FINRA Bars South Florida Broker Who Declined to Cooperate With Investigation

Isaiah Thomas Williams Jr. (CRD#: 6211219) is a previously registered broker and investment adviser. From April of 2017 to January of 2025, Mr. Williams Jr. was a representative of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated in Boca Raton, Florida. He was separated from the firm following allegations of misconduct. As Mr. Williams Jr. failed to cooperate with a FINRA investigation into those allegations, he has been barred from the industry. Here, our Miami investment fraud attorney provides a more detailed overview of the case.

Broker Resignation: Isaiah Thomas Williams Jr. Formerly of Merril Lynch 

In December of 2024, Isaiah Thomas Williams Jr. was permitted to voluntarily resign from Merrill Lynch. The Boca Raton-based broker and financial advisor faced allegations of professional misconduct involving the misappropriation of assets, unsuitable investment recommendations, and improper outside business activity. That resignation came after a customer filed an arbitration complaint with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). As of July of 2025, that complaint is still listed as pending by FINRA.

FINRA Sanctions: Violation of Rule 8210 

Earlier this year, former Merrill Lynch broker Isaiah Thomas Williams Jr. was permanently barred from the securities industry by FINRA for his failure to comply with Rule 8210. In February of 2025, FINRA sent out a request for information to Mr. Williams seeking cooperation with its investigation into his separation from his brokerage firm. However, in violation of industry rules, Mr. Williams declined to provide the requested financial documentation and he declined to sit for on-the-record testimony. FINRA could not complete its full investigation into the allegations of misappropriation of assets, unsuitable investment recommendations, and improper outside business activity. Without admitting or denying any wrongdoing, Isaiah Thomas Williams Jr. consented to FINRA’s proposed penalties, including a permanent bar from the securities industry.

An Overview of FINRA Rule 8210 

FINRA is a self-regulatory organization authorized by Congress to oversee U.S. broker-dealers. Among other things, it writes and enforces rules, conducts examinations, and disciplines financial advisors and brokerage firms. FINRA Rule 8210 is the primary regulation that grants the organization the authority to investigate allegations of misconduct. Indeed, FINRA Rule 8210, grants FINRA broad authority to request documents, information, and testimony from member firms and associated persons in connection with investigations, examinations, and disciplinary proceedings. The rule is foundational to FINRA’s enforcement capacity. Not only does it allow the organization to compel cooperation, but it carries a heavy penalty for violations. If a broker or broker-dealer violates FINRA Rule 8210, it can be barred from the securities industry. To be clear, investors can still pursue remedies against a broker or broker dealer that does not comply with an investigation.

 Speak to Our Miami, FL FINRA Arbitration Lawyer Today

At ​Carlson & Associates, P.A., our Miami investor losses attorney has the knowledge and expertise you can trust. We hold brokers and financial advisors accountable. If you or your loved one suffered serious investment losses, we are here to help. Contact us today for your confidential initial consultation. We fight for justice for investors throughout Florida.

Source:

brokercheck.finra.org/individual/summary/6211219