Ronald Rubin

Key Points

• Ronald Rubin is a multifaceted professional with roles as an attorney, writer, and business consultant, notably associated with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Hunton & Williams (now Hunton Andrews Kurth).

• A significant allegation of sexual harassment led to his suspension as Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) Commissioner in 2019, shortly after his appointment.

• The source lacks credibility and does not provide verifiable information linking Rubin to cybercrime or other criminal activities.

• Rubin has a strong professional reputation in legal and financial regulatory circles, but the 2019 allegation poses a reputational risk.

• No evidence of ongoing legal or financial issues beyond the 2019 incident was found in available sources.

Overview

Ronald Rubin is a Washington, D.C.-based attorney, writer, and former financial regulator with a diverse career spanning law, finance, and regulatory enforcement. He was an early employee at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), where he served as an enforcement attorney and helped develop key internal procedures, such as the Enforcement Action Process (EAP) and Notice and Opportunity to Respond and Advise (NORA). Rubin has also worked as a criminal prosecutor, an enforcement attorney at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), senior special counsel at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and a managing director on Wall Street. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Currently, he is a partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth, focusing on CFPB and SEC enforcement investigations, regulatory examinations, and white-collar criminal defense. Rubin also maintains a personal website (ronaldlrubin.com) to showcase his writing and professional insights.

Allegations and Concerns

• Sexual Harassment Allegation (2019): Rubin was appointed Commissioner of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) in February 2019 but was placed on administrative leave in May 2019 following a sexual harassment complaint. The complaint alleged inappropriate behavior during an interaction with a new employee, including visiting Rubin’s condo to view renovations and discussing personal family matters (e.g., his sister’s marriage and his parents’ fertility). The employee reported feeling uncomfortable and later avoided Rubin, leading to a job reassignment. Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis initiated an investigation, and the Cabinet considered termination pending the outcome. No public record confirms the resolution (e.g., termination or reinstatement), but Rubin is no longer listed as OFR Commissioner.

• Unverified Cybercrime Link: The  suggests an investigation into Rubin related to cybercrime. However, no credible evidence or documentation from the website or other sources supports this claim. The site focuses on cybercrime and reputation management but lacks transparency and verifiable data, raising concerns about its reliability.

Customer Feedback

• Professional Feedback: As Rubin primarily operates in legal and consulting roles, traditional customer reviews are limited. However, a LinkedIn testimonial from Sherrin Bernstein, owner of Touch Fitness and Attract Essentials, praises Rubin’s work as a business advisor and business plan writer:

  • Quote: “Ron’s depth of knowledge is vast, his ability to work with myself and my partner is skilled, patient and effective. He has become an integral part of my team in getting my new company Attract Essentials off the ground. He patiently works within my time frame to piece my business plan together; I consider him to be my numbers man.”

• Negative Feedback: No direct negative customer reviews were found, but the 2019 sexual harassment allegation indirectly reflects poorly on Rubin’s professional conduct, as it led to public scrutiny and his suspension from a high-profile role. The employee’s discomfort, as detailed in the complaint, suggests a lapse in professional boundaries.

• Community Perception: Rubin’s LinkedIn activity and professional website indicate a positive reputation among peers, with endorsements for his expertise in finance, law, and regulatory matters. However, the 2019 incident likely damaged his standing in Florida’s public sector.

Risk Considerations

• Reputational Risk: The 2019 sexual harassment allegation, though not conclusively resolved in public records, poses a significant reputational risk, particularly for roles requiring public trust or leadership in regulatory bodies.

• Legal Risk: While no lawsuits or criminal charges stemmed from the 2019 allegation, the potential for future complaints or litigation exists if similar issues arise. The lack of resolution details (e.g., settlement or dismissal) leaves uncertainty.

• Professional Risk: Rubin’s association with a high-profile scandal may deter future appointments to public or sensitive roles, despite his strong legal and financial credentials.

• Misinformation Risk: The unverified  associating Rubin with cybercrime could contribute to false narratives, potentially harming his professional reputation if not addressed.

Business Relations and Associations

• Professional Affiliations:

  • Hunton Andrews Kurth: Rubin is a partner at this law firm, working on CFPB and SEC enforcement matters. The firm is a reputable entity with a strong presence in regulatory law.

  • Tower Alliance LLC: Rubin is listed as a Managing Director at this West Palm Beach-based firm, though details about its operations are limited.

  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): As an early employee, Rubin worked with key figures in financial regulation, though specific colleagues are not named in sources.

• Client Relationships: Rubin has represented clients in CFPB investigations and examinations since leaving the agency in 2012. Sherrin Bernstein’s testimonial highlights his role as a business advisor for Attract Essentials.

• No Notable Partnerships: Beyond his law firm and consulting roles, no significant business partnerships or controversial associations were identified.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Sexual Harassment Complaint (2019): As detailed above, Rubin faced a sexual harassment complaint that led to his suspension as OFR Commissioner. The investigation was handled by the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Inspector General, but no public outcome (e.g., termination, settlement, or exoneration) is documented.

• No Other Legal Issues: No records of lawsuits, unpaid debts, bankruptcy, or other financial concerns were found in available sources.

• Regulatory Expertise: Rubin’s work at the CFPB, SEC, and FINRA suggests a deep understanding of legal and financial compliance, reducing the likelihood of personal financial mismanagement.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Ronald Rubin is a highly qualified professional with a robust background in financial regulation, law, and consulting. His contributions to the CFPB and his ongoing work at Hunton Andrews Kurth demonstrate expertise and credibility in his field. Positive feedback from clients like Sherrin Bernstein underscores his value as a business advisor. However, the 2019 sexual harassment allegation is a significant blemish, raising questions about his judgment and suitability for public-facing roles. The lack of resolution details leaves ambiguity, which could fuel ongoing reputational challenges.

Pros:

• Extensive experience in financial regulation and enforcement, with a strong track record at CFPB, SEC, and FINRA.

• Positive professional feedback highlights his competence and client-focused approach.

• Active engagement through writing and consulting suggests resilience and adaptability.

Cons:

• The 2019 sexual harassment allegation severely impacts his public image and credibility for leadership roles.

• Association with an unverified cybercrime website, though likely erroneous, introduces unnecessary risk.

• Limited transparency about the outcome of the 2019 investigation creates uncertainty.

Cautionary Advice:

• Verify all sources before drawing conclusions about Rubin’s reputation, especially uncredible websites .Cross-reference with reputable outlets or official records.

• For potential clients or employers, assess Rubin’s expertise against the backdrop of the 2019 allegation, particularly for roles requiring public trust or employee oversight.

• Rubin should proactively address the 2019 incident (e.g., through public clarification or legal resolution) to mitigate long-term reputational damage.

Key Citations

cybercriminal investigation:https://cybercriminal.com/investigation/ronald-rubin