NOTE: Stipulations of Fact and Consent to Penalty (SFC); Offers of Settlement (OS); and Letters of Acceptance Waiver, and Consent (AWC) are entered into by Respondents without admitting or denying the allegations, but consent is given to the described sanctions & to the entry of findings. Additionally, for AWCs, if FINRA has reason to believe a violation has occurred and the member or associated person does not dispute the violation, FINRA may prepare and request that the member or associated person execute a letter accepting a finding of violation, consenting to the imposition of sanctions, and agreeing to waive such member's or associated person's right to a hearing before a hearing panel, and any right of appeal to the National Adjudicatory Council, the SEC, and the courts, or to otherwise challenge the validity of the letter, if the letter is accepted. The letter shall describe the act or practice engaged in or omitted, the rule, regulation, or statutory provision violated, and the sanction or sanctions to be imposed.

Paulson Investment Company, Inc., and Trent Donald Davis (Principal)
AWC/2007007406901

Acting under Davis’ direction and control, the Firm participated in private placements of securities. The private placement memoranda for the offerings provided that the offerings were contingent upon receiving subscription agreements for established minimums, and the financing agreements provided that the escrow agent shall promptly return all escrowed funds to the investors should the contingencies not be met. The business bank accounts were established in the issuers’ names, into which the offering proceeds were deposited, and these business accounts failed to conform to the requirements of SEC Rule 15c2-4 for accounts holding investor funds pending satisfaction of an offering contingency. 

Paulson Investment Company, Inc. and Trent Donald Davis: Censured, Fined $10,000 jt/several; Required to provide certification that the firm has complied with SEC Rule 15c2-4 to FINRA within 10 business days of the closing of all contingent offerings conducted by the firm during the 12 months following acceptance of this AWC.