FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEYS WHO CAN HANDLE YOUR SECURITIES, COMMODITIES AND INVESTMENT PROBLEMS

The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. understands what is at stake in securities, commodities and investment law matters and constantly strives to secure the most favorable possible result. Mr. Pearce provides a complete review of your case and fully explains your legal options. The firm works to ensure that you have all of the information necessary to make a sound decision before any action is taken in your case.

For dedicated representation by a law firm with substantial experience in all kinds of securities, commodities and investment disputes, contact the firm by phone at 833-300-6983, toll free at 800-732-2889 or via e-mail. We may also be able to arrange a meeting with you at offices located in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida and elsewhere.

Kalos Capital Broker Kristian Finfrock Under Investigation For Unsuitable Investment Recommendations and FINRA Customer Complaints

Kristian Finfrock (CRD# 5421676) is a former financial advisor and registered representative who worked with Kalos Capital, Inc. in Evansville, Wisconsin, and is under investigation for potential investment-related misconduct arising from multiple FINRA customer disputes. Financial Advisor’s Career History Kristian Finfrock entered the securities industry in approximately 2007 and was previously registered with MetLife Securities Inc. from October 2007 through March 2012. He later joined Kalos Capital, Inc., where he was registered from March 2012 until July 2022, working out of Evansville, Wisconsin. During his tenure, Finfrock held Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 licenses. He is no longer registered with FINRA or any securities firm. Kristian Finfrock Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained FINRA records disclose three customer disputes, all of which were resolved through settlements, involving allegations of unsuitable recommendations, concentration in illiquid investments, and violations of fiduciary and securities law duties. Disclosure Summary (FINRA) Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses Kristian L. Finfrock’s customer complaints implicate FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability), which requires financial advisors to have a reasonable basis to believe that an investment recommendation is suitable for a customer’s financial situation, risk tolerance, and investment objectives. Concentrating client accounts in illiquid or high-commission investments without proper justification may violate this rule. The allegations also raise issues under FINRA Rule 2010, which mandates that brokers observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. Misrepresentations, negligent supervision, or inducing clients to hold unsuitable investments can constitute violations of this ethical standard. Additionally, recommendations involving private placements and alternative investments may implicate FINRA Rule 2090 (Know Your Customer), which requires brokers to use reasonable diligence to understand a customer’s financial profile before making investment recommendations. Failure to adequately assess liquidity needs or investment sophistication can expose investors to significant losses. Losing your savings to a dishonest broker or advisor can be devastating, but you do not have to face it alone. Robert Wayne Pearce and his team have spent over four decades helping investors who were misled or defrauded by Wall Street firms. The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. takes cases nationwide on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover your losses. Call (800) 732-2889 or email pearce@rwpearce.com today for a free and confidential consultation.

Continue Reading

The Leaders Group, Inc. Financial Advisor John Pulliam Under Investigation For Alleged Variable Annuity Misrepresentation and Failure to Follow Client Liquidation Instructions — FINRA Customer Complaints

Our firm is investigating The Leaders Group, Inc. financial advisor John Michael Pulliam (CRD# 2224237) of Summit, New Jersey for potential investment-related misconduct. Financial Advisor’s Career History According to his FINRA BrokerCheck report, John Michael Pulliam has worked in the securities industry with the following firms, among others: John Michael Pulliam Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained Customer Complaint Alleging Variable Annuity Misrepresentation (2002; Complaint Received 2003) FINRA BrokerCheck reflects a customer dispute reporting that a client alleged a variable annuity was misrepresented in or around 2002 while Pulliam was associated with Citigroup Global Markets Inc. The complaint was received on 08/06/2003, alleged damages were unspecified but in excess of $5,000, and the matter was reported as Denied with a status date of 10/13/2003. Customer Complaint Alleging Failure to Liquidate and Misrepresentation of Account Value (June 2002; Complaint Received 2003) BrokerCheck also lists a customer complaint stating the client alleged their instructions to liquidate a managed account were not followed and that the value of the account was misrepresented in June 2002, while the employing firm was listed as Smith Barney. The complaint was received on 04/04/2003, alleged damages were $6,203.62, and the matter was reported as Denied with a status date of 04/22/2003. Employment Termination After Allegations: Discharged by Raymond James (September 2025) BrokerCheck further reports an employment separation event indicating Pulliam was discharged by Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. on 09/10/2025. The stated allegation was that he “engaged in conduct inconsistent with firm policies on outside business activities.” Disclosure summary (as reflected on BrokerCheck): To obtain a copy of John Michael Pulliam’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, visit this link. Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) is implicated when an advisor recommends a securities transaction or investment strategy without a reasonable basis, or without ensuring it is consistent with the customer’s investment profile. In the context of allegations involving a variable annuity and alleged account-related misrepresentations, suitability concerns can arise if the product’s risks, costs, liquidity features, and time horizon were not appropriately matched to the client’s objectives—or if material features were not fully and fairly explained. FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) broadly requires brokers to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. Allegations that a client’s instructions to liquidate a managed account were not followed, or that an account value was misrepresented, may raise concerns under Rule 2010 because accurate communications and faithful execution of customer instructions are core expectations for registered representatives. FINRA Rule 3270 (Outside Business Activities of Registered Persons) requires registered persons to provide prior written notice to their member firm before engaging in business activities outside the scope of their relationship with the firm. Where a firm reports a discharge for conduct allegedly inconsistent with policies governing outside business activities, it can suggest issues around disclosure, supervision, and conflicts—particularly if an outside activity overlaps with client-facing financial services or creates incentives not fully transparent to the firm and customers. For over 45 years, Robert Wayne Pearce has helped investors recover losses caused by broker fraud, negligence, and unsuitable recommendations. His firm, The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., represents clients nationwide on a no-recovery, no-fee basis. Call (800) 732-2889 or email pearce@rwpearce.com for a free case review with an experienced securities attorney.

Continue Reading

RBC Capital Markets, LLC Financial Advisor Paul Meyer Under Investigation For Alleged Unauthorized Discretionary Trading and Customer Complaints

Our firm is investigating RBC Capital Markets, LLC financial advisor Paul Richard Meyer (CRD# 3062534) of Minnetonka, Minnesota for potential investment-related misconduct. Financial Advisor’s Career History According to his BrokerCheck report, Paul Richard Meyer has been registered with RBC Capital Markets, LLC since October 11, 2017. His reported employment/registration history includes: Paul Richard Meyer Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained FINRA’s BrokerCheck report reflects one regulatory event and four customer disputes reported for Paul Richard Meyer. Disclosures summary (for context): FINRA Regulatory Action (AWC): Discretion Without Written Authorization (December 2025) FINRA reported a final regulatory action resolved by Acceptance, Waiver & Consent (AWC) on December 10, 2025 (Case No. 2023078776201). FINRA stated that, without admitting or denying the findings, Meyer consented to findings that he exercised discretion without written authorization in connection with trades in customer accounts; FINRA further stated that the firm did not designate the accounts as discretionary and that Meyer did not speak with the customers on the dates of the transactions. The sanctions listed include a six-week suspension from January 5, 2026 through February 16, 2026, and a $5,000 fine. Customer Dispute: Alleged Failure to Follow Instructions on Stock Sales (FINRA Arbitration 22-02942) A customer alleged that the financial advisor failed to follow instructions regarding the sale of stocks (listed equities), with alleged damages of $250,000. The matter was reported as a FINRA arbitration (Docket/Case # 22-02942) and was settled on July 26, 2023 for $72,500. Customer Dispute: Alleged Unauthorized Trades (August 2022) and Poor Advice (Settled) Another disclosure states a client alleged the advisor executed unauthorized trades in August 2022 and also provided poor overall advice regarding investments in the portfolio. The disclosure lists alleged damages of $112,594, with a settlement amount of $20,040.42 (and an individual contribution amount also reported). Customer Dispute: Alleged Poor Advice (Feb 2021–Oct 2022) and Unauthorized Trading Allegation (Settled) A separate customer complaint alleges the advisor provided poor advice regarding the securities in which the client was invested from February 2021 through October 2022, and the client later alleged trades were executed without authorization. The product type is listed as Equity-OTC, with alleged damages of $271,000; the matter reflects a $100,000 settlement and reports an individual contribution amount. The broker statement notes that on November 22, 2022, the client sent a written communication making the unauthorized trading allegation. Customer Dispute: Alleged Unauthorized Trades (July–August 2022) and Mismanagement (Denied) FINRA BrokerCheck also reports a customer complaint alleging unauthorized trades in July and August 2022 and that the accounts were mismanaged, involving an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), with alleged damages of $5,000. The complaint was received November 16, 2022 and was reported as denied with a status date of March 15, 2023. To obtain a copy of Paul Richard Meyer’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, visit this link. Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses FINRA Rule 2510 (Discretionary Accounts) is directly implicated when a broker exercises discretion—such as choosing the timing, price, or security to trade—without the customer’s prior written authorization and without the firm properly approving and designating the account as discretionary. In Meyer’s FINRA AWC, the finding described discretion without written authorization and noted the accounts were not designated discretionary. FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) is commonly cited in matters involving unauthorized trading and failures to follow client instructions, because brokers are expected to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles. Customer allegations that a broker executed unauthorized trades or failed to follow instructions—like those reflected in the listed disputes—often raise Rule 2010 concerns. FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) may be relevant where customers allege “poor advice” or portfolio mismanagement, because the rule generally requires that recommendations be suitable in light of the customer’s investment profile. Allegations that an advisor provided poor overall advice or mishandled an account—especially alongside unauthorized trading allegations—can trigger scrutiny of whether recommendations and trading activity matched the investor’s objectives and risk tolerance. Losing your savings to a dishonest broker or advisor can be devastating, but you do not have to face it alone. Robert Wayne Pearce and his team have spent over four decades helping investors who were misled or defrauded by Wall Street firms. The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. takes cases nationwide on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover your losses. Call (800) 732-2889 or email pearce@rwpearce.com today for a free and confidential consultation.

