Final Order Denying Cory Schauer's Petition for Waiver from Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code

·, Index: OFR 2026 - 381 CKETEO \ 8/3/2026 ) L.EGAL STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION In Re: CORY SCHAUER, Petition for Waiver from Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code, Petitioner. Case Number: 136205-SR FINAL ORDER DENYING SCHAUER'S PETITION FOR WAIVER FROM RULE 69W-600.0024{6){b), FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AND NOTICE OF RIGHTS This matter is before the State of Florida, Office of Financial Regulation ("Office"), on the request for a waiver from Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code (hereinafter "Petition"), submitted March 12, 2026, by Cory Schauer ("Schauer"). Pursuant to section 120.542(8), Florida Statutes, the Office enters this Final Order Denying Schauer's Petition for Waiver from Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code, and in support thereof, makes the following Findings of Fact and Conclusions of law: FINDINGS OF FACT

1. On May 29, 2026, the Office issued a Notice of Intent to Enter a Final Order Denying Schauer's Petition for Waiver from Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code, and Notice of Rights ("Notice of Intent") via United States Postal Service ("USPS") mail and email. The Notice of Intent gave notice of the Office's intent to enter a Final Order Denying Schauer's Petition for Waiver from Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code, as Schauer has not met the criteria for waiver provided by section 120.542(2), Florida Statutes. The Notice of Intent is attached hereto as Exhibit I.

2. The Notice of Intent had attached thereto a Notice of Rights, which fully advised Schauer that he had twenty-one (21) days after issuance of the Notice within which to petition the Office for an administrative hearing to contest the allegations set forth in the Notice of Intent and that failure to do so would constitute a waiver of such right.

3. The Notice of Intent was sent to Schauer on May 29, 2026, via USPS mail.

4. The Notice of Intent was sent to Schauer via email to his firm on May 29, 2026. The email is attached hereto as Exhibit II.

5. Schauer's response to the Notice of Intent was to be filed with the Office on or before June 24, 2026. As of the date of this Final Order, Schauer has failed to file a petition for hearing or to file any other document with the Office in response to the Notice of Intent.

6. The facts alleged in the Notice of Intent, being uncontested by Schauer, are accepted as true and correct, incorporated herein by reference, and adopted by the Office as Findings of Fact for purposes of this Final Order. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

7. The Office is responsible for the administration and enforcement of chapter 517, Florida Statutes, and has jurisdiction over the subject matter and Schauer pursuant to chapters 120 and 517, Florida Statutes.

8. Subsection 120.60(3), Florida Statutes, sets forth the following service requirements: Each applicant shall be given written notice, personally or by mail, that the agency intends to grant or deny, or has granted or denied, the application for license. The notice must state with particularity the grounds or basis for the issuance or denial of the license, except when issuance is a ministerial act. Unless waived, a copy of the notice shall be delivered or mailed to each party's attorney ofrecord and to each person who has made a written request for notice of agency action. Each notice must inform the recipient of the basis for the agency decision, inform the recipient of any administrative 2

hearing pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57 or judicial review pursuant to s. 120.68 which may be available, indicate the procedure that must be followed, and state the applicable time limits. The issuing agency shall certify the date the notice was mailed or delivered, and the notice and the certification must be filed with the agency clerk. 9. The Office's issuance of the Notice of Intent as set forth in paragraphs one (1) through four (4) above complies with the service requirements provided in subsection 120.60(3), Florida Statutes. 10. Schauer's failure to file a petition for hearing or to file any other document in compliance with Rules 28-106.201, 28-106.2015, or 28-106.301, Florida Administrative Code, constitutes a waiver of Schauer' s right to an administrative hearing. See Rule 28-106.111 ( 4 ), Fla. Admin. Code. 11. Schauer has not alleged any basis for equitable tolling. See Patz v. Dep 't of Health, Fla. Bd. OJMed., 864 So. 2d 79 (Fla. 3d DCA 2003). 12. The legal conclusions that form the basis for the denial of Schauer's Petition for Waiver from Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code, set forth in the Notice of Intent, being uncontested by Schauer, are accepted as true and correct, incorporated herein by reference, and adopted by the Office as Conclusions of Law for purposes of this Final Order. [Remainder ofpage intentionally blank] 3

Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is hereby ORDERED: Schauer's Petition for Waiver from Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code, is hereby DENIED. DONE and ORDERED this:;J. day of August, 2026, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. NOTICE OF RIGHTS A PARTY WHO IS ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THIS FINAL ORDER IS ENTITLED TO WDICIAL REVIEW PURSUANT TO SECTION 120.68, FLORIDA STATUTES. REVIEW PROCEEDINGS ARE GOVERNED BY THE FLORIDA RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE. SUCH PROCEEDINGS ARE COMMENCED BY FILING THE ORIGINAL NOTICE OF APPEAL WITH THE AGENCY CLERK FOR THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION AS FOLLOWS: By U.S. Mail, Fax or Email Agency Clerk Office of Financial Regulation P.O. Box 8050 Tallahassee, Florida 32314-8050 Phone: (850) 410-9889 Fax: (850) 410-9663 Email: Agency.Clerk@flofr.gov OR By Hand Delivery Agency Clerk Office of Financial Regulation Office of General Counsel The Fletcher Building 101 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Phone: (850) 410-9889 A COPY OF THE NOTICE OF APPEAL, ACCOMPANIED BY THE FILING FEES AS REQUIRED BYLAW, MUST ALSO BE FILED WITH THE DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL, FIRST DISTRICT, 2000 DRAYTON DRIVE, TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-0950, OR WITH THE DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL IN THE APPELLATE DISTRICT WHERE THE PARTY RESIDES. THE NOTICE OF APPEAL MUST BE FILED WITH BOTH THE 4

AGENCY CLERK FOR THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION AND THE DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE RENDITION OF THE ORDER TO BE REVIEWED. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing Final Order was furnished by U.S. Mail to Cory Schauer, c/o Christopher Quincy, Compliance Specialist, Ashton Thomas Securities, LLC, 8605 E. Raintree Dr., Suite 280, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 and by electronic 7,J mail to cquincy@at-pw.com on this_-:;, _ day of August, 2026. 5 ulat1on 0 2314-8050 .Clerk@flofr.gov Tel: (850) 410-9889

FINAL ORDER EXHIBIT I STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION In Re: CORY SCHAUER, Petition for Waiver from Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code, Petitioner. Case Number: 136205-SR NOTICE OF INTENT TO ENTER A FINAL ORDER DENYING SCHAUER'S PETITION FROM WAIVER OF RULE 69W-600.0024(6)(b), FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AND NOTICE OF RIGHTS This matter is before the State of Florida, Office of Financial Regulation ("Office"), on the request for a waiver from Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code (hereinafter "Petition"), submitted March 12, 2026, by Cory Schauer ("Petitioner"), Central Registration Depository ("CRD") Number 5775390. Section 120.542(8), Florida Statutes, provides that an order granting or denying a petition for variance or waiver "shall contain a statement of the relevant facts and reasons supporting the agency's action." Having considered all relevant facts and pertinent law, the Office enters this NOTICE of its intent to enter a Final Order DENYING the Petition for waiver from Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code. STATEMENT OF FACTS

1. On March 12, 2026, the Office received the Petition requesting a permanent waiver from the requirements of Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code. (See Exhibit A)
2. Rule 69W-600.0024, Florida Administrative Code, concerns the application for registration as an associated person of an investment adviser or federal covered adviser. This rule contains various obligations, including the submission of an application, the identification of the advisory firm with which the applicant seeks registration as an associated person, the payment of

FINAL ORDER EXHIBIT I an assessment fee, the submission of fingerprints, the identification of civil, criminal or administrative legal proceedings, and the submission of examination qualifications. The rule also addresses multiple registration, grandfathering provisions for applicants registered in other jurisdictions, and exemptions from examination qualifications for applicants holding current specified professional designations. 3. As to examination qualifications, Rule 69W-600.0024(6), Florida Administrative Code, in pertinent part provides: ( 6) Examinations/Qualifications. (a) Every applicant for registration shall execute and submit a statement attesting to said applicant's knowledge and review of the Florida Securities and Investor Protection Act, as contained in the Form U4. (b) Every applicant for registration shalJ provide the Office with one of the following:

1. Proof of passing, within two years of the date of application for registration, the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination (Series 65); or
2. Proof of passing, within two years of the date of application for registration, the General Securities Representative Examination (Series 7), the Uniform Combined State Law Examination (Series 66), and proof of passing within four years of the date of application for registration, the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Examination. The following applicants will be considered to have passed the SIE Examination: . a. Applicants whose registration as an associated person was terminated between October 1, 2014, and September 30, 2018, provided they re-register as an associated person within four years from the date of their last registration; b. Applicants who registered as an associated person prior to October I, 2018, and who continue to maintain those registrations on or after October 1, 2018. (c) Applicants who meet one of the following conditions satisfy the examination requirements of paragraph (6)(b) of this rule, except the Office may require additional examinations for any applicants found to have violated any state or federal securities law: 1.a. Applicants who passed either the Series 65 examination or both the Series 7 and Series 66 examinations; and b. Have not had a lapse in registration as an associated person of an investment adviser or federal covered adviser in any jurisdiction in the United States for a period exceeding two years. c. Periods of time during which an applicant provides advisory services for compensation on behalf of a dealer, a federal covered adviser, or an investment adviser, in any jurisdiction in the United States that does not require such persons to register as an associated person of the dealer, federal covered adviser, or 2

FINAL ORDER EX HIBIT I investment adviser on whose behalf such advisory services were performed, will not be considered a lapse in registration for purposes of this paragraph. 2.a. Applicants who were previously registered with the Office as an associated person of an investment adviser or federal covered adviser; and b. Have not had a lapse in registration as an associated person of an investment adviser or federal covered adviser in any jurisdiction in the United States for a period exceeding two years. 4. Section 517.12, Florida Statutes, is implemented by Rule 69W-600.0024, Florida Administrative Code, and provides in pertinent part as follows: 517. I 2 Registration of dealers, associated persons, intermediaries, and investment advisers. - (3) No investment adviser or associated person of an investment adviser or federa1 covered adviser shall engage in business from offices in this state, or render investment advice to persons of this state, by mail or otherwise, unless the federal covered adviser has made a notice-filing with the office pursuant to s. 517.1201 or the investment adviser is registered pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and associated persons of the federal covered adviser or investment adviser have been registered with the office pursuant to this section. (8) The commission or office may require the applicant or one or more principals or general partners, or natural persons exercising similar functions, or any associated person applicant to successfully pass oral or written examinations. . . . the commission may waive the examination process when it determines that such examinations are not in the public interest. The office shall waive the examination requirements for any person who has passed any tests as prescribed in s. 15(b )(7) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that relates to the position to be filled by the applicant. 5. As set forth in Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code, qualifications for registration may be demonstrated, as to this category, by: 1) providing proof of passing, within two years of the date of application for registration, the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination (Series 65); or 2) providing proof of passing three examinations: a) the General Securities Representative Examination ("Series 7"), within two years of the date of application; b) the Uniform Combined State Law Examination ("Series 66"), within two years of 3

FINAL ORDER EXHIBIT I the date of application; and c) the Securities Industry Essentials ("SIE") Examination, within four years of the date of application. 6. The Series 65 and Series 66 examinations cover topics that have been determined to be necessary to provide investment advice to clients including the following: economic factors and business information; investment vehicle characteristics; client investment recommendations and strategies; and laws, regulations, and guidelines, including prohibition on unethical business practices. The Series 65 examination consists of 130 multiple-choice questions and IO pretest questions. The Series 66 examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and 10 pretest questions. The examinations are administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). 7. Petitioner asserts the following as the basis for the waiver and the Office notes other relevant facts: a. The Petition requests a "permanent waiver from the requirements of Rule 69W-600.0024, Florida Administrative Code, specifically section Rule 69W￾600. 0024( 6)(b)." b. The Petition states that Petitioner ''passed the Series 66 exam in 2010 but did not register as an Investment Advisor Representative at the time because [Petitioner's] role at the time did not require Investment Advisor Representative registration." c. The Office notes that Petitioner passed the Series 66 exam on June 7, 2010, but was not registered as an associated person of an investment adviser or federal covered adviser until September 15, 2016, six years after passing the Series 66 exam. This six year gap between passing the exam and registration exceeds the two-year window for affiJiation with an investment adviser or federal covered adviser permitted under Rule 69W￾4

