Adrian Velez (CRD #5398796) Has Regulatory and Judgment/Lien Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Adrian Velez (CRD #5398796) is a broker with regulatory and judgment/lien disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on May 5, 2026. It reflects two regulatory events and four judgment/lien disclosures. If you invested with Adrian Velez and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Regulatory Events

Adrian Velez’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects two regulatory event disclosures. A summary of the disclosures is below:

On March 1, 2026, the Illinois Department of Insurance initiated a regulatory action. Adrian Velez FINRA BrokerCheck states that the licensee gave incorrect, misleading, incomplete, and materially untrue information in a license application. It also states that he tried to obtain a license through misrepresentation. The matter resolved by stipulation and consent on April 13, 2026. Adrian Velez FINRA BrokerCheck lists a $500 civil and administrative penalty, which was paid on April 23, 2026.

On November 5, 2024, the New York Department of Financial Services initiated a regulatory action. Adrian Velez FINRA BrokerCheck states that the action involved demonstrated untrustworthiness and/or incompetence under New York insurance law. The matter is final. It resolved as a denial on November 5, 2024. Adrian Velez FINRA BrokerCheck reports a denial sanction.

Judgment / Lien

Adrian Velez’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects four judgment/lien disclosures. A summary of two disclosures is below. Two additional judgment/lien disclosures are also reported.

Adrian Velez FINRA BrokerCheck reports a civil judgment/lien filed on June 30, 2022, in Cook County, Illinois. It lists Jefferson Capital Systems, LLC as the holder and $2,331.78 as the amount. The judgment/lien remains outstanding.

Adrian Velez FINRA BrokerCheck reports a civil judgment/lien filed on March 13, 2014, in Cook County, Illinois. It lists Midland Funding LLC as the holder and $3,532.20 as the amount. The judgment/lien remains outstanding.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 1122 (Filing of Misleading Information as to Membership or Registration)

FINRA Rule 1122 bars associated persons from filing incomplete or inaccurate membership or registration information with FINRA. It also requires them to correct a misleading filing after notice.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade)

FINRA Rule 2010 requires member firms to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. Regulatory matters can raise questions about the standards applied to professional conduct.

Why This Matters to Investors (Regulation Best Interest)

Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) is a U.S. securities regulation. It strengthens the standard of conduct that broker-dealers owe to retail investors. It applies when they recommend securities transactions or investment strategies. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Reg BI. It became effective on June 30, 2020. Reg BI aims to protect investors while preserving access to brokerage products and services.

Reg BI requires broker-dealers and financial advisors to act in a retail customer’s best interest at the time of a recommendation. They must not place their own financial or other interests ahead of the customer’s. This standard is higher than the older “suitability” rule. Suitability meant a recommendation only had to be appropriate. It did not have to be the best option or free of conflicts.

Reg BI has four key obligations:

Disclosure Obligation – Broker-dealers must disclose material facts about the relationship and the recommendation. This includes fees, the scope of services, and conflicts of interest.

Care Obligation – Broker-dealers must use reasonable diligence, care, and skill. They must consider costs, risks, and alternatives when making a recommendation.

Conflict of Interest Obligation – Firms must identify conflicts of interest. They must disclose them and mitigate or eliminate them. This includes conflicts that create incentives to favor one product over another.

Compliance Obligation – Firms must maintain policies and procedures. Those policies should be designed to ensure compliance with Reg BI as a whole.

Reg BI applies to each recommendation. It is not a continuous duty like the fiduciary standard for registered investment advisers. Even so, it narrows the gap. It puts more focus on costs, conflicts, and investor-focused decision-making.

Overall, Regulation Best Interest promotes transparency. It also aims to improve the quality of investment recommendations. It is designed to reinforce trust between retail investors and broker-dealers in the U.S. securities markets.

Background Information (from BrokerCheck)

Based on his FINRA BrokerCheck report, Adrian Velez:

Is currently registered with PFS Investments Inc.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Adrian Velez has passed Series 6. He has also passed Series 63.

Has no prior securities firm registration history reported.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Adrian Velez and you have concerns about his activity, Kurta Law may be able to help you evaluate your legal options. To speak with Kurta Law, call 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com.

Helpful resources: Misrepresentation and Omission | Unsuitable Investments

For nearly 20 years, Kurta Law has advocated for investors and helped hold financial professionals accountable. Our firm represents clients nationwide in securities arbitration and related disputes. If you believe a broker or firm mishandled your account, an attorney can review the facts and explain possible next steps.