FINRA

Without admitting or denying the findings, Copeland consented to the sanction and to the entry of findings that he participated in 74 private securities transactions without providing prior written notice to his member firm. The findings stated that the transactions involved 19 different securities and 27 individuals, including 22 who were customers of Copeland's firm, who collectively invested nearly $11 million. Copeland received at least $173,000 in compensation, including through management, consulting, and recommendation fees. The findings also stated that Copeland communicated about securities-related business, including securities offered through his firm and private securities transactions, using communication channels not approved, captured, or maintained by his firm. Copeland falsely attested on firm compliance questionnaires that he only used approved and captured communication channels for communications relating to securities-related business. Nonetheless, Copeland exchanged over 2,250 communications with his firm colleagues, firm customers, other investors, and offering company partners using his private email addresses, text messages sent and received through his private mobile phone, and messages sent and received through online platform that his firm did not capture or maintain causing it to maintain incomplete books and records.

Acceptance, Waiver & Consent(AWC)

Bar (Permanent)

All Capacities

Indefinite

3/24/2025

Customer alleges representative made unsuitable recommendations during the period of September 2021 to January 2023.

$1,500,000.00

$175,000.00

LPL FINANCIAL LLC

Discharged

Failed to disclose outside business activities to Firm.

Independent Advisor Alliance

Discharged

Failed to disclose outside business activities to Firm.