FINAL ORDER EXHIBIT I 600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code, and is the reason for the expiration of Petitioner's Series 66 exam results. d. The Petition states that "[a] waiver of the requirement to have passed the Series 65 or 66 examination requirement of Rule 69W-600.0024(6) serves the purpose of the statute as [Petitioner] has shown [Petitioner's] ability to pass the examination, has a history of working as an Investment Adviser Representative since 2016 and as a Registered Representative since 2010, and has, since 2025, completed Investment Advisor Continuing Education." e. The Petition states that Petitioner's "experience in the investment industry also includes association with Broker-Dealers as a Registered Representative from 20 IO to present day." f The Petition states that Petitioner "does not have a disciplinary or criminal background." 8. Pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 28-104.005(1), Florida Administrative Code, the Office published notice of the Petition, as required. The notice appeared in the Florida Administrative Register at Volume 52, Number 53, published March 18, 2026. 9. The Office did not receive any comments on the Petition. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW IO. The Office is responsible for the administration and enforcement of chapter 517, Florida Statutes, and the rules promulgated thereunder. The Office has jurisdiction over the subject matter and the Petition pursuant to section 20.121(3)(a)2., Florida Statutes, and chapters 120 and 517, Florida Statutes. The Office is the proper state agency to receive, process, and render a ruling 5

FINAL ORDER EXHIBIT I on a petition for a waiver or variance involving chapter 517, Florida Statutes, and the rules promulgated thereunder. 11. Section 120.542(1 ), Florida Statutes, provides in part: Strict application of uniformly applicable rule requirements can lead to unreasonable, unfair, and unintended results in particular instances. The Legislature finds that it is appropriate in such cases to adopt a procedure for agencies to provide relief to persons subject to regulation. 12. Section 120.542(2), Florida Statutes, provides: Variances and waivers shall be granted when the person subject to the rule demonstrates that the purpose of the underlying statute will be or has been achieved by other means by the person and when application of a rule would create a substantial hardship or would violate principles of fairness. For purposes of this section, "substantial hardship" means a demonstrated economic, technological, legal, or other type of hardship to the person requesting the variance or waiver. For purposes of this section, "principles of fairness" are violated when the literal appJication of a rule affects a particular person in a manner significantly different from the way it affects other similarly situated persons who are subject to the rule. 13. Section 120.542(5), Florida Statutes, provides in part: A person who is subject to regulation by an agency rule may file a petition with that agency, ... requesting a variance or waiver from the agency's rule. In addition to any requirements mandated by the uniform rules, each petition shall specify: (a) The rule from which a variance or waiver is requested. (b) The type of action requested. (c) The specific facts that would justify a waiver or variance for the petitioner. ( d) The reason why the variance or the waiver requested would serve the purposes of the underlying statute. 14. Rule 28-104.002(2), Florida Administrative Code, further provides that a petition for variance or waiver must include the following information: (2) The petition must include the following information: (a) The caption shall read: Petition for (Variance from) or (Waiver of) Rule (Citation) 6

FINAL ORDER EXHIBIT I (h) The name, address, any e-mail address, telephone number, and any facsimile number of the petitioner, if the party is not represented by an attorney or a qualified representative; (c) The name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, and any facsimile number of the attorney or qualified representative of the petitioner, if any; (d) The applicable rule or portion of the rule; (e) The citation to the statute the rule is implementing; (f) The type of action requested; (g) The specific facts that demonstrate a substantial hardship or a violation of principles of fairness that would justify a waiver or variance for the petitioner; (h) The reason why the variance or the waiver requested would serve the purposes of the underlying statute; and (i) A statement whether the variance or waiver is pennanent or temporary. If the variance or waiver is temporary, the petition shall include the dates indicating the duration of the requested variance or waiver. 15. The Office makes the following findings regarding the criteria for waiver provided by section 120.542(2), Florida Statutes, as it pertains to Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code: a. The Office finds that the Petition makes generalized and conclusory statements about how the purpose of the underlying statute will be achieved by a waiver of the exam requirements imposed by Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code. The Petition does not cite to the underlying statute, section 517 .12, Florida Statutes, or specifically state its purpose but instead vaguely alludes to the facts that Petitioner has previously taken the examination, bas prior experience as an associated person of a federal covered adviser and dealer, and has taken continuing education courses without further explanation or comparison as to why these facts satisfy the purpose of the underlying statute. Accordingly, the Office finds that the Petition has not demonstrated that the purpose of the under]ying statute, section 517 .12, Florida Statutes, implemented by the rule requirement to have timely passed the examination requirements, has been satisfied as to Petitioner's qualifications and knowledge. 7

