDA CORPORATE MEMBER, TRADESTATION SECURITIES, INC.

We are speaking today with Steven M. Greenbaum, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of TradeStation Securities, Inc.

Steve, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Answer: I was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, the son of the youngest person, at the time, to become a Merrill Lynch branch manager. When I had the chance to “escape” the freezing north, I headed to New Orleans for college at Tulane University where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Policy, along with my law degree. My first real job was with a group of lawyers at a Florida law firm whose specialty was securities defense litigation. I started practicing in the early 1980’s when the law regarding mandatory arbitration was still developing. Following the stock market crash of October 1987, I joined PaineWebber as a litigator, handling scores of arbitrations, many of which were filed following the crash. By the mid-1990’s, I joined PaineWebber’s Legal Counseling Group where I provided advice and counsel to retail branch offices in Florida and other southern states. By the late 1990’s-around the time PaineWebber was acquired by UBS-I was promoted to manage the Legal Counseling Group, a position I held until I resigned from UBS at the end of 2005, for a brief stint as a sole practitioner, before joining TradeStation in 2008. For years, I have been a FINRA non-public arbitrator and a Florida Supreme Court-certified mediator.

How long have you served as General Counsel of TradeStation?

Answer: Since 2009.

Tell us about your typical day as the General Counsel of TradeStation.

Answer: Each day starts with a manager’s huddle where business initiatives, the market and legal, compliance and risk issues are discussed in a collaborative setting. Thereafter, I meet with my team (which consists of the AML and Fraud Prevention groups) to make sure we are doing everything possible to help manage risk, enhance the client experience and remain compliant with the securities laws and regulations. Each day is chock full of meetings (Legal always has a seat at the table), and I also administer TradeStation’s dispute resolution process which involves handling directly, or through outside counsel, arbitrations, CFTC reparations and court cases. I also partner regularly with the Chief Legal Officer of our holding company and our affiliate’s contracts attorney.

Why is it important for TradeStation to be a member of the FSDA?

Answer: Although TradeStation is not a typical broker-dealer (we neither make recommendations nor offer investment advice to our self-directed online trading clients), as a Florida-based company with many Florida-licensed representatives, we are still subject to the same rules and regulations that govern full-service broker-dealers. I believe that it is important to network with and share our somewhat unique perspective on the securities industry with representatives from all types of brokerage and advisory firms, and to collectively advocate for fair laws designed to protect the investing public. We, at TradeStation, also embrace the FSDA’s mission to provide education opportunities for Florida’s investing public, a goal that falls squarely in line with TradeStation’s mission to encourage investors and traders to gain more knowledge so that they can make better investment and trading decisions.

I know that you are very involved with I Care I Cure Childhood Cancer Foundation, Inc. Please tell us a little bit about this organization and your involvement as Co-President.

Answer: I Care I Cure’s mission is to fight childhood cancer by: (1) funding childhood cancer research with an emphasis on cutting-edge, targeted therapies to make treatments gentler and more tolerable; (2) raising the public’s awareness about scientific breakthroughs in genetic childhood cancer research that are within reach, but seriously underfunded; and (3) funding community outreach programs to help local families manage the challenges associated with raising children suffering from cancer. As a parent of a child who suffered, but endured, the ravages of chemotherapy, I am passionately committed to helping families fight this dreaded disease. I am proud to serve as Co-President of this great local charity with Wes Holston, Managing Principal of Bressler Amery & Ross, also a FSDA member.

Steve, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2019, May - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - Vadim Khavinson

Mon, 06 May 2019 19:25:47 GMT

MEET VADIM KHAVINSON OF CAPITAL FORENSICS, INC.

We are speaking today with Vadim Khavinson of Capital Forensics, Inc.

Vadim, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a native of Belarus and came to the United States with my family when I was in my teens. I worked as a physical trainer and tennis coach to put myself through the University of Illinois, where I earned my undergraduate degree in Finance. Based on my strong interest in data analytics, I began my career with CFI as an analyst after graduating in 2002. Jay Rosen had built a very successful firm based primarily on expert witness testimony in financial services, and he had plans to expand the firm’s consulting capabilities. I knew that the ability to analyze large data sets would play an important role in the growth of the Firm. I was excited to be part of the team that would help make that happen. I also realized that the more experience I obtained, the more I wanted to learn. I then enrolled in the MBA program at Northwestern’s Kellogg School and received my Executive MBA.

