MFDA announces disciplinary proceeding in respect of Harold Backer

TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2017 /CNW/ - The Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada ("MFDA") has commenced disciplinary proceedings in respect of Harold Magnus Backer ("Respondent"). In its Notice of Hearing dated September 12, 2017 ("Notice of Hearing"), Staff of the MFDA alleges that the Respondent engaged in the following conduct contrary to the By-laws, Rules and/or Policies of the MFDA:

Allegation #1: Between May 15, 2002 and November 17, 2015, the Respondent failed to repay or otherwise account for approximately $1,230,712 that he solicited from at least 6 clients and 2 individuals to invest in a fictitious mutual fund, thereby failing to deal fairly, honestly and in good faith with clients and engaging in conduct that is unbecoming and detrimental to the public interest, contrary to MFDA Rule 2.1.1.

Allegation #2: Between May 15, 2002 and November 17, 2015, the Respondent fraudulently induced at least 10 clients and 5 individuals to invest in non-existent mutual funds, thereby failing to deal fairly, honestly and in good faith with clients and engaging in conduct that is unbecoming and detrimental to the public interest, contrary to MFDA Rule 2.1.1.

Allegation #3: Commencing June 28, 2017, the Respondent failed to cooperate with an investigation into his conduct by Staff of the MFDA, contrary to section 22.1 of MFDA By-law No. 1.

The first appearance in this proceeding will be held by teleconference before a Hearing Panel of the MFDA's Pacific Regional Council on October 19, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. (Pacific), or as soon thereafter as the appearance can be held, in order to schedule a date for the commencement of the hearing on the merits and to address any other procedural matters. The first appearance will take place in the hearing room at the MFDA offices, located at 650 West Georgia Street, Suite 1220, Vancouver, British Columbia, and will be open to the public, except as may be required for the protection of confidential matters. The hearing on the merits will take place in Vancouver, British Columbia at a time and venue to be announced.

A copy of the Notice of Hearing is available on the MFDA website at www.mfda.ca. During the period described in the Notice of Hearing, the Respondent carried on business in the Victoria, British Columbia area.

The MFDA is the self-regulatory organization for Canadian mutual fund dealers, regulating the operations, standards of practice and business conduct of its Members and their approximately 83,000 Approved Persons with a mandate to protect investors and the public interest. For more information about the MFDA's complaint and enforcement processes, as well as links to 'Check an Advisor' and other Investor Tools, visit the For Investors page on the MFDA website.

SOURCE Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada