Brokerage Firm Compliance Expert Witness | FINRA Rules & Regulations Expert Witness

At the onset of her career, Catherine worked as an associate principal examiner for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Her main tasks were to facilitate routine cycle examinations for the organization’s member firms and to conduct investigations into various customer complaints, registered representative’s terminations, and regulatory tips. In her eight years of tenure, Catherine dealt with Anti-Money Laundering (AML), financial, and fraud investigations that broadened her knowledge of AML procedures, brokerage operations and compliance requirements, as well as FINRA, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) regulations. 

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Since 2012, Catherine has provided compliance and fraud investigation services to various firms, nonprofits, and charities. Among her many contributions include direct supervision of brokers and dealers in structuring supervisory procedures; investigation of Federal Securities Law violations; and prompt resolution to emerging issues and policy concerns. Driven by a strong desire to effect improvement in all areas, Catherine is recognized for turning uncertainty and chaos into order and harmony, thus definitely making positive impact.

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Catherine demonstrated her leadership at Elara Securities, Inc as the Chief Compliance Officer and AML officer, the Chief Compliance Officer of an independent RIA in Tampa, FL, and is currently a supervising principal at Mutual Securities, Inc. Employing her excellent risk assessment and investigative skills, she expertly led efforts in identifying, evaluating, mitigating, and reporting on compliance and reputational risks across the company. Catherine also oversaw the internal processes for promoting and ensuring the company’s compliance with laws, regulations, company policies, and contracts. In addition, she took charge of formulating, modifying, and implementing all compliance-related policies and procedures; while making sure they were communicated and trained upon across the company. 

 

Catherine finished her bachelor’s degree in Economics at the State University of New York. Moreover, she has undergone various professional trainings, obtaining FINRA Security Series 7 and Series 24 licenses along with Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist designations from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists, respectively. Apart from her business and work endeavors, Catherine allots considerable time into community and volunteering activities. She founded and currently managing the Southern Tier Search and Rescue K9s, an organization committed to community support for missing persons. 

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Professional Experience

 

• Barrington Financial Consulting Group, Inc. – Expert Witness | Litigation Consultant (Nov 2019 - Present)

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• Fundamental Compliance Consulting, LLC - Managing Director (Apr 2012 - Present)

  

• ​TruClarity Wealth Partners - Chief Compliance Officer (Jul 2019 - July 2020)​

  

• Lynn Real Estate Holdings, LLC - Executive Director (Dec 2018 – Present)​

  

• Chemung Canal Trust Company - BSA / AML Officer; Audit Manager (Dec 2016 - Feb 2018)​​

  

• Elara Securities, Inc. - Chief Compliance Officer (Apr 2013 - Jun 2017)​

  

• Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) - Associate Principal Examiner (Oct 2005 - Apr 2012)​

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Education

 

• State University of New York College at Buffalo

  • Bachelor's Degree: Economics

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Certifications

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• Series 7 - General Securities Representative Qualification Examination

• Series 24 - General Securities Principal Qualification Examination

• Certified Fraud Examiner

• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist - (Feb 2009 - Present)