Continue Reading

LPL Financial Advisor Roosevelt Grayson Subject of Customer Disputes Alleging Misrepresentation, Unsuitable Recommendations, and Failure to Follow Instructions

Our firm is investigating LPL Financial LLC broker and investment adviser Roosevelt Emanual Grayson (CRD# 1328135) of Farmington Hills, Michigan for potential investment-related misconduct. Financial Advisor’s Career History Based on his FINRA BrokerCheck report, Roosevelt Emanual Grayson has worked in the securities industry for decades and has been registered with multiple firms, including IDS Financial Services Inc. and IDS Marketing Corporation (starting in March 1985), Pruco Securities Corporation, Great Lakes Equities Co., Pamco Securities and Insurance Services, Liberty Securities Corporation, Independence One Brokerage Services, Inc., Essex National Securities, Inc., First Chicago NBD Investment Services, Inc., Banc One Securities Corporation, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. From January 2007 through October 2012, he was registered with Chase Investment Services Corp., followed by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC from October 2012 through January 2015. He has been registered with LPL Financial LLC since December 2014 (reported as “Present”) and lists Farmington Hills, Michigan as his employment location. Roosevelt Emanual Grayson Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained For context, BrokerCheck reflects the following customer disputes: 1995–1996 NASD Arbitration Alleging Improper Advice on Sale of Philip Morris Stock BrokerCheck reflects an arbitration matter (NASD Case #95-02262) tied to Independence One Brokerage Services, Inc., with allegations that included negligence, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and misrepresentation. The dispute described a customer claim of improper advice regarding the sale of Philip Morris stock and requested damages tied to capital gains taxes and alleged lost opportunity. The matter was reported as settled with a Disposition Date of 05/12/1996 and Monetary Compensation of $65,000.00, against alleged damages reported as $97,356.00. 2008–2009 Customer Complaint Alleging Variable Annuity Misrepresentation BrokerCheck reflects a customer complaint received 11/18/2008 while Mr. Grayson was associated with Chase Investment Services Corp. The customer alleged misrepresentation relating to a variable annuity investment and reported alleged damages of $15,322.59. The complaint was denied with a status date of 03/19/2009, and the report reflects no settlement payment. 2010–2011 Customer Complaint Alleging Mutual Fund Misrepresentation and Failure to Follow Instructions BrokerCheck reflects a customer complaint received 03/10/2011 involving Chase Investment Services Corp. The allegations were misrepresentation and failure to follow instructions regarding a mutual fund investment, with activity dates reported as 11/08/2010–11/08/2010. Alleged damages were reported as $8,175.00, and the matter was reported as settled (Status Date: 05/05/2011) for $5,530.98. 2024 Customer Complaint Alleging Unsuitable Universal Life Policy Recommendation BrokerCheck reflects a customer complaint received 11/18/2024 while Mr. Grayson was associated with LPL Financial LLC. The allegations described an unsuitable recommendation and poor advice involving an Other: Variable Universal Life Policy. The complaint was denied (Status Date: 12/20/2024). BrokerCheck reports alleged damages as $0.00, while also indicating the alleged damages were over $5,000 (without listing an exact figure). To obtain a copy of Roosevelt Emanual Grayson’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, visit this link. Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) is implicated when a broker’s conduct reflects unethical sales practices, including misleading communications or disregard for a client’s instructions, because the rule requires members and associated persons to observe high standards in their business conduct. FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) matters when allegations involve an unsuitable recommendation—such as the 2024 complaint tied to a variable universal life policy—because a recommendation is expected to align with the client’s investment profile, objectives, time horizon, liquidity needs, and risk tolerance. FINRA Rule 2020 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive, or Other Fraudulent Devices) is relevant to allegations of misrepresentation—such as the variable annuity and mutual fund complaints—because the rule broadly prohibits deceptive or fraudulent practices in connection with the purchase or sale of securities. For over 45 years, Robert Wayne Pearce has helped investors recover losses caused by broker fraud, negligence, and unsuitable recommendations. His firm, The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., represents clients nationwide on a no-recovery, no-fee basis. Call (800) 732-2889 or email pearce@rwpearce.com for a free case review with an experienced securities attorney.

