Bertram Johnson (CRD #6816674) Has 1 Customer Dispute and 1 Employment Separation Disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck

Bertram Johnson (CRD #6816674) was previously registered as a broker. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on April 23, 2026. It reflects one customer dispute and one employment separation. If you invested with Bertram Johnson and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Bertram Johnson’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one customer dispute disclosure. A summary of the dispute is below:

On February 23, 2026, a client alleged theft of funds from a Bank of America checking account on January 12, 2026. BrokerCheck lists the product type as “Other: Non-Broker Dealer Affiliate Product.” The customer sought $6,548.04. The matter settled on March 6, 2026 for $6,548.04, and BrokerCheck lists Johnson’s individual contribution amount as $0.00.

Employment Separation

Bertram Johnson’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one employment separation disclosure. A summary of the disclosure is below:

Bertram Johnson’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report states that Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated discharged him on March 5, 2026. BrokerCheck lists the termination reason as misappropriation of client funds.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2150 (Improper Use of Customers’ Securities or Funds)

FINRA Rule 2150 says associated persons cannot make improper use of a customer’s funds. A dispute or separation tied to missing client money can raise questions about whether customer funds were handled properly.

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

FINRA Rule 2010 requires brokers to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. Conduct involving client funds or dishonest handling of account activity can implicate that rule.

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, Bertram Johnson:

Was previously registered with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Hantz Financial Services, Inc.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Bertram Johnson has also passed Series 7TO and Series 66.

Is not currently registered with a FINRA firm.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Bertram Johnson 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: Securities Attorney | Securities Fraud

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.