Lucas R. Hales (CRD #6258497, Austin, Texas)

January 18, 2024 – An AWC was issued in which Hales was assessed a deferred fine of $10,000 and suspended from association with any FINRA member in all capacities for 12 months. Without admitting or denying the findings, Hales consented to the sanctions and to the entry of findings that he participated in private securities transactions totaling $3 million without disclosing his participation to his member firm at any time, and without seeking or receiving the firm’s written approval to participate in these transactions. The findings stated that Hales and two other individuals established an LLC to act as a vehicle for an investment in a technology company. Hales served as the entity’s sole manager. Hales participated in the transactions by reviewing investors’ subscription documents and serving as the designated point of contact for investors. Hales also participated in the entity’s investment in the technology company by managing accounts and executing documents on behalf of the entity. The entity was entitled to collect carried interest as selling compensation after the investment in the technology company closed, and it paid Hales a share of this carried interest. The suspension is in effect from February 5, 2024, through February 4, 2025. (FINRA Case #2022076767001)