How long have your served as Chairman and CEO of Capital Forensics, Inc?

I’ve been with CFI for 17 years. I never felt the desire to work anywhere else. After 2 years of working as an analyst and immersing myself in all aspects of the business, I was promoted to Vice President and served in that role for nearly 5 years. At that time, I became CFI’s President where I served for more than 8 years before assuming the role of Chairman and CEO in 2016. Since coming on-board in 2002, CFI has grown, from 7 people to a team of 50 full-time employees, and 27 subject matter experts. Our firm’s capabilities have expanded far beyond expert witness testimony, and now include a broad range of services covering regulatory and compliance consulting, forensic accounting and litigation support. We’ve also become recognized as the securities industry leader in arbitration-related data and services. I expect CFI to continue to expand over the next few years, both in terms of professional depth and the scope of our expertise.

Due to how the firm has grown over the years, both with the number of people and the range of capabilities we now possess, I spend most of my time on management and strategic planning issues to ensure that we’re delivering value to all our clients. But on those occasions where I’m asked to be more involved in a specific matter, I’m able to dig in and remember why I became so captivated by this, so many years ago.

Why is it important for CFI to be a member of the FSDA?

CFI has always sought to be associated with professional organizations that share our institutional values and are respected throughout the industry. FSDA has established a reputation as one of the securities industry’s most respected trade associations, and CFI is proud to be a member. From a business perspective, Florida remains a growing, vibrant economy. As that market continues to expand, many of our clients will need to address the demand for specialized expertise they may either not possess internally, or not require on a full-time basis. CFI intends to provide those firms with the outside resources they will need to serve the Florida market in the most professional, time-efficient manner. The FSDA has a commitment to bringing positive changes to the financial services sector in the State, and we are committed to assisting them.

Tell us more about CFI’s decision to focus on solutions leveraging data analytics.

As Regulators have incorporated their use of data analytics, firms must be armed with similar capabilities. Data analytics is the basis for everything that CFI does, whether it’s a single customer’s account analysis or a firmwide regulatory review.

More than 8 years ago, FSDA’s former President, Trish Cowart, asked us to create a system that would assist her with arbitrator rankings. Building on nearly twenty years of expert witness work in arbitrations, CFI recognized that the industry required a more sophisticated tool kit to apply arbitration tactics effectively, so we set out to raise the bar, in terms of the quality of information and how that data could be leveraged. We created the ArbSelector®, which now incorporates more than 35 years of arbitration awards, in addition to other data points collected. We also developed a MockArb® process, that enables firms to prepare more effectively for high stakes arbitrations.

Vadim, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2019, April - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: LOUIS DEMPSEY

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 20:16:37 GMT

MEET LOUIS DEMPSEY OF FSDA CORPORATE MEMBER, RENAISSANCE REGULATORY SERVICES, INC.

We are speaking today with Louis Dempsey, President of Renaissance Regulatory Services, Inc.

Louis, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Answer:

I’ve been employed in the industry for about 30 years. Starting an as an examiner with the State of Florida’s Division of Securities, later joining the SEC’s Miami Regional Office as a Staff Accountant and subsequently serving as a Branch Chief. I spent a few years consulting with a large financial services company and founded RRS in 2006. My first experience in securities markets was when I was 12. My father gave me my first shares of stock, ConEd and told me to let the dividends reinvest - it ultimately helped finance college. I was hooked on markets from that point. In college, I studied Economics, focusing on International Trade and Finance. That’s where I started in public service. First with the Department of Revenue and then, after graduation, with the Comptroller’s office. FSU - Tallahassee - was a great place to learn about the workings of government.

How long have your served as President of Renaissance?

Answer:

RRS started in my spare bedroom in 2006. We had two clients who pried me out of a comfy office at the SEC and I’ve served as “President” ever since. We work as a team, so I don’t really use that title internally. While in many ways we’re old school when it comes to hierarchy and structure within the firm, we want everyone to feel like they are on an equal footing. Focusing on titles tends to limit creativity and initiative. We like everyone to stretch beyond their boundaries. That’s critical for small firm and for delivering the level of service we strive for.