Continue Reading

Raymond James Financial Services Advisor Christopher Campbell Under Investigation For Alleged Misrepresentations in Real Estate Direct Investments (FINRA Complaint)

Our firm is investigating Raymond James financial advisor and stockbroker Christopher William Campbell (CRD# 5597534) of Buffalo, New York for potential investment-related misconduct. Financial Advisor’s Career History Based on publicly available registration and employment history, Christopher William Campbell has been registered with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. since November 2017 and Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. since November 2017, working out of the firm’s Buffalo, New York office. Prior to Raymond James, Mr. Campbell was registered with Waddell & Reed from approximately May 2016 through November 2017. Christopher William Campbell Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained FINRA BrokerCheck reflects two pending customer disputes involving allegations that customers were induced to invest in a real estate investment based on alleged misrepresentations, with claimed damages of approximately $282,434.75 and $282,537.50. Customer Dispute 1: Alleged Misrepresentations About a Real Estate Investment (FINRA Case No. 25-01503) Customer Dispute 2: Alleged Misrepresentations About a Real Estate Investment (FINRA Case No. 25-01502) Disclosures (for quick reference): To obtain a copy of Christopher William Campbell’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, visit this link. Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) matters here because alleged “misrepresentations” often go hand-in-hand with a suitability failure: a recommendation can only be suitable if the advisor has a reasonable basis to believe the investment fits the customer’s objectives, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and time horizon, and that the customer actually understood the investment’s key risks. When a customer alleges they were steered into a real-estate direct investment (such as DPP/LP interests) based on incorrect or incomplete information, suitability analysis typically focuses on whether the advisor performed reasonable diligence and matched the product’s risk/illiquidity profile to the investor before recommending it. FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) is commonly implicated by allegations of misrepresentation because the rule broadly requires brokers to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. In practice, if an advisor is accused of presenting a real-estate investment with misleading statements or omissions—especially where investors claim significant damages—Rule 2010 is often evaluated alongside the underlying facts to determine whether the conduct fell below those standards, even if the dispute is still pending. FINRA Rule 2210 (Communications with the Public) can be relevant in misrepresentation cases because it governs how brokers communicate with customers, including requirements that communications be fair and balanced and not omit material information that would make what is stated misleading. Where investors allege they invested due to an advisor’s alleged misrepresentations, the case frequently turns on what was communicated (emails, presentations, pitch materials, and conversations), whether risks and limitations were clearly disclosed, and whether the overall message created a misleading impression about the real-estate investment. The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. is a nationally recognized securities law firm representing investors in FINRA arbitration and securities fraud cases on a contingency fee basis. Robert Wayne Pearce, the founding attorney, has more than 45 years of experience recovering millions for victims of broker misconduct and investment fraud. He previously defended major brokerage firms and now uses that insight to protect investors nationwide. To discuss your case directly with Mr. Pearce, call (800) 732-2889 or email pearce@rwpearce.com for a free consultation.

Continue Reading

TIAA Financial Advisor George Kontos Subject of Customer Complaints Alleging Failure to Disclose Annuity Restrictions and Surrender Charges (FINRA Complaint)

