The allegations read: S-19-2806-24-co02 \\u2013 bryton stephens \\u2013 consent order
on august 26, 2024, the securities division entered into a consent order with bryton shaun stephens (crd # 5957183) (\\u201cstephens\\u201d). This consent order resolves a previous statement of charges alleging violations of the securities act of washington that involved unlawful acts while providing advice on securities and acting as an investment adviser representative without registration.
as president of vita intellectus institutional, llc, stephens provided investment management advice and held himself out as an investment adviser representative to the public by stating that he was registered. While providing advice, he failed to disclose to clients that his firm had been banned from an investment management platform. Stephens transacted business as investment adviser representative in the state of washington without registration, breached his fiduciary duty to his clients, and engaged in acts, practices, or courses of business that were fraudulent, deceptive, manipulative, or unethical.
in the consent order, stephens neither admitted nor denied the securities division\\u2019s findings of fact and conclusions of law. He agreed to pay a fine of $20,000, which will be suspended, and cease and desist from violations of the securities act of washington. Stephens waived his right to request a hearing and to judicial review of this matter.
