SEC charges Florida RIA with fraud

SEC charges Florida RIA with fraud
Fusion Analytics and head Michael Conte misled investors, agency charges.
AUG 18, 2021

The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged Fusion Analytics Investment Partners, a Coral Springs, Florida-based registered investment advisory firm managing $50 million, and Michael J. Conte, its chief executive, with breaches of fiduciary duty and fraud.

According to the SEC's complaint, Conte and his firm solicited retail investors and clients of the firm to purchase promissory notes issued by Fusion Holdings, the firm’s parent. The firm raised $1.4 million from 10 investors from 2010 to 2016 without disclosing material facts regarding the RIA firm’s declining financial condition.

The complaint further alleges that Conte made material representations to investors regarding the firm’s profitability and the safety and soundness of the promissory notes.

The SEC is seeking permanent injunctions and, on a joint-and-several basis, disgorgement with prejudgment interest and civil penalties against all defendants.

Many parents still clueless about college costs

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.