FINRA Bars Ex-Prudential Broker Who Forged Clients' Signatures

Prudential did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

More Details

Buono entered the securities industry in March 2017, when he joined Pruco in an unregistered capacity, according to FINRA. In May 2017, while employed by the firm, Buono became registered as a Series 6 investment company and variable contracts products representative.

However, on Oct. 17, 2018, Pruco filed a Form U5 reporting that Buono voluntarily resigned after allegations that he "created email accounts for two customers and submitted annuity applications on their behalf without their knowledge, including signing their electronic signatures, thereby obtaining compensation to which he was not entitled," according to a disclosure on his report at FINRA's BrokerCheck website.

Buono became associated as an IR with Taylor Capital Management after leaving Pruco, according to BrokerCheck. But that firm filed a Form U5 on Oct. 31, 2018, stating it discharged Buono because it learned of the Form U5 filed by Pruco, according to the FINRA AWC letter.

FINRA canceled Taylor's license in October 2019, after it failed to pay outstanding fees, according to BrokerCheck.

— Related on ThinkAdvisor:

• 3 More Ex-Wells Fargo Execs Settle With Regulators
• PPP Loan Recipients Are Lawyering Up
• Ex-Merrill Rep Indicted; Accused of Bilking Pastors, Churchgoers