FINAL ORDER EXHIBIT I b. The Office finds that the Petition did not demonstrate that application of Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code, as to Petitioner, would create a substantial hardship. The Petition makes the conclusory statement that"[ a ]pp Ii cation of the rule will result in a substantial hardship." However, the Petition does not specify the type of hardship application of the rule would create or provide any further details about such hardship. c. Additionally, the Office finds that the Petition fails to clearly identify or delineate the specific way(s) Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code, violates principles of fairness by affecting Petitioner in a manner significantly different from the way it affects other similarly situated persons who have to take or retake an examination. The Office notes that Petitioner, whose Series 66 exam results have expired, is in no different position relative to retaking the Series 66 or taking the Series 65 exam than any other person whose Series 66 exam results have expired or who must take the Series 65 exam. Based on the foregoing Statement of Facts and Conclusions of Law, the Office concludes that Petitioner has not met the criteria for waiver provided by section 120.542(2), Florida Statutes. [Remainder o.f page intentionally blank] 8

FINAL ORDER EXHIBIT I PROPOSED AGENCY ACTION Upon consideration of the factual statement set forth above and applicable law, NOTICE is hereby given that the Office intends to enter a Final Order DENYING Schauer's Petition for Waiver of rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code, subject only to the Notice of Rights contained herein. Dated: 5/29/26 Kerry ~~ Finegan Director Division of Securities NOTICE OF RIGHTS PLEASE BE ADVISED TIIAT PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 120.569 AND 120.57, FLORIDA STATUTES, YOU MAY REQUEST A HEARING TO CONTEST THIS ACTION BY THE OFFICE. REQUESTS FOR SUCH A HEARING MUST COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF RULES 28-106.104(2), FLORIDA ADMJNISTRATIVE CODE, RULE 28- 106.201, FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, OR RULE 28-106.301, FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AND MUST BE FILED WITH: Bv U.S. Mail, Fax or Email Agency Clerk Office of Financial Regulation Office of General Counsel P.O. Box 8050 Tallahassee, Florida 32314-8050 Phone: (850) 410-9889 Fax: (850) 410-9663 Email: Al!enc, .Clerklal.flofr.L?:ov OR Bv Hand Delivery Agency Clerk 9 Office of Financial Regulation Office of General Counsel The Fletcher Building 101 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Phone: (850) 410-9889

FINAL ORDER EXHIBIT I YOUR REQUEST MUST BE FILED WITH THE AGENCY WITHIN TWENTY￾ONE (21) DAYS OF THE ISSUANCE OF THIS NOTICE. YOUR FAILURE TO RESPOND TO TI-IIS NOTICE WITHIN TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS OF ISSUANCE WILL CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF YOUR RIGHT TO REQUEST A HEARING AND THE OFFICE'S PROPOSED AGENCY ACTION WILL BECOME FINAL. IF YOU REQUEST A HEARING, YOU WILL HA VE THE RIGHT TO BE REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL OR OTHER QUALIFIED REPRESENTATIVE; TO OFFER TESTIMONY, EITHER ORAL OR WRITTEN; TO CALL AND CROSS-EXAMINE WITNESSES, AND TO HA VE SUBPOENAS AND SUBPOENAS DUCES TECUM ISSUED ON YOUR BEHALF. PURSUANT TO SECTION 120.573, FLORIDA STATUTES, MEDIATION IS NOT AVAILABLE. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this 29th day of May, 2026, a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished by U.S. mail and email to the following: Cory Schauer c/o Christopher Quincy Compliance Specialist Ashton Thomas Securities, LLC 8605 E. Raintree Dr., Suite 280 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 cquincy@at-pw.com ~ White Assistant General Counsel Office of Financial Regulation 200 E. Gaines Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-03 79 Tel: (850) 4 J 0-9803 Email: Ryann.White@flofr.gov

FINAL ORDER EXHIBIT I .4\SHTON THOMAS SECURITIES March 12, 2026 Petition for Waiver of Rule 69W-600.0024, Florida Administrative Code Attn: Agency Clerk Florida Office of Financial Regulation Tallahassee, FL 32314-8050 Post Office Box 8050 Email: Agency.Clerk@flofr.gov Tel: (850) 410-9889 Fax: (850) 410-9663 And Joint Administrative Procedures Committee Room 680, Pepper Building 111 W. Madison Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1400 585.424.1234 OFFICE 602.734.5495 fAX 200 Canal View Boulevard Suite 204 Rochester, NY 14623 We are requesting a permanent waiver from the requirements of Rrll ~ : . .SW-600.0024, . ..,,i. ..... Florida Administrative Code, specifically section Rule 69W-600j 02t11~)1,J;>) in connection with the registration of applicant Cory Schauer CRD # 57753 q: ~·; ,,1 ~.:,;~ • ~ .. Rule 69W-600.0024, Florida Administ,ra.tive Code imp Statutes. The applicable portion of the rule states: (b) Every applicant for registration shat · 1. Proof of passing, with· the Uniform lnvestme 2. Proof of passing, the General Sec • rwe1fment Advisory ..,,vice, ore provided by o lflllated ~e9IS1ro1ian wllh the SEC does not imply a cen ain lev , ~· 1•t

FINAL ORDER EXHIBIT I Combined State Law Examination (Series 66), and proof ofpassin'g\Nithi.n four years of the date of application for registration, the Secufjtii:!s Industry Essentials (SIE) Examination. The following applicants will be ,considered to have passed the SIE Examination: a. Applicants whose registration as an associated person was terminated between October 1, 2014, and September 30, 2018, provided they re-register as an associated person within four years from the· date of their last registration; b. Applicants who registered as an associated person prior to October 1, 2018, and who continue to maintain those registrations on or after October 1, 2018. Application of the rule will result in substantial hardship by requiring Mr. Schauer to complete an exam solely due to the length of time he was not registered as an Investment Adviser Representative after completing the exam in 2010. Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b) requires an applicant provide proof of passing either the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination (Series 65) or Uniform Combined State Law Examination (Series 66) within two years of the date of application for registration. Mr. Schauer passed the Series 66 exam in 201 O but did not register as an Investment Advisor Representative at the time because his role at the time did not require Investment Advisor Representative registration; this resulted in a period of greater than-2 years· between passing the exam and his initial registration as an Investment Advisor Representative. A waiver of the_requirement to have passed the Series 65 or 66 examination requirement of Rule 69W-600.0024(6) serves 'the purpose of the statute as M/ Shauer has shown his ability to pass the examination, has a history of working as an Investment .Adviser ' Representative since 2016 and as a Registered Representative· since 2010, and has, since 2025, completed Investment Advisor Continuing Education in the same manner a Florida registered Investment Advisor Representative would be required to complete. Mr. Schauer has extensive experience in the investment industry and has been registered as an_!nvestment Advisor Representative in other jurisdictions without a significant gap since 2016. His experience in the investment industry also includes association with Broker;,;Dealers as a Registered Representative from 2010 to present day. Mr. Schauer does not have a disciplinary or criminal background. EXHIBIT A

Sincerely, Christopher ~~ Quincy Compliance Specialist Ashton Thomas Securities, LLC 8605 E Raintree Drive, Suite 280 Scottsda~,AZ85260 cguincy@at-pw.com Phone: (602) 732-4745 Fax: (602) 734-5495 FINAL ORDER EXHIBIT I EXHIBIT A

White, Ryann From: Sent: To: White, Ryann Friday, May 29, 2026 12:25 PM cquincy@at-pw.com FINAL ORDER EXHIBIT II Subject: SERVICE OF DOCUMENT: OFR LEGAL CASE NO. 136205-SR; In Re: Cory Schauer, Petition for Waiver from Rule 69W-600.0024(6}(b), F.A.C. Attachments: ENV-NOI - 136205-SR - Cory B. Schauer.pdf Good afternoon, Please find attached Notice of Intent to Enter a Final Order Denying Schauer's Petition from Waiver of Rule 69W-600.0024(6)(b), Florida Administrative Code & Notice of Rights issued today via U.S. mail in the above￾referenced matter. ST ATE OF FLORIDA OFFJCE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION In Re: CORY SCHAUER, Petition for Wah<er from Rule 69W-6011.0024(6)(h), Florida. Administrative Code, Petitioner, Case Number: 136205-SR 11-0TICE OF INTENT TO E~TER A FINAL ORDER DENYING SCHAUER'S PETITION FROM WAIVER OF RULE '9W-600.0024(6)C b)1 FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AND NOTJCF. OF RIGHTS Regards, Ryann E. White Assistant General Counsel Office of Financial Regulation Office of General Counsel 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-03 75 Office: (850) 410-9500 Direct: (850) 410-9803 Promoting a safe marketplace for financial success Connect with OFR! @(f)({ii)

FINAL ORDER EXHIBIT II Please note that pursuant to chapter 119, Florida Statutes. correspondence with the Office of Financial Regulation is considered public record. This correspondence is available to the public upon request unless exempt from disclosure. 2