How hectic is a day in the life of the President of Renaissance, and what does it involve?

Answer:

We’re mission driven and my days tend to be fluid, so we really focus on the goals and deadlines, not on any one day’s agenda or accomplishments. We start each week with a Monday morning meeting to go over each active client project, filing deadlines, and our sales pipeline. It’s hard to stick to a daily schedule when you run a small business and travel as much as we do. Conference season, and my commitment to FSDA and other associations, have me on the road for several weeks at a time, which makes day to day management challenging. If I’m in the office, which is rare at certain times of the year, I try to help with whatever fires are burning. Most of the time I find that the team has it handled and prefer me to stay out of the way. I use the weekends to catch up, deal with financial operations, IT - I’m the “defacto” CFO/CTO – and keep up to date on significant regulatory developments. We have a great team at RRS, and they keep the engine running.

I know you're a member of the FSDA Membership Committee. Tell us a little bit about what that committee does.

Answer:

Yes, I’ve chaired it for the past few years. What a privilege to serve on an FSDA committee. Broadly, we work to develop initiatives to recruit and facilitate the onboarding of new members. For example, we develop ideas for membership drives, materials for members to use to recruit new members, and practices for educating and involving new members. We also encourage members to get involved and spread the word within their organizations so we can identify and recruit the “next generation” FSDA board member. This is critical for the long-term success of the FSDA’s mission, which is invaluable, not only for the industry, but for investors in the State of Florida. The membership committee helps to facilitate all FSDA’s efforts - education, regulatory, legislative. Membership committee members include the most active FSDA members. They are active in all our outreach programs and contribute considerable time and effort to the FSDA mission.

Why is it important for Renaissance to be a member of the FSDA?

Answer:

Honestly, when I started RRS in 2006, my involvement was primarily for business development – making contacts – but that’s changed over that past several years. FSDA’s executive director when I joined, O’Bannon Cooke, was gracious and helped me get my foot in the door. He probably offered me the first discount membership. It wasn’t long after joining that I realized what an important role FSDA plays in Florida and I learned a lot about its history from other members. As RRS business has grown our focus is more about supporting FSDA’s educational outreach, regulatory and legislative initiatives. It’s not so much about business development for RRS anymore, but to give back. Over the past 30 years, the industry has changed more than it had since the passage of the 33/34 Acts. Changes to market structure, products, services and even key market participants. The two constants are that a small number of bad actors will keep scamming, making the industry look bad, and the regulators will keep coming with their broad-brush approach. But that’s another discussion.

FSDA does great things for the industry and investors – it shines a positive light on the industry in Florida, and that benefits us all.

I know that you are very involved with senior investor and teen financial literacy issues. Please tell us a little bit about your involvement with these issues.

Answer:

Teen financial literacy first. After the financial crises it became clear that the lack of basic financial knowledge for so many young adults. We assumed that everyone is provided a basic level of financial education before leaving high school, apparently not. This is critically important for our economy and the growth of wealth and wellbeing in Florida - and across the country. FSDA has also partnered with the Florida Atlantic University and Palm Beach County Schools to provide financial literacy in elementary schools. I’ve participated in that program as well. I have to say presenting to a room full of fourth graders was the most intimidating, yet rewarding, experience I’ve had in my professional life. I gained a greater appreciation for what teachers face each day. Luckily for me the curriculum provided was excellent and the kids loved it.

As for seniors, I’ve worked my entire career in South Florida. When I started in the industry years ago, I worked on consumer complaints and fraud investigations. Many of the victims were elderly retirees, widows and widowers. I saw first-hand how elderly investors are exploited by fraudsters, “confidence” men and women. There are so many issues we face as we grow older. Physical and mental health decline, our networks of trusted friends grow smaller, family may be distant, and we become more vulnerable to exploitation. Over the past several years we saw the impact of cognitive decline with my own father. It can be devastating.

FSDA’s focus in this area is critically important for long term economic health and protection of investors. Let’s face it, we’re all potential victims of exploitation as we grow older. And, it’s not just a customer issue, it’s an employee issue. So FSDA focuses its efforts on industry and consumer educational outreach programs. I’m glad FSDA and its members are on the frontline in Florida, working with regulators, legislators, community leaders, and law enforcement to protect investors.

