John Perez-Cubano Allegedly Misappropriated Funds

John Perez-Cubano (CRD# 6674954[1]), formerly a broker registered with Morgan Stanley, refused to cooperate with an investigation into an alleged unauthorized disbursement, according to a recent enforcement action. MDF Law is investigating the former Short Hills, New Jersey-based financial professional for similar conduct. If you have concerns about your accounts, contact us for a free consultation. 

Continue reading this post to learn more about the allegations against Mr. Perez-Cubano. The information below is based on an October 14, 2024 review of his BrokerCheck profile, a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority record.

FINRA Investigated Unauthorized Disbursement

A Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (No. 2023078273201[2]) released on September 11, 2024 describes FINRA’s disciplinary action against Mr. Cubano. As it explains, in October 2023 FINRA launched an investigation into his conduct. The investigation stemmed from a disclosure by his former member firm, Morgan Stanley, that it fired him. As the firm disclosed, his termination followed allegations of an “unauthorized disbursement from customer’s checking account covered by unauthorized transfer from customer’s brokerage account.”

Mr. Perez-Cubano cooperated with FINRA’s inquiry from August 2023 until July 2024, according to the AWC Letter. In addition to providing documents and information, he also provided in-person testimony. However, FINRA alleges, he failed to timely respond to a second request for information and documents, then acknowledged via email that he would not do so. FINRA found that his refusal violates FINRA Rule 8210 and 2010. The first of these rules empowers FINRA to require associated persons to provide information and testimony during such investigations. The second requires brokers to uphold high standards of commercial honor during the course of their business. As a result of these findings, FINRA barred him from associating with any member firm in any capacity. 

Dispute Alleged Misappropriation, Forgery

On October 25, 2023, an investor lodged a dispute alleging that Mr. Perez-Cubano misappropriated funds and forged a signature. His former member firm settled the dispute for $10,000.

Morgan Stanley Fired John Perez-Cubano

On September 8, 2023, Morgan Stanley terminated Mr. Perez-Cubano’s registration with the firm. According to a disclosure on his BrokerCheck record, the firm fired him over allegations of an “unauthorized disbursement from customer’s checking account covered by unauthorized transfer from customer’s brokerage account.” 

FINRA: Broker Last Registered in Short Hills, New Jersey

John Perez-Cubano started his career as a broker when he joined Merrill Lynch in 2016. He stayed at the firm until 2017, when he departed for Morgan Stanley’s office in Short Hills, New Jersey. Since his firing that year, he has remained unregistered with any firm. With five years of experience as a broker, he has completed four industry exams and is currently barred from acting as a broker.

MDF Law Advocates for Investors

At MDF Law, our attorneys [3]have secured tens of millions in recoveries for the victims of broker fraud. If you are a former John Perez-Cubano client with concerns about transactions in your accounts, call us for a free consultation. We take case on a contingency basis, meaning our clients only pay a fee when they recover investment losses—no hourly fees. Call 800-767-8040 to speak with a lawyer today.