Our firm is investigating TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC financial advisor and broker George Michael Kontos (CRD# 7147967) of Royal Oak, Michigan for potential investment-related misconduct. Financial Advisor’s Career History Based on his FINRA BrokerCheck report, George M. Kontos has been registered with TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC as a registered representative since June 2023, and he is also associated with Advice and Planning Services (same branch address) as an investment adviser representative. His prior securities industry registrations include GLP Investment Services, LLC (registered representative) from July 2019 through June 2023 and Asset Allocation Strategies, LLC (investment adviser representative) from October 2019 through June 2023. George Michael Kontos Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained FINRA BrokerCheck reflects two customer dispute disclosures for Mr. Kontos, including one pending matter and one matter that was closed/denied. Disclosures (for context): Customer Dispute (Denied): Alleged Failure to Disclose Annuity Restrictions in a Retirement-Plan Rebalance According to the BrokerCheck disclosure, the customer alleged that, regarding a retirement-plan rebalance from securities to a fixed annuity on March 11 (year not specified in the disclosure narrative), the annuity restrictions were not disclosed. The disclosure lists product types including fixed annuity, variable annuity, and mutual fund. The complaint was received on 05/05/2025, with alleged damages listed as $0.00, while also noting a good-faith determination that potential damages could be $5,000 or more. The matter was marked “Denied” with a status date of 05/15/2025; the broker statement reported that the firm determined the claims were unsubstantiated and that appropriate information was provided at the time of investment. Customer Dispute (Pending): Alleged Unclear Surrender Charges in a Fixed Indexed Annuity Transfer BrokerCheck also describes a pending customer dispute arising from events reported during Mr. Kontos’s time at GLP Investment Services, LLC. The disclosure states that on May 13, 2020, Mr. Kontos held a virtual screen-sharing meeting (during COVID) reviewing the customer’s investments, risk tolerance, access needs, and time horizon to retirement, and recommended transferring fixed indexed annuities from National Life to Delaware in pursuit of potentially better rates. The disclosure further states that the customer later requested a penalty-free surrender and a return of assets to National Life, asserting they were unaware of surrender charges on the Delaware policies; Delaware reviewed and declined the request. (The disclosure lists this request date as “September 29, 2001,” as reported in CRD.) The customer then filed a complaint with the State of Michigan on 01/18/2022 requesting the funds be returned to National Life penalty-free; the complaint was received on 01/20/2022 and is marked pending. While alleged damages are listed as $0.00, the disclosure includes estimated surrender charges of $5,228 and a possible market value adjustment estimated at approximately $4,780 as of 01/31/2022. To obtain a copy of George Michael Kontos’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, visit this link. Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) is relevant to allegations involving annuity switches or reallocations because the rule generally requires that a recommendation match the customer’s investment profile—such as time horizon, liquidity needs, and risk tolerance—so if a customer says they needed access to funds or did not want penalties, a recommendation that exposes them to meaningful surrender charges or restrictions can raise suitability concerns. FINRA Rule 2330 (Deferred Variable Annuities) can be implicated when variable annuities are part of the transaction mix, because the rule framework emphasizes heightened review and documentation around variable annuity exchanges and the customer’s features, fees, and benefits; in a dispute alleging that annuity restrictions or costs were not disclosed, the adequacy of disclosures and the basis for the annuity-related recommendation become key issues. FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) may apply when an investor alleges they were not told material information—such as surrender charges or product restrictions—because the rule broadly requires ethical conduct; when the core complaint is “I did not understand the restrictions/penalties,” investigators often scrutinize what was explained, what was provided in writing, and whether the communications were consistent with fair dealing. Losing your savings to a dishonest broker or advisor can be devastating, but you do not have to face it alone. Robert Wayne Pearce and his team have spent over four decades helping investors who were misled or defrauded by Wall Street firms. The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. takes cases nationwide on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover your losses. Call (800) 732-2889 or email pearce@rwpearce.com today for a free and confidential consultation.

Continue Reading

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Financial Advisor Mark Reynolds Under Investigation For Alleged Auction Rate Securities Misrepresentations and Municipal Bond Suitability Violations (FINRA Complaints)