Louis, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2019, March-MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: JENNIFER STOUT

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 19:14:00 GMT

MEET JENNIFER STOUT OF FSDA CORPORATE MEMBER, BATES GROUP, LLC

We are speaking today with Jennifer Stout, Chief Executive Officer of Bates Group, LLC.

Jennifer, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Answer: I am a born-and-raised Oregonian and love living in the Portland area. I graduated from University of Portland and worked for Arthur Anderson as a tax accountant before joining Bates in 1993.

How long have your served as CEO of Bates Group?

Answer: I have been the CEO of Bates Group since we re-acquired ourselves from LECG in 2011. I am also thrilled to be the majority owner of Bates as well. For the last 8 years, we have been focused on growth in three practice areas: Litigation & Regulatory, Compliance Consulting and AML/Financial Crimes. Our team of experienced industry professionals support financial services clients and their counsel in litigation consultation and testimony, regulatory and internal investigations, compliance matters, AML services, forensic accounting, damages and big data consulting. Bates also offers Arbitrator Evaluator™, a new generation of intelligent analytics for identifying and selecting the best arbitrators for customer and intra-industry cases.

You have worked at Bates for more than 25 years. Tell us about your history at Bates, from your start as a financial analyst to your position as CEO.

Answer: I began my career at Bates Capital as a financial analyst. It was a unique opportunity to learn about the financial services industry in a growing litigation support firm. I performed many different roles as I grew in my career, including analyst, consultant, quantitative testifier and senior manager. I have been fortunate to work with highly talented co-workers and clients, all of whom have helped me develop as a leader.

I know you're a member of the FSDA Financial Oversight Committee. Tell us a little bit about what that committee does.

Answer: I am a new member to the committee, which has been created to oversee the stewardship of our organizations funds, and to provide recommendations on best practices for use of the funds. I am very excited to be a part of the committee.

Why is it important for Bates Group to be a member of the FSDA?

Answer: When I first learned about FSDA from Alex Sabo, I was impressed with the active membership and the history of the group. It is important to me that Bates supports and engages in industry organizations—like many of our clients—striving to have a positive and lasting impact. I feel strongly that FSDA does just that. We are thrilled to be a part of this dynamic organization.

I know that Bates Group is very involved with community activities. Please tell us a little bit about your involvement with these issues.

Answer: Individually and as a company, Bates employees participate in a variety of community volunteer activities. Every year our leadership team chooses a charity to support and involves entire staff participation. This past year we contributed to a food and clothing drive for the Sunshine Division and we created an all-company service project for the Sexual Assault Resource Center of Oregon.

https://www.batesgroup.com/about/bates-in-the-community

Jennifer, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

www.BatesGroup.com

2018, October - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: LAURA HAWLEY

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 14:29:41 GMT

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: LAURA HAWLEY

MEET LAURA HAWLEY OF ALLEN & COMPANY AND A FSDA CORPORATE MEMBER.

We are speaking today with Laura Hawley, President of Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.

Laura, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was raised in Elyria, Ohio; went to college at Florida Southern College; and joined Allen & Company in 1983, the week after graduation from FSC.

How long have your served as President of Allen & Company?

I have been on the Allen & Company Board for over 15 years and have served as Chairman of our Executive Committee for over 10 years. I became President earlier this year.

How hectic is a day in the life of the President of Florida’s oldest securities firm, and what does it involve?

No two days are the same! We are indeed the oldest securities firm (est. 1932), but anyone who has spent some time in the securities industry can attest to the vast changes and challenges of the business. I am very fortunate to be part of a highly engaged leadership team that works so well together. Our number one goal is to enhance the client experience which we accomplish by recruiting & retaining excellent advisors and managing risk in an environment of increasing regulatory demands. We must also keep pace with technology, balancing the needs/wants of advisors/clients relative to the cost/benefit of new technology, all of which make for full and exciting days!

I know you're a member of the FSDA Scholarship Committee. Tell us a little bit about what that committee does.

The FSDA is passionate about education, therefore The O’Bannon M. Cook FSDA Investment in the Future Scholarship Program was established to recognize and assist employees and their immediate family members of FSDA members who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership skills and commitment to service, along with an interest in pursuing a career in the securities industry or business in general. There are two scholarships awarded each calendar year.

Why is it important for Allen & Company to be a member of the FSDA?

