Ejiro Ode Okuma (EJ Ode Okuma): FINRA Bar, Customer Allegations, and Investor Concerns
Ejiro Ode Okuma, also known as EJ Ode Okuma, is a former registered broker and investment adviser with CRD No. 5774832. According to FINRA’s BrokerCheck records, Okuma has reportedly been the subject of multiple disclosures, including a pending customer dispute involving allegations of conversion and a recent FINRA Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (AWC) related to his refusal to cooperate with a FINRA investigation.
Okuma was reportedly registered with Equitable Advisors, LLC, after spending more than a decade with Edward Jones. He is no longer registered with FINRA.
Broker Background and Registration History
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Name: Ejiro Ode Okuma (EJ Ode Okuma)
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CRD Number: 5774832
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Years of Experience: 15
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Former Firms:
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Equitable Advisors, LLC (2023–2025)
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Edward Jones (2010–2023)
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Current Status: Not registered with FINRA or any state
Okuma was previously registered both as a broker and as an investment adviser, meaning he may have owed clients heightened fiduciary duties depending on the capacity in which he was acting.
Employment Separation After Allegations
According to FINRA disclosures dated June 16, 2025, Okuma was reportedly permitted to resign from Equitable Advisors after the firm suspended him due to allegations involving misappropriation by a non-Equitable Advisors client. Employment separations tied to allegations of misuse of client funds are considered serious red flags for investors.
Pending Customer Dispute Alleging Conversion
A customer dispute filed on June 4, 2025, remains pending. The claimant alleges that Okuma:
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Took control of the claimant’s accounts
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Converted funds for personal benefit
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Systematically enriched himself and a family member
The customer is seeking $9,143,000 in damages.
Allegations of conversion—essentially taking client money without authorization—are among the most serious forms of broker misconduct and often lead to FINRA arbitration claims, regulatory enforcement actions, or both.
FINRA BAR: Failure to Cooperate With Investigation
FINRA recently announced an Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (AWC) involving Okuma arising from an investigation into allegations that he converted funds from an elderly customer.
FINRA Rule 8210 Violations
Under FINRA Rule 8210, brokers and associated persons are required to provide information and documents requested by FINRA during an investigation. Rule 8210 is a cornerstone of FINRA’s enforcement authority.
According to the AWC:
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On September 17, 2025, FINRA sent Okuma a request for information and documents related to its investigation.
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Through counsel, Okuma acknowledged receiving the request.
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Okuma refused to produce the requested information or documents.
By refusing to cooperate, FINRA found that Okuma violated:
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FINRA Rule 8210 (failure to provide requested information)
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FINRA Rule 2010 (failure to observe high standards of commercial honor)
A refusal to cooperate with FINRA often results in a bar from the securities industry, as it prevents regulators from fully investigating alleged misconduct.
Why Rule 8210 Violations Matter to Investors
FINRA depends on Rule 8210 to protect investors and police misconduct. When a broker refuses to cooperate:
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FINRA is unable to obtain critical evidence
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Investor harm may go unresolved
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The refusal itself becomes an independent basis for discipline
For investors, a Rule 8210 violation—especially when tied to allegations of conversion involving an elderly client—raises serious concerns about trustworthiness and compliance.
Investor Losses and FINRA Arbitration Options
Investors who believe they were harmed by Ejiro Ode Okuma may have the right to pursue recovery through FINRA arbitration, which is the primary forum for resolving disputes between investors and brokerage firms.
Potential claims may include:
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Conversion or misappropriation
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Breach of fiduciary duty
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Failure to supervise
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Negligence or unjust enrichment
Brokerage firms may be held responsible for failing to properly supervise their representatives, even if the broker is no longer registered.
How The White Law Group Can Help
The White Law Group represents investors nationwide in FINRA arbitration claims involving broker misconduct, including conversion, elder financial abuse, and supervision failures. With offices in Seattle and Chicago, our firm has decades of experience handling cases against major brokerage firms and financial advisors throughout the 50 states.
If you or a loved one invested with Ejiro Ode Okuma and suffered losses, you may have legal options. Consultations are free and confidential.
Contact The White Law Group
Call: 1-888-637-5510
Website: thewhitelawgroup.com