Our firm is investigating Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. financial advisor and broker Mark Raymond Reynolds (CRD# 1639111) of Chicago, Illinois for potential investment-related misconduct. Financial Advisor’s Career History Based on his FINRA BrokerCheck report, Mark R. Reynolds has worked in the securities industry with the following firms: Mark Raymond Reynolds Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained FINRA BrokerCheck reflects two customer dispute disclosures for Mark R. Reynolds. Disclosure snapshot (for context): Auction Rate Securities (ARS) misrepresentation claim (settled for $1.3 million)A customer alleged “misrepresentations” concerning the sale of auction rate securities (ARS) while Reynolds’ employing firm was Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. The dispute was brought in FINRA arbitration in Illinois (Case 11-04689), with an arbitration filing date shown as 12/15/2011 and a complaint received date of 12/28/2011. The report reflects a settlement of $1,300,000 with a status date of 09/27/2012, and that Reynolds’ individual contribution amount was $0. The disclosure also includes a broker statement indicating he was not named and denied the allegations, and it describes the settlement as including an agreement by the firm to buy back ARS over time. Municipal debt dispute alleging suitability and related claims (FINRA arbitration pending)A separate customer dispute describes allegations including negligence and suitability and violations of FINRA rules, among other claims, tied to municipal debt and alleged conduct “from 2007 to 2022.” The report lists alleged damages of $865,072 and shows the complaint received date as 03/11/2025. It further indicates the matter evolved into FINRA arbitration (Case 25-00850) with arbitration pending as of 04/29/2025. To obtain a copy of Mark Raymond Reynolds’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, visit this link. Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses FINRA Rule 2010 (commercial honor) in plain terms FINRA Rule 2010 requires brokers and associated persons to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. In the context of allegations like misrepresentations in product sales and suitability-related claims, Rule 2010 is often implicated because a broker’s overall conduct—what was said, what was omitted, and how recommendations were presented—can be evaluated against those baseline ethical standards. FINRA Rule 2111 (suitability) and municipal debt allegations FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) generally requires that recommendations be suitable for the customer based on factors like investment objectives, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, time horizon, and overall portfolio composition. Where a dispute alleges “negligence and suitability” involving municipal debt over a multi-year period, the core question is often whether the recommended strategy matched the investor’s profile and whether the risks (including credit, duration/interest-rate, and concentration risk) were consistent with what the investor could reasonably bear. FINRA Rule 3110 (supervision) and “failure to supervise” claims FINRA Rule 3110 requires member firms to establish and maintain a supervisory system reasonably designed to achieve compliance with applicable securities laws and FINRA rules. When a customer dispute includes allegations of “failure to supervise,” that language commonly points to potential firm-level exposure—whether the brokerage firm had adequate policies, escalation procedures, and oversight to detect and address problematic sales practices (including red flags tied to product risk, disclosures, or pattern issues across accounts). Losing your savings to a dishonest broker or advisor can be devastating, but you do not have to face it alone. Robert Wayne Pearce and his team have spent over four decades helping investors who were misled or defrauded by Wall Street firms. The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. takes cases nationwide on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover your losses. Call (800) 732-2889 or email pearce@rwpearce.com today for a free and confidential consultation.

Continue Reading

Alpha Capital Family Office Financial Advisor Douglas Campbell Under Investigation For Unsuitable Investment Recommendations and Negligence in FINRA Customer Complaints

Our firm is investigating Alpha Capital Family Office, LLC financial advisor and investment adviser representative Douglas Walter Campbell (CRD# 1157205) of Greenwood Village, Colorado, for potential investment-related misconduct. Financial Advisor’s Career History Douglas W. Campbell is not currently registered as a broker, but his BrokerCheck record reflects a long securities industry history across multiple firms. His prior broker registrations include (among others) Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC (Greenwood Village, CO), UBS Financial Services Inc. (Orlando, FL), Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (Orlando, FL), and Wachovia Securities, LLC (Charlotte, NC), followed later by LPL Financial LLC (Centennial, CO) through September 2018. In his more recent employment history as reported, he served with Alpha Capital Management Group LLC (Centennial, CO) and then Alpha Capital Family Office (Greenwood Village, CO) beginning in 2020. Douglas W. Campbell Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained FINRA BrokerCheck reflects two customer dispute disclosures, both reported as settled. Disclosures (high-level context): Customer Dispute (June 2025): Alleged Negligence and Breach of Fiduciary Duty (2019–2020) According to the disclosure, a client alleged Campbell (as an investment adviser representative at Alpha Capital Family Office, LLC) was negligent and breached fiduciary duty in 2019–2020 after purchasing a position that later declined in value. The product type is listed as Equity Listed (Common & Preferred Stock) with alleged damages of $250,000. The complaint was received June 3, 2025, and the matter shows a settlement dated July 27, 2025 for $105,000, with an individual contribution amount of $105,000 reported. Customer Dispute (June 2021): Alleged Unsuitable / Excessive Investing and Poor Diversification A separate disclosure states allegations of excessive, inappropriate, unsuitable investments and investing outside the reasonable scope of appropriate diversification involving Alpha Capital Management Group & Alpha Capital Family Office LLC. It lists alleged damages of $360,000, a complaint received June 8, 2021, and a settlement dated August 31, 2023 for $150,000 (with $0 listed as the individual contribution amount). This disclosure also references a civil litigation entry in Idaho state court (District Court for the Fourth Judicial District of Idaho, Ada County, Case No. CV01-21-18425) and includes a narrative indicating the case was later settled. To obtain a copy of Douglas Walter Campbell’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, visit this link. Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) matters here because the 2021 allegations include unsuitable and excessive investing and a lack of reasonable diversification; Rule 2111 is designed to require that a recommendation fits the customer’s investment profile, including risk tolerance, objectives, liquidity needs, and time horizon, and it helps frame whether concentrated or high-risk strategies were appropriate for that investor’s stated goals. FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) is often implicated when complaints allege negligence, breaches of duty, or sales-practice misconduct, because it broadly requires brokers to observe high standards of commercial honor; when an investor claims an advisor failed to act carefully, failed to disclose material risks, or placed the investor into strategies outside reasonable diversification, Rule 2010 is frequently analyzed alongside the specific facts. FINRA Rule 3110 (Supervision) can be relevant to disputes alleging excessive or inappropriate investing because brokerage firms are expected to maintain supervisory systems reasonably designed to achieve compliance; when an account shows red flags—such as high concentration, strategy drift, or repeated recommendations that appear inconsistent with the client profile—Rule 3110 provides a framework for evaluating whether supervisory review and controls were adequate. For over 45 years, Robert Wayne Pearce has helped investors recover losses caused by broker fraud, negligence, and unsuitable recommendations. His firm, The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., represents clients nationwide on a no-recovery, no-fee basis. Call (800) 732-2889 or email pearce@rwpearce.com for a free case review with an experienced securities attorney.