We have been members for over 50 years and have experienced the enormous transition in the securities industry. The FSDA’s role as a champion for the Florida financial services industry has grown considerably over the years, and now focuses on protecting the community of investors that we serve through legislative activities, educational outreach programs for consumers and advisors, and financial literacy education for students.

I know that you are very involved with the Lakeland, Florida, community. Please tell us a little bit about how you give back to your community and why that is important to you.

Giving back to the community is just what we do at Allen & Company. Our associates serve on over 40 different boards. I have served on several non-profit and municipal (City of Lakeland) boards throughout the years. My passion is health and education within our community. I am currently Chairman of Lakeland Regional Health and advisor to the Barney Barnett School of Business with Florida Southern College. I also have taught financial literacy to students of all ages for on behalf of the FSDA and Junior Achievement, and I am also a director for the Give Well Community Foundation of Lakeland.

I also know that you have a weekly radio program, which is broadcast on a station in Lakeland. Tell us a little bit about the program and how you got involved with radio.

As an educator at heart, I believe that knowledge is power regardless of your age. “Dollars & Sense” has been on the air (live) for more than 25 years, each week discussing different financial topics, planning strategies and global/community issues with guests from Oprah Winfrey’s life coach, bestselling authors, financial gurus, Former President Mary Robinson (Ireland’s first female President) and co-hosts from Allen & Company. It has been deeply gratifying.

Laura, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

2018, September - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Daniel Newman

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 18:20:45 GMT

2018, September - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Daniel Newman

MEET DANIEL NEWMAN OF FSDA CORPORATE MEMBER NELSON MULLINS BROAD AND CASSEL

We are speaking today with Daniel Newman, a partner with the law firm of Nelson Mullins Broad and Cassel in Miami, Florida. Dan currently is secretary of FSDA.

Dan, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was raised in Roslyn, New York and attended college at The George Washington University, graduating with a B.B.A. majoring in Finance. I received my JD from the University of Miami School of Law. I am a Partner at the law firm of Nelson Mullins Broad and Cassel. Prior to joining my current firm in 2005, I was at the law firm of Tew Cardenas, and prior to that I was an attorney in the Division of the Enforcement of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

How would you describe your law practice?

I am a litigator and a problem solver. I regularly represent entities and individuals in a variety of business and securities-related issues. My practice primarily consists of 1) securities litigation in federal and state courts and in arbitration; 2) securities regulatory advice and representation; and 3) business litigation and advice.

I know along with being Secretary for the FSDA’s Board, you are the Chair of the FSDA Legislative Committee, and have served as Chair for two years. Tell us a little bit about your role and your committee.

The FSDA, through the Legislative Committee, actively represents its members’ interests before the Florida Legislature. In this regard, the Committee advocates for the advancement of proposed legislation that is consistent with the FSDA’s mission and its members’ interests. Further, the Committee also monitors proposed legislation and trends in Tallahassee and elsewhere that may affect its members. For example, we recently teamed up with other industry participants to sponsor legislation that exempts securities professionals from having to obtain a separate mortgage brokers license in order to have certain conversations with their clients about mortgages or refer clients to a mortgage broker. The law went into effect during the summer of 2018. This past legislative session, our Committee with the guidance of Sean Stafford, our consultant, and along with SIFMA and other industry participants, was instrumental in drafting and obtaining sponsors for legislation that would allow brokerage firms to protect senior investors by pausing transactions placed for customer accounts that the firm suspects are initiated for purposes of theft and exploitation. The House and Senate Bills moved through the legislative process this past session. Although the bills successfully passed through several different committees, after compromises were reached, the proposed legislation was not submitted to the Governor. We plan on again advocating for passage of legislation this session. Consistent with our mission, we are also advocating for passage of legislation that would provide for mandatory financial literacy coursework in Florida High Schools.

Why is it important for Nelson, Mullins, Broad and Cassel to be a member of the FSDA?

