The SEC’s complaint alleges that Demitrios Hallas repeatedly traded unsuitable investments in his customers’ accounts, exposing customers who were unsophisticated with limited or no investing experience and modest incomes, net worth levels, and assets to a significant degree of volatility and risk.  In a little more than a year, Demitrios Hallas allegedly traded 179 daily leveraged exchange traded funds (ETFs) and exchange traded notes (ETNs) – products that the SEC alleges are inherently risky, complex and volatile, and only appropriate for sophisticated investors – in the customers’ accounts, generating commissions and fees of approximately $128,000.  The net loss across all 179 positions was approximately $150,000.  The SEC’s complaint further alleges that Hallas misappropriated more than $170,000 in funds from one customer.  Instead of investing the funds on the customer’s behalf, Demitrios Hallas allegedly deposited the funds into his own personal bank accounts and spent them on personal expenses, including significant bar and restaurant bills, credit card and student loan payments, and rent.