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.

Ryan Christopher Gold
AWC/2009018050801

Gold engaged in an outside business activity without providing prior written notice to his member firm. Prior to joining the firm, Gold entered into an agreement with a company that seeded hedge funds, to provide advisory services, and which permitted the company to publicly disclose that Gold was a member of the advisory board.

Upon his association with the firm, Gold disclosed his ownership interest in a hedge fund seeded by the company and another unaffiliated company, but failed to provide written notice concerning his ongoing affiliation with the company and continued providing it with advisory services. Because Gold terminated the agreement, he did not receive compensation from the company for his work while associated with his firm.

Ryan Christopher Gold : Fined $5,000; Suspended 45 days

Tags: Hedge Fund