The FSDA is a leader in the State for advocating for the financial services industry and providing education to youth and adults about finance and potential scams to avoid. As lawyers practicing in this area, it is critical for us to be aware of the issues impacting our clients and to be involved in advocating for change when warranted. Through discussions with FSDA members, we are able to learn first-hand about trends and issues impacting the industry. Further, our involvement allows us to advocate for positive change on educational and legislative initiatives. The FSDA Board is one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated groups with which I have had the pleasure to work. While many organizations talk about ways to improve their industry and the surrounding community, the FSDA effectively and thoughtfully takes action. The legislative initiatives, educational programs and outreach efforts are just a few examples. In addition, on a more personal note, I thoroughly enjoy every chance I have to spend time and exchange ideas with my friends at the FSDA.

Dan, I know that you still play hockey. Tell us about your keen interest in hockey.

I grew up in the northeast as big New York Islander ice hockey fan. I was always amazed at the combination of skills necessary for the players to develop and implement in order to play the game. Oddly, I did not start playing ice hockey until, as a practicing attorney, I moved to sunny South Florida. I love new challenges, so I signed up for clinics to learn how to skate better, stick handle and shoot the puck. I then found a group of people who were looking to play league hockey and we formed a team. For me, the camaraderie of team sports at any age is something special. Some nights we won, some nights we lost, but we always had a great time (and a really good workout). I also took the opportunity to apply what I learned so I could coach my daughter’s youth roller and ice hockey teams. I have been fortunate through hockey to have made incredible friendships through the years and have had a lot of laughs. I am similarly fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the FSDA team.

Dan, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

Next month, Laura Hawley of Allen & Company, will be “In the Spotlight.”

2018, August - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: ANDY HIRSCH

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 18:22:31 GMT

2018, August - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: ANDY HIRSCH

MEET ANDY HIRSCH OF FSDA CORPORATE MEMBER ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO., INC.

We are speaking today with Andy Hirsch a Senior Vice President with Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. (“Robert W. Baird”) in Tampa, Florida. Andy was the 2007-2008 president of FSDA.

Andy, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Answer: I was raised in Tampa, FL. and went to college at Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania and then The Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University, in Macon GA. After graduation, I worked for E.F. Hutton, L.F. Rothschild and Drexel Burnham before joining Robert W. Baird & Co. in 1993. I just celebrated my 25th anniversary with Baird.

What do you do at Robert W. Baird?

Answer: I am a Financial Advisor and the co-founder of The Hirsch Group, a team dedicated to working with high net-worth clients and companies needing comprehensive financial planning services. I also serve as Branch Manager for our Tampa office.

I know you're the Chair of the FSDA Nominating Committee, and have served as Chair for several years. Tell us a little bit about your role and your committee.

Answer: My role is to continue the tremendous leadership chain we have within our organization. Finding members to step-up and lead our organization today and into the future is what this committee is all about.

Why is it important for Robert W. Baird to be a member of the FSDA?

Answer: Baird has a number of offices throughout the state of Florida and it is important for us to be tied to the pulse of our industry which the FSDA allows us to do. Just as importantly the FSDA helps financial services firms, big and small, wire house to independents, keep engaged in the laws and regulations which impact how we perform our business practices in the state and nationally as well. Finally, the comradery of the Board of Governors and the entire organization is amazing-I have made some great friends along the way from all over the state.

Andy, I know that you are also a member of the Board of Tampa Bay Job Links (TBJL). Tell us about that organization and what it does.

Answer: TBJL is a non-profit organization that provides individuals with career guidance and job-search coaching, and provides area employers with qualified pre-screened candidates. TBJL rose from the ashes of the economic decline we suffered in 2008/2009 which wreaked havoc on employment. Since then, TBJL has grown in prominence and community influence in helping the unemployed find opportunities.

Next month, Dan Newman, Partner of Broad and Cassel will be “In the Spotlight.”

2018, July - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW - Patricia (Trish) Cowart

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 15:41:26 GMT

MEET Patricia (Trish) Cowart of FSDA, Institutional Member with Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

Patricia (Trish) Cowart, Senior Company Counsel
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
100 NE 3RD Ave, Suite 610,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

Email: patricia.cowart@wellsfargoadvisors.com

Phone: 954-713-0762
Institutional Member
www.wellsfargo.com

Trish, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Answer: I was raised in South Louisiana, mostly New Orleans, but I lived in a few other true Cajun Country towns such as Morgan City and Port Sulphur; I went to school at Stetson where I studied political science and Spanish (so I got to go to the Universidad de Madrid for a semester too!) and then went to the University of Florida for law school; I was a partner at the law firm of Ruden McCloskey before joining PaineWebber / UBS and then moved over to Wachovia Securities in 2004 which of course became Wells Fargo Advisors in 2009.

