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

Woodford IM hits back at FCA's enforcement action including £46m in fines

Woodford IM hits back at FCA's enforcement action including £46m in fines

WIM said it 'strongly disagrees' with the regulator's decision

Cristian Angeloni
clock 05 August 2025 • 3 min read
Regulator bans and fines Neil Woodford and Woodford IM £46m

Regulator bans and fines Neil Woodford and Woodford IM £46m

Woodford has appealed the decision to the Upper Tribunal

Cristian Angeloni
clock 05 August 2025 • 3 min read
Darius McDermott: The line between resilience and risk

Darius McDermott: The line between resilience and risk

'Trump has, for the most part, chickened out'

Darius McDermott
clock 29 July 2025 • 5 min read