FL OFR Press Releases

OFR Warns Unlicensed Check Cashers, Issues Subpoenas in Operation CheckBox

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) conducted Operation CheckBox, a statewide sweep targeting convenience store retailers operating unlicensed self-service check-cashing machines. The OFR issued warning letters, subpoenas, and document requests to over a dozen unlicensed entities and began formal investigations of three related companies for potential violations of Chapter 560, Florida Statutes.

Florida SB 180 Securities Regulation

Florida Office of Financial Regulation Commissioner Russell C. Weigel, III issued a statement on Governor DeSantis signing Florida Senate Bill 180 – Securities Regulation. The bill takes effect October 1, 2023, and eliminates issuer-dealer registration requirements and issuer escrow requirements, exempts advisers to private funds from registration, reduces a filing fee, and establishes continuing education requirements for associated persons of investment advisers and federal covered advisers.

Orlando Man Arrested for Alleged Elder Investment Fraud Scheme

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation announced the arrest of Anthony Michael Hernandez on charges of organized fraud, exploitation of the elderly, unregistered securities sales, and bank fraud. Hernandez is accused of orchestrating a $1.6 million investment fraud scheme targeting more than 300 mostly elderly investors across 37 states. Bond was set at $1.95 million.

Former Naples Man Sentenced for Role in Investment Scam

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation announced that Konstantinos Konstantinou was sentenced to four years in prison and 25 years probation for defrauding an elderly couple through a fake T-Bond investment scheme. Konstantinou must pay $707,395 in restitution. He was not registered as a securities dealer when he solicited the investment.

Robert Humphrey sentenced 10 years probation for $412,500 investment fraud targeting seniors

Robert Humphrey sentenced 10 years probation for $412,500 investment fraud targeting seniors

Florida Orders Cease and Desist for Unregistered Securities

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) issued an immediate final order against GSB LTD, d/b/a GS Partners, and other members of GSB Group. The order requires them to cease and desist from alleged unregistered and fraudulent securities and banking services, citing a multilevel marketing scheme and misleading profit generation information.

Alliance Credit Union of Florida Placed into Conservatorship

Florida's Office of Financial Regulation placed Alliance Credit Union of Florida into conservatorship on November 8, 2024, appointing the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) as conservator. Member accounts remain protected by the NCUA's Share Insurance Fund, and services will continue uninterrupted.

Bayview Fined $20M for Cybersecurity Lapses

The Office of Financial Regulation and 52 state agencies fined Bayview Asset Management and its affiliates $20 million for deficient cybersecurity practices and failure to cooperate following a data breach impacting 5.8 million customers. The companies must also implement corrective actions and undergo independent assessments.

Vanguard Agrees to $106 Million Multistate Settlement

Vanguard has agreed to a $106 million multistate settlement with state securities regulators and the SEC for failing to supervise registered persons and disclose tax consequences to investors. The settlement aims to compensate over 10,000 Florida investors and potentially hundreds of thousands nationwide for capital gains taxes incurred due to fund changes.

OFR Settles with Binance.US Money Transmitter in Florida

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) has reached an agreement with BAM Trading Services, Inc. (Binance.US), a licensed money transmitter. This settlement addresses procedures to protect Floridians and the marketplace, following a prior multi-state settlement related to a felony conviction.