meta_id 2933646

On January 21, 2026, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities entered a Consent Order (S-23-3913-25-CO01) against Van Ray Financial, LLC and Christopher Files. The Consent Order addresses unauthorised trading activity and fee deductions from a deceased client's account. From December 10, 2021, to July 1, 2024, Christopher Files knowingly placed trades and deducted fees from the deceased client's account without authority to do so. The respondent violated RCW 21.20.020 (Washington's Securities Act). The Division of Securities imposed the following remedies and penalties: investigative costs of $2,000, a fine of $15,000, and a cease and desist order prohibiting further violations. The Consent Order represents a settlement between the Division of Securities and the respondents, resolving the enforcement action without admission or denial of the allegations. The order file is available for public review through the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities. REFERENCES: Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities. (2026). Van Ray Financial, LLC; Christopher Files – Consent Order – S-23-3913-25-CO01. Retrieved from https://dfi.wa.gov/securities/enforcement-actions