What do you do at Wells Fargo Advisors?
Answer: I have held a range of management roles and now I am in the Wealth and Investment Management Litigation group of the Legal Department. Primarily I handle FINRA arbitrations but also see a wide variety of other litigation. I also am a part of the Senior Leadership Board at the firm.

I know you're a member of several FSDA Committees. Tell us a little bit about what each committee does.
Answer: Goodness, that could take me hours! I was the Chair for several years of the Education Committee and that is where I first developed my strong attachment to FSDA. This Committee has three areas of focus: (1) industry outreach and education events, (2) elder fraud education directed to the investing public and (3) teen financial literacy. I am also an active member of the Legislative Committee. Last year, as President, I made a number of trips to Tallahassee as part of our efforts to get support for the mortgage licensing exemption law that ultimately passed and was signed into law by the Governor. FSDA also supported proposed legislation related to creation of additional tools for firms to use in connection with elder fraud prevention as well as our continuing support for making a course in financial literacy mandatory for Florida high school students. FSDA also has other Committees such as our Scholarship Committee but Education and Legislative are the two I have worked with the most.

Why is it important for Wells Fargo Advisors to be a member of the FSDA?
Answer: One of the reasons is that Florida is such a leading state in securities law development. We often see statutes enacted here first that influence other states. In addition, of course, Florida is a large and important market. FSDA gives us access to information and contacts that are unique to the FSDA. It’s also great to meet with like-minded people who sincerely have a strong focus on investor education and protection for citizens of our state.

Trish, I know that you have a special passion for the opera. Tell us about the South Florida opera scene.
Answer: You are certainly right – I am very passionate in my love for opera! South Florida is fortunate to have the Florida Grand Opera (FGO), the oldest performing arts organization in Florida and the seventh oldest opera company in the country. FGO’s season consists of four operas – at least one of which is always focused on showcasing contemporary opera with a Hispanic focus. Last year Before Night Falls by Jorge Martin and this year Florencia en el Amazones by Daniel Catan were stunning and are works not generally as available outside of South Florida. I’m looking forward to next year when they will perform Frida by Robert Xavier Rodriguez in addition to ones from the standard repertoire: La Boheme, The Marriage of Figaro and Werther. I already have my subscription! We also have a huge base of opera lovers in South Florida who regularly attend the live transmission of ten operas each season from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York at movie theaters. We love to chat on the Facebook Page “Met Opera Live in HD Fans” started by an opera fan from Tampa. That group now has over 10,000 members worldwide and I’ve become friends with opera lovers not only from Florida but many other states as well as from Germany, England, Japan, Australia, etc. It’s a great time to be an opera lover.

Trish, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.

Next month, Andy Hirsch, of RW Baird will be “In the Spotlight.”

2018, June - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW - MITCH BELL

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 17:58:39 GMT

2018, June - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW - MITCH BELL

Mitchell Bell
Director at Pershing LLC a BNY Mellon Co
300 Colonial Center Pkwy, Suite 400, Lake Mary, FL 2746

Email: mbell@pershing.com

Phone: (321) 249-4086

Member Level: Corporate Member

Website: www.pershing.com

MEET MITCH BELL OF FSDA CORPORATE MEMBER, PERSHING LLC.
We are speaking today with Mitch Bell, Director of Global Client Relationships with Pershing, a BNY Mellon company.

Mitch, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was raised in Metuchen, NJ, went to school at Johnson & Wales University and after graduation went to work for Merrill Lynch before joining Pershing in 1997.

What do you do at Pershing?
I am a Director and a Senior Relationship Manager for Pershing, a BNY Mellon company, in the Global Client Relationship group.

For 25 years, I’ve had the incredible the opportunity to grow businesses and partner with some really talented people within our client base, Pershing and our parent company BNY Mellon. It’s been a career path driven by passion, life-long learning and embracing challenges.

Today, I’m fortunate to work strategically to foster client relationships with some of the largest most complex broker-dealers and the advisors they serve. Importantly, we are working to help them fulfill business plans and goals by leveraging the resources of our entire firm. It’s a unique role that provides me with the opportunity to work closely with the executives that are running a broker-dealer. By investing in their success, we are often able to compliment what they already do really well. It’s personally and professionally rewarding to see our client succeed.

