Hello, I’m Emily Carter, a financial analyst and writer with years of experience unraveling the complicated knots of the financial world. Let me share with you the intriguing and disturbing case of ex-Geneos Wealth Management broker Bradley Joseph Tennison, who has faced severe penalties following his involvement in a fraudulent scheme.
Unpacking The Joseph Project’s Deception
The centerpiece of Tennison’s fraud, The Joseph Project, was positioned as an investment opportunity that would fund faith-based and humanitarian initiatives. As an investor, imagine being told you could support noble causes while earning a steady return. It’s an appealing proposal, right? Unfortunately, Tennison was not truthful.
He drew investors by showcasing himself as the general manager, claiming they’d get a piece of the pie through after-hours bank trading. Offering mouth-watering 10 percent monthly returns from his own so-called investment, he undoubtedly knew how to make the pitch alluring. Between October 2015 and September 2016, Tennison managed to get nine investors to buy into these unregistered securities.
Tennison’s Tarnished Track Record
Diving into Tennison’s BrokerCheck profile, it’s clear that his exploits with The Joseph Project left a scar on his career. Five customer disputes, all linked to this scheme, decorate his record. While four have reached settlements, a staggering sum of $4.5 million is still up for debate in an unresolved dispute.
Even before his 12-year stint at Geneos, there were red flags. His departure from Oberlin Financial was reportedly due to bypassing protocols and crossing lines that eventually got him fired. His subsequent career at Geneos ended with an investment that led nowhere but to trouble.
The Current Setback for Tennison
As of July 2018, FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, shut the door on Tennison’s career by barring him for dodging critical testimony. Later, in January 2021, the state of Arizona revoked his securities license and slapped him with a $75,000 fine.
If his history teaches us anything, it’s the importance of due diligence. Warren Buffett once said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” Tennison is a living testament to that, not just for himself but as a lesson to investors who place trust in financial advisors.
I always encourage you to verify an advisor’s credentials via their [FINRA’s BrokerCheck](https://brokercheck.finra.org/) – a step you absolutely shouldn’t skip. According to one financial fact, bad financial advisors have cost Americans about $17 billion a year in retirement savings. It’s a staggering amount that speaks volumes about the need for caution and transparency.
In conclusion, the case of Bradley Joseph Tennison should not inspire fear, but rather a sense of vigilance. Always dig beneath the surface, seek out reputable advice, and protect your financial future. Your peace of mind is too precious to gamble with. As an expert in deciphering complex financial matters, I, Emily Carter, am here to offer guidance and keep you informed about the less savory aspects of the financial world. Stay safe and invest wisely.