Continue Reading

Aegis Capital Corp Stockbroker Keith Dagostino Under Investigation For Alleged Unsuitable Recommendations and Excessive Trading; FINRA Customer Complaints

Our firm is investigating former EF Hutton LLC and Aegis Capital Corp stockbroker Keith Dagostino (CRD# 2837860) of Woodbury, New York for potential investment-related misconduct. Stockbroker’s Career History BrokerCheck reflects that Dagostino is not currently registered and was previously registered with multiple broker-dealers over his career. His reported registration history includes EF Hutton LLC (10/2023–10/2024), Aegis Capital Corp. (10/2014–11/2023), Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (05/2010–10/2014), Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (07/2005–06/2010), Ladenburg, Thalmann & Co., Inc. (12/2003–07/2005), Wachovia Securities, LLC (12/2003), Quick & Reilly, Inc. (11/2002–12/2003), and Ladenburg Capital Management Inc. (03/1997–11/2002). Keith Michael Dagostino Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained BrokerCheck reports 1 regulatory event and 24 customer disputes for Dagostino. The BrokerCheck disclosure matrix reflects customer disputes that are both pending and finalized (including settled matters). FINRA Regulatory Action (Acceptance, Waiver & Consent) FINRA disclosed a regulatory action initiated and resolved on December 17, 2025 (AWC), reflecting findings that Dagostino willfully violated the Care Obligation under Exchange Act Rule 15l-1(a)(1) (Reg BI) in connection with recommendations to retired and senior investors. According to the AWC, FINRA found he recommended speculative, low-priced securities from microcap issuers to 10 customers with low risk tolerance and capital preservation/income objectives, resulting in over $1.8 million in losses that the member firm repaid. FINRA imposed a 24-month suspension (01/05/2026–01/04/2028) and a $25,000 fine. Selected Customer Disputes and Allegations Reported on BrokerCheck Below is a representative sample of the customer dispute disclosures reflected in the BrokerCheck report (the report reflects additional customer disputes beyond those summarized here). Disclosures (bulleted for context; representative sample): To obtain a copy of Keith Michael Dagostino’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, visit this link. Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) generally requires a broker to have a reasonable basis to believe a recommendation is suitable for a particular customer based on the customer’s investment profile; allegations that retired or senior investors with capital-preservation objectives were steered into speculative, low-priced, or otherwise high-risk securities can be evaluated through whether the recommendations matched those stated objectives and risk tolerance. FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) is a broad ethical rule that can be implicated when disputes involve alleged misrepresentations or omissions, including allegations that the risks of microcap securities, structured products, or concentrated equity strategies were not fairly presented or were implemented in a manner inconsistent with honest practice. FINRA Rule 3260 (Discretionary Accounts) generally restricts a broker from exercising discretion in a customer account without prior written authorization and firm acceptance; customer allegations involving unauthorized trading or excessive trading may raise questions about whether trades were executed without proper authority, without appropriate approvals, or without adequate customer consent. For over 45 years, Robert Wayne Pearce has helped investors recover losses caused by broker fraud, negligence, and unsuitable recommendations. His firm, The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., represents clients nationwide on a no-recovery, no-fee basis. Call (800) 732-2889 or email pearce@rwpearce.com for a free case review with an experienced securities attorney.

