A Georgia broker commingled client trust funds with personal funds over a six-month period. This is the broker's first disciplinary matter, but the commingling involved substantial dollar amounts. Under O.C.G.A. § 43-40-25, which disciplinary outcome is most consistent with how GREC addresses this type of violation?
Correct Answer
B) License suspension combined with a monetary fine
Under O.C.G.A. § 43-40-25, the GREC has broad discretion to impose sanctions including suspension, fines, or revocation. Commingling of trust funds is a serious violation of O.C.G.A. § 43-40-20 and GREC Rule 520-1-.08. For a first offense involving substantial amounts, a combination of license suspension and a monetary fine reflects the seriousness of the violation while recognizing the absence of prior disciplinary history.
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