MFDA announces disciplinary proceeding in respect of Lachman Balani

TORONTO, Aug. 15, 2019 /CNW/ - The Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada ("MFDA") has commenced disciplinary proceedings in respect of Lachman Hassaram Balani ("Respondent"). In its Notice of Hearing dated June 19, 2019 ("Notice of Hearing"), Staff of the MFDA alleges that the Respondent engaged in the following conduct contrary to the By-laws, Rules and/or Policies of the MFDA:

Allegation #1: Commencing February 13, 2017, the Respondent failed to cooperate with an investigation by MFDA Staff into his conduct, contrary to section 22.1 of MFDA By-Law No. 1.

Allegation #2: Between October 2010 and November 20, 2016, the Respondent prepared and submitted new account application forms and investment loan applications for at least two clients which the Respondent knew or ought to have known contained false, misleading or incorrect information, thereby failing to observe the high standards of ethics and conduct in the transaction of business and engaging in conduct unbecoming an Approved person, contrary to MFDA Rule 2.1.1.

Allegation #3: Between October 2010 and November 20, 2016, the Respondent misrepresented, failed to fully and adequately explain, or omitted to explain, the risks, benefits, material assumptions, features and costs of a leveraged investment strategy that he recommended to at least two clients, thereby failing to ensure that the leveraged investment recommendations were suitable for the clients and in keeping with the clients' investment objectives, contrary to MFDA Rules 2.2.1 and 2.1.1 and MFDA Policy No. 2.

Allegation #4: Between October 2010 and November 20, 2016, the Respondent failed to ensure that the leveraged investment recommendations he made to at least two clients were suitable for the clients and in keeping with the clients' investment objectives, having regard to the clients' relevant "Know Your Client" information and personal and financial circumstances, including but not limited to the clients' ability to afford the costs associated with the investment loans and withstand investment losses, contrary to MFDA Rules 2.2.1 and 2.1.1 and MFDA Policy No. 2.

The first appearance in this proceeding will take place by teleconference before a Hearing Panel of the MFDA's Central Regional Council on September 10, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern), or as soon thereafter as the appearance can be held, to schedule a date for the commencement of the hearing on the merits and to address any other procedural matters. The appearance will be open to the public, except as may be required for the protection of confidential matters. Members of the public who would like to listen to the teleconference should contact hearings@mfda.ca to obtain particulars.

A copy of the Notice of Hearing is available on the MFDA website at www.mfda.ca. During the period described in the Notice of Hearing, the Respondent conducted business in Brampton, Ontario.

The MFDA is the self-regulatory organization for Canadian mutual fund dealers, regulating the operations, standards of practice and business conduct of its Members and their approximately 81,000 Approved Persons with a mandate to protect investors and the public interest. For more information about the MFDA's complaint and enforcement processes, as well as links to 'Check an Advisor' and other Investor Tools, visit the For Investors page on the MFDA website.

SOURCE Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada