TEMPORARY CEASE TRADE ORDERS ISSUED ON THREE FIRMS

The Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission issued Temporary Cease Trade Orders on March 6, 2007, against Arial Trading LLC, Meridian Investment Group S.A. and Hartford Capital Management S.A.

Arial Trading, based in San Jose, Costa Rica, holds itself out as an international investment advisory firm.  It claims to offer full service trading accounts, arbitrage and hedge accounts, discount online trading accounts, managed trading accounts, and several others including option trading programs.

Don Brasfield, John Reece, Rick Saxon and George Dizcarra act on behalf of Arial.  These men have solicited investments in oil and gas options and attempted to obtain money from residents of Saskatchewan through telephone and e-mail canvassing.  None of the men have been or are registered to trade in securities or act as advisors in Saskatchewan, and have contravened provincial registration requirements.

Meridian Investment Group, based in San Jose, Costa Rica, describes itself as a leading international investment advisory firm created with the objective of offering specialized financial services and wealth management solutions tailored to meet personal objectives. 

Frank Grant and Timothy Bell act on behalf of Meridian.  Bell is also the subject of a Cease Trade Order issued in July 2006 against Wellington Trading Group S.A. and others.  Both men have solicited investments in gold and silver options and attempted to obtain money from residents of Saskatchewan through telephone and e-mail canvassing.  Neither Grant nor Bell have been or are registered to trade in securities or act as advisors in Saskatchewan, and have contravened provincial registration requirements.

Hartford Capital Management, based in Panama City, Republic of Panama, holds itself out to be an international wealth management and consulting firm.  It claims to be able to achieve superior investment results and deliver service that exceeds expectations.

Bruce White acts on behalf of Hartford.  White has solicited investments in gold, oil, and other commodity options from Saskatchewan residents by telephone and e-mail canvassing.  White is not registered to trade securities or act as an advisor in Saskatchewan, and is in breach of provincial registration requirements.

The complete decision is available at the Commission web site at www.sfsc.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Dave Wild
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5630