US broker admits $100m fraud

clock

The boss of a futures brokerage has pleaded guilty to embezzling over $100m from 24,000 customers in the US state of Iowa.

Russell Wasendorf, founder of Peregrine Financial Group faces at least 24 years in jail after admitting to charges including mail fraud, embezzling customer funds and making false statements to two regulatory agencies. His customers were invested mainly in commodities, including corn and gold, and have not been able to access their accounts since the firm filed for bankruptcy in July, the BBC reports. However, with the company's assets, including a corporate jet and a publishing company, being sold off, they are expected to gain back an initial 30-40% of their investment in the coming...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

FCA to cut corporate bonds red tape to drive greater retail investor and wealth manager access

FCA to cut corporate bonds red tape to drive greater retail investor and wealth manager access

Move intended to boost UK growth

Linus Uhlig
clock 31 January 2025 • 2 min read
Partner Insight:  Future-proofing your business:  The case for investment outsourcing

Partner Insight: Future-proofing your business: The case for investment outsourcing

Schroders' Jamie Fowler and Philip Chandler explain why outsourcing is a proactive strategy that can transform your advisory business.

Schroders
clock 31 January 2025 • 2 min read
Watch Professional Adviser's Working Lunch with Orbis now: Risk and return from the bottom up

Watch Professional Adviser's Working Lunch with Orbis now: Risk and return from the bottom up

Catch up on the discussion

Professional Adviser
clock 31 January 2025 • 1 min read