Continue Reading

Edward Jones Financial Advisor Robert Lybbert Under Investigation For Alleged Hedge Fund Fraud and Investor Complaints (FINRA Customer Disputes)

Our firm is investigating Edward Jones financial advisor Robert Lybbert (CRD# 7451138) of Issaquah, Washington for potential investment-related misconduct. Financial Advisor’s Career History Robert Lybbert has been registered as an investment adviser representative with Elite Wealth Management, Inc. (CRD# 132122) in Kirkland, Washington from October 2021 through July 2025, and he also reported registrations with Lattice Capital Management LLC (CRD# 141860) in Kirkland, Washington during October 2021 through July 2022 and again from November 2023 through January 2024. He has been registered with Edward Jones (CRD# 250) since July 2025 as an investment adviser representative in Washington and since September 2025 as a general securities representative, working out of the firm’s Issaquah, Washington branch office. Robert Val Lybbert Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained FINRA BrokerCheck disclosures reflect five customer disputes reported as pending, all involving “Other: Hedge Fund” as the listed product type and allegations that include fraud, negligence, negligent misrepresentation/omissions, breach of fiduciary duty, and Washington securities-law and consumer-protection claims. Disclosure summary (as reported on BrokerCheck): Disclosure 1: Oregon Civil Litigation Alleging Fraud and Negligence (Notice Served 10/17/2025) One pending civil lawsuit alleges fraud, negligent representation, breach of duty, unlawful trade practices, and negligence in connection with a hedge fund investment and seeks $2,137,533.29 in alleged damages. The matter is reported as pending in Oregon state court in Multnomah County (Case 25CV59941). Disclosure 2: Washington Civil Litigation Alleging Fiduciary and Securities-Law Violations (Notice Served 08/08/2025) A separate pending Washington state-court matter alleges breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, negligent misrepresentation/omissions, breach of contract, and alleged violations of the Washington State Securities Act (RCW 21.20.010) and the Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) involving a hedge fund. The alleged damages are stated as $2,000,000.00, with an explanation that compensatory damages are believed to exceed $2,000,000 (Case 25-2-22733-2 SEA, King County). Disclosure 3: JAMS Arbitration Alleging Fiduciary Breach and Negligence (Notice Served 07/22/2025) A pending JAMS arbitration alleges breach of fiduciary duty and negligence tied to a hedge fund and claims $15,000,000.00 in alleged damages (JAMS Docket 5160000962). Disclosure 4: JAMS Arbitration Alleging Negligent Misrepresentations and Unlawful Sale Claims (Notice Served 07/25/2025) Another pending JAMS arbitration alleges negligence and negligent misrepresentations, Washington securities-law claims (including alleged unlawful sale allegations), and references duty-of-care allegations under the Investment Advisers Act. The alleged damages are reported between $960,000.00 and $962,605.55 (JAMS Docket 5160000959). Disclosure 5: JAMS Arbitration Alleging Unsuitable Hedge Fund Recommendations (Notice Served 06/12/2025) A further pending JAMS arbitration alleges breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, unjust enrichment, and Washington securities-law violations tied to alleged unsuitable product recommendations, with $1,375,210.00 in alleged damages and an alleged loss window identified as August 2024 through April 2025 (JAMS Ref. 5160000924). To obtain a copy of Robert Val Lybbert’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, visit this link. Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) generally requires that a recommendation be consistent with the customer’s investment profile, including objectives, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and time horizon; where complaints involve hedge funds and alleged “unsuitable” recommendations or losses tied to riskier strategies, the suitability inquiry commonly examines whether the product’s volatility, illiquidity, leverage, and concentration risks matched what the investor could reasonably bear. FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) is a broad ethical rule that can be implicated when disputes allege fraud, negligent misrepresentation, or omissions, because investors are entitled to fair dealing and truthful communications; when a customer claims they were misled about a hedge fund’s risks, fees, redemption restrictions, or expected performance, the alleged conduct may be evaluated under the obligation to act consistently with high standards of commercial honor. FINRA Rule 2210 (Communications with the Public) sets standards for broker-dealer communications, including the requirement that communications be fair and balanced and not omit material facts; in matters alleging negligent misrepresentations or omissions regarding hedge fund risks and features, a key question is whether the information provided to the investor accurately described downside risk, liquidity limits, valuation uncertainty, and any conflicts or compensation arrangements that could have influenced the recommendation. The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. is a nationally recognized securities law firm representing investors in FINRA arbitration and securities fraud cases on a contingency fee basis. Robert Wayne Pearce, the founding attorney, has more than 45 years of experience recovering millions for victims of broker misconduct and investment fraud. He previously defended major brokerage firms and now uses that insight to protect investors nationwide. To discuss your case directly with Mr. Pearce, call (800) 732-2889 or email pearce@rwpearce.com for a free consultation.

Continue Reading