Keith Fitz Gerald Master Settlement Agreement

Keith Fitz-Gerald, a renowned financial analyst, made headlines in 2009 when he was involved in a Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The MSA was a result of an investigation by the SEC into insider trading allegations involving Fitz-Gerald and his investment advisory firm, the Fitz-Gerald Group.

The investigation began in 2008 when the SEC received information that Fitz-Gerald had made trades on behalf of clients that were based on inside information. The investigation revealed that Fitz-Gerald had received tips from a business partner at a publicly traded company. He then used this information to make trades on behalf of his clients.

As part of the MSA, Fitz-Gerald agreed to pay a $350,000 penalty and to disgorge $785,000 in profits that were generated from the trades. He also agreed to be barred from associating with any investment advisor or broker-dealer for a period of five years.

Fitz-Gerald admitted to the SEC that he had violated federal securities laws and agreed to cooperate with the SEC in any future investigations. He also agreed to review the policies and procedures of his investment advisory firm to ensure that they comply with federal securities laws.

The MSA received a lot of attention in the financial industry, highlighting the importance of compliance with federal securities laws. It also demonstrated that even well-known financial professionals can be subject to investigations and penalties if they violate securities laws.

The Fitz-Gerald Group has since undergone significant changes and rebranding as Money Map Press, but the repercussions of the MSA with the SEC have had a lasting impact on Fitz-Gerald`s reputation in the industry.

In conclusion, the Keith Fitz-Gerald Master Settlement Agreement serves as a reminder that compliance with federal securities laws is crucial for all financial professionals. This case also highlights the need for transparency and ethical conduct in the industry to maintain the trust of clients and investors.