The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards announced that it had imposed an interim suspension against a Texas financial professional.
In a news release, the CFP Board announced it had taken the action against John Poulos of Colleyville, whose CFP® certification was suspended as of February 17, 2023.
The board said the motion for an interim suspension was filed in January after Poulos was charged with “femicide,” or the intentional killing of a woman or girl for her gender, and obstruction of justice on January 26 in Bogota, Colombia.
A hearing panel of the CFP Board’s Disciplinary and Ethics Commission determined that the board had demonstrated by the evidence that Poulos’ conduct posed a significant threat to the public or that his conduct significantly impinged on the reputation of the profession and upon the CFP® certification marks. His right to use the CFP® certification marks was therefore suspended pending the board’s completed investigation and possible further disciplinary proceedings.
According to his report on the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s BrokerCheck website, Poulos was registered as a broker with Vanguard Marketing Corporation in Scottsdale, Arizona from April 2022 until last month.
As part of their certification, CFP® professionals make a commitment to abide by the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct. Any alleged violations are investigated by the board and when there is probable cause to believe there are grounds for sanction, a complaint is filed with the board’s Disciplinary and Ethics Commission. If the Commission determines there are grounds for sanction, then it may impose a sanction. Members of the public can view any individual’s CFP Board disciplinary history and CFP certification status by checking CFP.net/verify.
Lewitas Hyman PC represents advisors, brokers and other financial professional in all matters involving the CFP Board, including CFP Board investigations. Headquartered in Chicago, our securities attorneys represent clients nationwide. For more information relating to CFP Board investigations and discipline or other matters, contact Lewitas Hyman at (888) 655-6002 or through our online contact form for a free consultation.
