MutualFundWire.com: SEC Subpoenas Fido in Gift Giving Probe
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Tuesday, December 7, 2004

SEC Subpoenas Fido in Gift Giving Probe


The SEC has hit traders at Fidelity subpoenas as part of a probe into whether a brokerage firm gave gifts to encourage the fund firm to send it trades. Word of the subpoenas was reported Tuesday by the Boston Globe. The paper relied on "attorneys involved in the case."

In the "Greens-for-Green" scandal brokerages allegedly gave fund firms gifts, including golf outings and tickets to events such as the Super Bowl, in exchange for being sent trades.

New reports have put Kevin Quinn, an employee of Jefferies & Company who handled Fidelity's account, at the center of the investigation. None of those involved in the investigation are quoted on the record in the report. Meanwhile, a Fidelity spokesperson said the fund firm is cooperating with regularors and that it considers any violations a serious matter.

The Globe reported that the subpoenas sought information "about a dozen Fidelity traders." It added that "some of the traders have hired lawyers to represent them in the investigation."

One letter sent to brokerages was titled "In the matter of Fidelity Investments trading practices," and explained that it was sent "pursuant to a formal order of investigation," according to the paper.

The letter asks for materials "concerning gifts, gratuities, travel, lodging, and entertainment offered or provided by any employee" at the brokerage, "to any person employed by or affiliated with Fidelity." The

The Globe also reports that the SEC is seeking each brokers' budget for "entertainment for Fidelity."


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