William Pugh: FINRA Sanctions Ex-Columbia Capital Advisor

Former Los Angeles, California financial advisor William Pugh (CRD# 4855771) was recently sanctioned and suspended in connection with alleged rule violations. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that he was most recently registered as a broker with Columbia Capital Securities.

A Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (No. 2024083338701) describes FINRA’s disciplinary action against Mr. Pugh. Filed in August 2026, it states that he participated in a private securities offering that involved promissory notes issued by a private equity fund. According to the Letter, he “was a limited partner in the fund, held a three percent ownership interest in the fund’s general partner, and served as an independent contractor for the general partner.”

As part of his involvement in the offering, he helped identify prospective investors and solicited their investments. “The offering raised at least $8,000,000 from 18 accredited investors,” FINRA states, “nearly all of whom were customers at Columbia.” Despite FINRA rules requiring representatives to provide their firms with prior written notification of their participation in private securities transactions, Mr. Pugh allegedly failed to provide such to Columbia Capital. Finding that he violated FINRA rules, he was issued a fine of $10,000 and a 10-month suspension from associating with any member firm in all capacities.

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, William Pugh holds 12 years of securities industry experience. Most recently based in Los Angeles, California, he was registered as a broker with Columbia Capital Securities from 2021 until 2024. His past registrations include Northern Trust Securities and Charles Schwab. His credentials include the passage of two securities industry qualifying exams: the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7; and the Uniform Combined State Law Examination, or Series 66. He is no longer registered as a broker or as an investment advisor. (Information current as of August 13, 2026.)

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