Austin Richard Dutton Jr (CRD #2739167) Has Regulatory and Customer Dispute Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck
Austin Richard Dutton Jr (CRD #2739167) has been the subject of disclosure events, which have been reported on his FINRA BrokerCheck Report. According to Austin Richard Dutton Jr’s FINRA BrokerCheck report accessed on January 18, 2026, Austin Richard Dutton Jr has been the subject of regulatory events, customer disputes, and a termination disclosure. If you invested with Austin Richard Dutton Jr and you have concerns about his activity, keep reading.
BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck
BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)
Regulatory Action(s)
Austin Dutton’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects four regulatory event disclosures. Two examples are below:
On January 5, 2024, FINRA initiated a regulatory action against Austin Dutton in connection with allegations that he recommended illiquid alternative investments to customers—many of whom were retired or approaching retirement—without a reasonable basis to believe the recommendations were suitable based on each customer’s investment profile. The disclosure also describes allegations that he falsified his firm’s books and records and caused customer account documents to contain false information. According to the disclosure, an Office of Hearing Officers decision became final on June 24, 2024, barring Austin Dutton from association with any FINRA member in all capacities and ordering disgorgement of commissions received in the amount of $65,509 plus prejudgment interest.
Related document: FINRA disciplinary decision
On June 8, 2022, FINRA initiated a regulatory action alleging that Austin Dutton failed to respond to FINRA requests for information. The disclosure reflects that Austin Dutton was suspended on July 5, 2022, and that the matter was finalized by letter.
In addition to these examples, Austin Dutton’s record reflects two other regulatory event disclosures.
Employment Separation After Allegations
Austin Dutton’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one termination disclosure. A summary is below:
On October 6, 1997, Austin Dutton was permitted to resign from Prudential Securities Incorporated. The disclosure states that allegations were not provided, and includes a statement indicating that his name and work telephone number were placed on the internet, which resulted in a conversation with a person in a state where he was not registered.
Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints
Austin Dutton’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects 37 customer dispute disclosures. Two examples are below:
On September 4, 2025, a customer alleged that Austin Dutton made unsuitable recommendations, misrepresented investment information, and violated Regulation Best Interest in connection with alternative investments. The alleged damages are $492,903.00, and the disclosure reflects the matter is pending.
On November 24, 2025, a customer alleged that Austin Dutton made unsuitable recommendations, misrepresented investment information, and violated Regulation Best Interest in connection with alternative investments. The alleged damages are $529,000.00, and the disclosure reflects the matter is pending.
In addition to these examples, Austin Dutton’s record reflects 35 other customer dispute disclosures.
Rule summary #1: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)
FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) requires brokers and firms to have a reasonable basis to believe a recommended transaction or investment strategy is suitable for the customer based on the customer’s investment profile and the facts of the recommendation.
Rule summary #2: FINRA Rule 4511 (Books and Records)
FINRA Rule 4511 (General Requirements) requires members to make and preserve books and records as required under FINRA rules, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and applicable Exchange Act rules.
Why this Matters to Investors (Regulation Best Interest)
Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) is a U.S. securities regulation designed to strengthen the standard of conduct that broker-dealers owe to retail investors when making recommendations about securities transactions or investment strategies. Adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and effective as of June 30, 2020, Reg BI aims to enhance investor protection while preserving investor access to brokerage products and services.
Reg BI requires broker-dealers and financial advisors to act in the best interest of the retail customer at the time a recommendation is made, and not to place their own financial or other interests ahead of the customer’s. This represents a higher standard than the historical “suitability” requirement, which only required that recommendations be suitable, not necessarily optimal or conflict-free.
Reg BI is built around four key obligations:
- Disclosure Obligation – Broker-dealers must disclose material facts about the relationship and recommendations, including fees, scope of services, and conflicts of interest.
- Care Obligation – Recommendations must be made with reasonable diligence, care, and skill, considering costs, risks, and alternatives.
- Conflict of Interest Obligation – Firms must identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate conflicts, particularly those that create incentives to favor one product over another.
- Compliance Obligation – Firms must establish policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with Reg BI as a whole.
Importantly, Reg BI applies at the recommendation level, not as a continuous duty like the fiduciary standard applicable to registered investment advisers. Still, it significantly narrows the gap by emphasizing cost considerations, conflict management, and investor-focused decision-making.
Overall, Regulation Best Interest seeks to promote transparency, improve the quality of investment recommendations, and reinforce trust between retail investors and broker-dealers in the U.S. securities markets.
Background Information (from BrokerCheck)
Based on his BrokerCheck Report, Austin Dutton:
- Is not currently registered and has been barred by FINRA from acting as a broker or otherwise associating with a broker-dealer firm.
- Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 7, Series 65, and Series 63 exams.
- Was previously registered with firms that include American Trust Investment Services, Inc., Primex, Newbridge Securities Corporation, and Center Street Securities, Inc.
Kurta Law Can Help
If you have worked with Austin Dutton and you have concerns about his activity, Kurta Law may be able to help you evaluate potential recovery options. You may be entitled to pursue a claim through FINRA arbitration, depending on the facts of your situation and the investments involved. Contact Kurta Law at 877-600-0098 or info@kurtalawfirm.com for a free consultation.
Helpful resources: Unsuitable Investments | Stockbroker Fraud
For nearly 20 years, Kurta Law has advocated for investors and helped hold financial professionals accountable—because investors should not have to sit quietly while alleged misconduct and securities fraud go unchecked. Start your recovery process today.