Arkansas Securities Department

Little Rock, Ark.— The Arkansas Securities Department (ASD) announced Tuesday that James Rouse has will be joining the department as Investor Education Director, effective Feb. 22.

Rouse has more than 25 years of experience in the securities industry, serving as an investment banker and financial advisor with Stephens Inc., Merrill Lynch, USBank Corp Investments and Valic Financial Advisors.

He will manage the ASD Investor Education Program, which is a public education initiative to inform Arkansas citizens about investing and securities. This program is available to community, civic and senior groups. There is also a multi-media presentation that is designed to teach middle and secondary students about the stock market, securities and investing through securities markets.

“We are so pleased that James has agreed to take this role in our investor education program as we build on our achievements in the critical work of protecting investors, enhancing market integrity and expanding our investor education efforts,” ASD Commissioner Eric Munson said. “James will bring unique knowledge, skills and industry experience to the ASD Investor Education Program, and to our other agency division. He knows the financial markets and has specialized in advising clients in the education, healthcare and governmental sectors with wealth management planning.”

Rouse is a former University of Arkansas football player and NFL running back. He also has volunteer experience in many local charitable organizations, including Arkansas Baptist College Foundation Board, Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class, and City of Little Rock Advisory Team.

“I am excited to be a member of a talented team of professionals, who are highly committed to protecting investors and supporting strong, safe markets,” Rouse said. “I look forward to this new role to ensure ASD is on the front lines, educating investors, fighting fraud, and identifying and removing bad actors from the industry.”

The ASD cautions citizen investors of all ages and experiences to thoroughly scrutinize and research any investment opportunity or offer. Contact the ASD at 1-800-981-4429 to check out any person or financial professional offering an investment opportunity or investment advice for a fee and the products they offer for proper registration. Contact the ASD to report suspected fraud, inappropriate securities business practices, or to obtain consumer information. The ASD provides free investor education and fraud prevention materials in print and through educational presentations upon request.

Jeanni Brosius

Public Information Coordinator

501-683-3623 - desk

501-291-8023 - cell

jeanni.brosius@arkansas.gov