G.A. Repple & Company – Regulatory History & Investor Claims
The White Law Group is investigating potential securities claims involving G.A. Repple & Company (CRD#: 17486/SEC#: 801-63426,8-35315), a Florida-based broker-dealer and investment adviser with a history of regulatory actions. Recent sanctions by the SEC and FINRA raise concerns about the firm’s supervision of its financial advisors, disclosure of conflicts of interest, and adherence to fiduciary obligations. Investors who have suffered losses with G.A. Repple may have claims to recover damages through FINRA arbitration.
Recent Regulatory Actions Against G.A. Repple & Company
G.A. Repple & Company has been the subject of multiple enforcement actions in recent years, highlighting ongoing compliance and supervision concerns:
- September 23, 2024 – The SEC issued a cease-and-desist order for willfully violating sections of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The firm allegedly recommended certain mutual fund share classes and cash sweep products without fully disclosing conflicts of interest, resulting in higher costs to clients.
- September 30, 2024 – The SEC ordered G.A. Repple to repay over $500,000 to clients for undisclosed conflicts of interest and breaches of fiduciary duty involving mutual fund share class selection and revenue sharing. The firm also failed to seek best execution and did not adopt and implement compliance policies reasonably designed to prevent violations. Read the SEC order here.
Firm Background
Founded in 1982, G.A. Repple & Company offers a variety of financial products including mutual funds, annuities, and private placement investments. As a dual registrant, the firm is regulated by both FINRA and the SEC and must comply with rules governing suitability, supervision, and disclosure.
Broker-dealers have a duty to conduct thorough due diligence on all investment products they offer and to ensure that investment recommendations are in the best interest of their clients. Failure to do so can lead to significant investor harm — and potential liability for the firm.
Broker Misconduct
- Paul Wesley Witthauer (CRD#: 1672263) – A broker and investment adviser with the firm, reportedly has two customer disputes — one pending for $125,000 and another settled in 2022 for $115,000 — alleging unsuitable investment recommendations.
- Thomas Maroun Hakim (CRD#: 1170096) – A former broker barred by FINRA in 2020 after failing to provide requested information in an investigation involving undisclosed tax liens and judgments. Over his 34-year career with seven firms, including G.A. Repple & Company, Hakim amassed 18 disclosures, primarily large federal and state tax liens totaling millions of dollars, as well as a prior employment termination and a 1973 misdemeanor case.
FINRA Arbitration vs. Class Action
Investors with claims against a brokerage firm often have the option to pursue recovery through FINRA arbitration rather than joining a class action lawsuit. FINRA arbitration is generally faster and more streamlined, allowing investors to present their case before a panel of neutral arbitrators. Class actions, while sometimes appropriate for widespread harm, often result in smaller recoveries per investor and can take years to resolve.
Recovery Options for Investors
If you have suffered investment losses with G.A. Repple & Company, you may be able to recover damages through a FINRA arbitration claim. The White Law Group has over 30 years of experience representing investors nationwide in securities fraud and arbitration matters, recovering millions on behalf of clients.
Free Consultation
For a free, confidential review of your potential claims, contact The White Law Group at (888) 637-5510 or visit whitesecuritieslaw.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why has G.A. Repple & Company faced regulatory action?
The SEC and FINRA have cited the firm for supervisory failures, undisclosed conflicts of interest, breaches of fiduciary duty, and inadequate compliance policies, particularly in connection with mutual fund share class selection and alternative investments. - What are my options if I believe my broker made unsuitable investment recommendations?
You may be able to pursue recovery through FINRA arbitration, where an independent panel reviews your claim. This process is typically faster than class action litigation and allows for individualized awards. - How does broker due diligence affect my case?
Broker-dealers must perform thorough due diligence on all products they recommend and ensure that investments align with a client’s objectives, risk tolerance, and financial needs. Failure to do so may be grounds for a claim.
