Broker Bradley Drude Suspended and Fined due to Undisclosed Conflict of Interest
Drude’s failure to disclose details surrounding fraud of elder investor drives FINRA action
In response to allegations surrounding his relationship with an elderly investor, Louisiana-based broker Bradley Drude agreed to an Offer of Settlement to FINRA in which he was assessed a deferred fine of $25,000 and suspended from association with any FINRA member in any capacity for six months, according to the FINRA Disciplinary Action report.
It is alleged that Drude failed to disclose that an elderly client had named him as executor and beneficiary in her will and granted him general power of attorney. It is also alleged that he typed a new will for the client naming himself as such and drove the client to a notary’s office to have her sign it—all without the involvement or assistance of the client’s attorney. The estate was valued at approximately $3 million. When the client requested a change to the will, it is alleged that Drude prepared a codicil to the will, but did not drive the client to the notary to have it notarized, knowing it would be invalid without notarization.