Crypto Broker Hit With $65,000 in Fines and Suspension After Secretly Managing Millions in Digital Assets

Uncovered: How a Canadian Broker Quietly Handled $1.2 Million in Crypto—and Faced Major Consequences in 2025

A Vancouver-based broker managed $1.2M in crypto trading for clients, triggering a regulatory crackdown and hefty 2025 penalties. Here’s what happened.

The fast-paced world of cryptocurrency trading just witnessed another dramatic turn. In a recent settlement making waves in the financial sector, Vancouver-based broker Meehan was suspended and fined after handling over $1.2 million in digital assets for dozens of investors—without proper oversight.

Meehan’s crypto dealings came to light when the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) flagged an unregistered company he set up as part of these off-book operations. This high-profile crackdown shines a bright light on the growing scrutiny facing crypto investments in 2025.

What Led to the Massive Crypto Crackdown?

Between 2019 and 2022, Meehan quietly accepted sizable sums of cryptocurrency from eight main clients and 22 other investors. Instead of keeping this transparent, he deposited the assets into his own crypto wallet and actively traded with them on their behalf, executing over 6,000 trades across 75+ types of cryptocurrencies.

While Meehan earned more than $90,000 in service fees, regulators say the contracts he created with investors crossed the line—they effectively became “securities” needing official approval. In 2022, the BCSC responded quickly with a cease trade order, signaling a major violation of regulated trading practices in Canada.

How Did the Broker Respond to Regulatory Pressure?

Once regulatory alarms sounded, Meehan moved rapidly to return every dollar of clients’ capital—along with commissions. None of his investors complained, and the dealer’s internal probe found no ongoing harm.

However, the infractions didn’t end there. Meehan’s dealer hit him with a $15,000 penalty, forced him to requalify through the Conduct and Practices Handbook (CPH) course, and imposed a strict period of supervision. Under a March 2025 settlement, Canada’s Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) fine-tuned the penalties:

– $45,000 fine for out-of-bounds securities activity
– $5,000 in investigation costs
– 4-month suspension from the investment industry

With crypto policy tightening worldwide, Meehan’s case highlights the growing risk for finance professionals who try to skirt official rules—even when clients stay silent.

Q&A: What Does This Mean for Crypto Investors and Professionals?

Q: Can brokers trade crypto for clients without registration?
A: Not in Canada—cryptocurrencies traded on behalf of others are now considered securities, triggering strict requirements.

Q: Are regulations increasing in 2025?
A: Absolutely. Both federal and provincial regulators are ramping up oversight, targeting unregistered platforms and unofficial crypto deals.

Q: How do these changes affect investors?
A: Investors are better protected, but also need to double-check their broker’s compliance status. Using registered dealers is crucial to avoiding potential asset freezes or losses.

How To Protect Yourself When Investing in Crypto in 2025

– Always verify your broker’s licensing with bodies like CIRO or the BCSC.
– Avoid off-book arrangements—even trusted names can face regulatory action.
– Insist on official investment contracts reviewed by legal experts.
– Stay informed on 2025 policy updates from financial authorities and secure sources like Investopedia or Forbes.

Stay ahead of the crypto curve—don’t get caught in legal crossfire.
Here’s your quick checklist:

• ✅ Verify all investment professionals are registered
• ✅ Demand transparency in contracts and assets
• ✅ Report suspicious activity to regulators
• ✅ Keep up with evolving crypto rules and news

Ready to invest smarter? Protect yourself and your assets in the dynamic world of digital currencies—knowledge is your best defense.