Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning Illinoisans to be on alert after Brandon “Mr. Finance” Ellington allegedly has resurfaced with a new fragrance venture, despite being the subject of prior state securities enforcement actions.
Anyone who has been contacted by Ellington about investing in Rich Kats Designer Fragrances – or any other business or investment opportunity – is urged to immediately contact the Illinois Secretary of State’s Securities Department.
The warning comes as the Secretary of State has issued a new Temporary Order of Prohibition and Cease and Desist Order alleging Ellington is marketing unregistered securities and unregistered business opportunities involving Rich Kats Designer Fragrances through his website, bmfacademy.com, and email campaigns.
Ellington, who marketed himself as “Mr. Finance” through Chicago-area radio, television, social media and appearances on local news programs, was previously prohibited from offering and selling unregistered securities through his company, Access Capital Today, Inc. Despite that action, Ellington allegedly continued soliciting current and former investors through promotions featuring Rich Kats Designer Fragrances, prompting the Secretary of State’s latest enforcement action.
“More than 300 people have now been identified through our investigation, and the fact that Mr. Ellington is allegedly continuing to solicit new investors despite prior enforcement action makes these allegations even more alarming,” Giannoulias said. “Too many people have already lost retirement savings, taken out loans or put their financial futures at risk based on promises that never materialized. If Mr. Finance contacts you about investing your money, walk away and call our office. We want to stop anyone else from becoming a victim.”
The Secretary of State’s office is asking anyone who has been approached by Ellington – either before or after the previous Temporary Order was issued – to immediately contact its Securities Department by emailing [email protected] or calling 800-628-7937. Information provided could assist the ongoing investigation and help protect other investors from potential financial harm.
The new Temporary Order of Prohibition seeks to halt the alleged offer and sale of unregistered securities, while the Cease and Desist Order, authorized under the Illinois Business Opportunity Sales Law of 1995, seeks to halt the alleged offer and sale of unregistered business opportunities. Together, the orders are intended to prevent additional consumers from being solicited while the case proceeds.
The original Temporary Order of Prohibition, issued on May 12, 2026, prohibited Ellington and Access Capital Today, Inc. from offering or selling securities or acting as an investment adviser or investment adviser representative in Illinois while that matter remains pending. Ellington has requested an administrative hearing in that matter, which has not yet been scheduled.
According to complaints received by the Securities Department, Ellington allegedly persuaded individuals to obtain funds through bank loans or retirement accounts, pay him commissions from those loans, and invest additional money into his company with promises of substantial returns. Complainants allege those returns never materialized, leaving many unable to repay loans, defaulting on debt and suffering significant financial losses.
The Secretary of State’s office also has received information alleging that while some investors were told their money would be invested in ventures such as stocks and real estate, the majority of funds instead was used to promote Ellington and recruit additional investors.
The Secretary of State’s Securities Department regulates the securities and investment advisory industries in Illinois and investigates allegations of investment fraud. Under Illinois law, anyone providing investment advice for compensation must be registered with the Securities Department or qualify for an exemption. Neither Brandon Ellington nor Access Capital Today, Inc. is currently registered.
The Illinois Business Opportunity Sales Law of 1995 requires sellers of business opportunities to register with the Secretary of State and provide disclosures that help consumers evaluate potential risks before investing.
