Ryan Tarjanyi, Formerly of Trustmont Financial Group, Named in FINRA Investigation Alleging Various Forms of Misconduct

FINRA alleged that Tarjanyi falsified documents and forged customer signatures.

Ryan Owen Tarjanyi (CRD#: 6065805) was registered as a broker with Trustmont Financial Group from 2018 until 2020. Previously, Tarjanyi was registered as a broker with Bankers Life Securities from 2016 until 2018.

Tarjanyi has eight disclosures on his BrokerCheck report. One of the customer disputes against Kopman was denied and one was closed with no action taken.

September 2020 Investigation

• Initiated By: FINRA
• Description of Investigation: FINRA Case #20190619433: On September 24, 2020, FINRA made a preliminary determination to recommend that disciplinary action be brought against Ryan Tarjanyi alleging violations of FINRA Rules 2150(a) and 2010 in that Tarjanyi falsified documents, forged customer signatures, and misrepresented the terms of an insurance policy (the forgeries facilitated unauthorized withdrawals from customer funds); and Violation of FINRA Rules 8210 and 2010 in that, in response to a Rule 8210 request, Tarjanyi provided false testimony.

September 2020 Customer Dispute

• Status: Settled
• Allegations: On July 12, 2018 BLC received a written complaint alleging that the client did not sign up for a Limited Convalescent Care Policy with BLC in July 2017 and ask to have the policy cancelled. BLC did not categorize this as a complaint and canceled the policy pursuant to the policyholder’s request. A document was requested in the course of a FINRA Cause Exam relating to the financial representative who sold the BLC policy to the client. As part to BLC’s investigation of the complaint, it was discovered the check used to fund the Limited Convalescent Care Policy was endorsed by a different client and a separate check related to another client was also inaccurately endorsed. The Special Investigative Unit (SIU) of BLC did a independent review of possible forgery and determined that the signatures appearing on the checks were not consistent with the client’s signatures on file. SIU reported this as possible fraud to the Ohio Department of Insurance. BLC determined this matter should be categorized as a customer complaint. The Client’s paid premium plus interest was refunded on May 28, 2020 in the amount of $3056.00. Although the Limited Convalescent Care Policy is not a Security it is reported as possible forgery.
• Damage Amount Requested: $2,890.00
• Settlement Amount: $3,056.00
• Broker Comment: The Registered Representative maintains that the client never expressed concern or regret on purchasing the coverage and did not cancel it until he left the firm.

February 2019 Customer Dispute

• Status: Settled
• Allegations: Clients stated that they purchased five annuities issued by BLC in October and November of 2017. The client alleged that one of the annuities was to be purchased in a tax-free exchange, resulted in a sizable tax liability. The client further alleged that the remaining four annuities were unsuitable as each had a ten-year surrender schedule and maturity dates inappropriate for their needs and living expenses. The client alleged that the Long-Term policy (LTC) purchased did no offer them benefits that approached its costs. The client requested the termination of all five annuities and the LTC plan without incurrence of surrender fees. The client alleged that the Registered Representative misrepresented the characteristics and advantages of the annuities and that over two-thirds of their liquid net worth were invested in the five annuities.
• Damage Amount Requested: $153,775.75
• Settlement Amount: $141,275.75
• Broker Comment: I was not a party in this settlement. While an attempt was made for tax deferred exchange of an annuity, we were unable to do so as the client’s mother had made her trust the beneficiary which was explained to the client. All annuities were approved by compliance for suitability, including liquidity before they were issued.

October 2018 Customer Dispute

• Status: Settled
• Allegations: In a written complaint that was dated October 12, 2018, approx. $3,000.00 was stolen from one of her accounts at BLC in order to fund a BLC life Insurance policy. She alleged that she did not authorize the partial withdrawal to fund this policy nor did she authorize an ACH debit from her bank account to fund the policy. She further alleges the policy was fraudulently created and her signature was forged on policy documents.
• Damage Amount Requested: $150,000.00
• Settlement Amount: $32,500.00
• Broker Comment: The client did not personally name me nor make any allegations against me in the complaint.

March 2018 Employment Separation After Allegations:

• Firm Name: Bankers Life & Casualty
• Termination Type: Discharged
• Allegations: Not being truthful during internal investigation
• Broker Comment: I did not mislead anyone or commit fraud. Further, such termination was not for just cause and a complete investigation would have demonstrated the lack of wrongdoing on my part.

January 2018 Customer Dispute

• Status: Settled
• Allegations: [Redacted] (POA) alleged that RR, Ryan Tarjanyi, forged [Redacted] signature on an index annuity surrender document dated June 14, 2017. [Redacted] is seeking damages of $35000.
• Damage Amount Requested: $35,000.00
• Settlement Amount: $120,000.00

Contact Us Today

The Sonn Law Group is currently investigating allegations surrounding Ryan Tarjanyi. We represent investors in claims against negligent brokers and brokerage firms. If you or your loved one experienced investment losses, we are here to help. For a free consultation, please call us now at 866-827-3202 or complete our contact form.