I know you're a member of the FSDA Scholarship Committee. Tell us a little bit about what that committee does.
The FSDA offers two or more, $2,000 scholarships, to members of the FSDA. They may be utilized by anyone within the member firm. All information is under our scholarships tab on our website.

Why is it important for Pershing to be a member of the FSDA?
The FSDA has shown great commitment to positive change in financial services around critical issues such as adopting new business models, addressing new regulations and dealing with product complexity. Importantly, they have developed a trusted and constructive relationship with Florida Legislators and the investment community. These important issues are crucial for Pershing and the clients we serve. We are proud to work side-by-side with FSDA as we move ahead in these exciting and challenging times.

I know that in June Pershing will host its annual INSITE conference, which will take place this year in Orlando. Tell us a little bit about why an investment adviser or financial adviser should consider attending INSITE 2018.
For 20 years, INSITE has brought industry leaders together to discuss prominent issues, trends and best practices. This year, home office professionals and advisors will have a chance to explore the major issues they are facing, such as regulatory and technology changes, while networking with those who are passionate about this business. Take a look at our sessions; they have been uniquely developed to customize your experience by choosing the breakout sessions that interest you most.

Mitch, has Pershing extended to employees of FSDA members any exclusive offers to attend this year’s INSITE conference?
Absolutely! I’d be happy to have anyone affiliated with the FSDA as my guest. I’ve arranged to have our conference fee waived for INSITE 2018 when you use Priority Code "FSDA" at registration so please join us June 6-8, 2018, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. Visit BNYMellonINSITE.com to learn more, and register today!

Mitch, thanks for taking time to speak with us today. INSITE 2018 sounds like a wonderful event. The FSDA urges employees of all FSDA members to consider attending, and if you or your firm have not yet joined FSDA, now is an exciting time to do so to take advantage of this opportunity and to reap all the other benefits of FSDA membership.

Next month, Patricia Cowart an attorney with Wells Fargo Advisors will be "In the Spotlight."

Florida Securities Dealers & Advisors Member Spotlight

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Joena Bartolini Mitchell

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Don Lee, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at FinWebTech.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: A. Brad Busscher, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, InspereX LLC

Meet A. Brad Busscher, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, InspereX LLC . An individual member of the FSDA.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Lia Rolle, Sr. Manager, Counsel for the Senior and At-Risk Clients (SARC) Team and Raymond James and Associates.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Andy Shipe, Associate General Counsel in the Private Client Group at Raymond James

Member Spotlight: Lisa M. Marsden, IACCP® President/Founder of Coulter Strategic Services. A General/Advisor Member of the FSDA

2022 January - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: George Chuang, CFA, President and CEO, Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc., and Advisory Member of the FSDA.

2021 November - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Dionne Fajardo, Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel at Element Pointe Advisors, LLC

2021 September - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Joshua Cefkin, Sr. Director, Client Services and Brokerage Operations, TradeStation Securities Inc.

2021 August - Heather Cooper, Associate Attorney of FSDA Advisory Member Baritz & Colman LLP

2021 July - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Julia Richardson, VP, Supervision-Fiduciary Services at Raymond James.

2021, June - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Hank Sanchez, Managing Director, Bates Group LLC.

2021, May - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Leo Peraza

2021, April - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Bart McDonald

2021, March - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Bill Reilly

2019, December - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: KACY DONLON

2019, November - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: NEIL BARITZ

2019, October - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: JOHN PEACOCK

2019, September - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: MICHAEL UNDERWOOD

2019, August - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: JODI PERRY

2019, July - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: KEN CERRUTO

2019, June - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: STEVEN M. GREENBAUM

2019, May - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - Vadim Khavinson

2019, April - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: LOUIS DEMPSEY

2019, March-MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: JENNIFER STOUT

2018, October - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: LAURA HAWLEY

2018, September - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: Daniel Newman

2018, August - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: ANDY HIRSCH

2018, July - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW - Patricia (Trish) Cowart

2018, June - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW - ​MITCH BELL

2018, June - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW - ​MITCH BELL

2018, June - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW - MITCH BELL

2018, June - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW - MITCH BELL