Brian Koehl is Facing a Variable Annuity Dispute

Brian Koehl (CRD #: 3233906), a broker registered with Lincoln Financial Advisors, is the subject of an investor dispute. This is according to his BrokerCheck record, accessed on June 19, 2024. Details concerning this dispute are provided below. 

Investor Allegations 

On April 18, 2024, an investor alleged that Brian Koehl purchased a variable annuity without her knowledge or consent. The investor further alleges that the variable annuity was unsuitable. The dispute was denied, but investors can deny disputes without any external review. Investors can still recover their losses following a denial. 

What is a Variable Annuity? 

Variable annuities are complex investments. They are insurance products that come with an investment component. The associated fees, surrender charges, and potential tax liability can negate any supposed benefits they offer. Furthermore, the risk associated with this type of illiquid investment makes it unsuitable for many investors. 

What is an Unsuitable Investment?

FINRA Rule 2111 requires brokers to evaluate whether an investment strategy fits their investor’s financial goals. Brokers must examine the investor’s profile, which contains the following investor characteristics:

• Age
• Risk tolerance
• Time horizon (i.e., how long the investor plans to hold the investment)
• Investing experience
• Tax status
• Financial goals

Investors who rely on brokers for recommendations may be able to recover losses from unsuitable investment recommendations by pursuing FINRA arbitration.

High Standards of Commercial Honor 

FINRA Rule 2010 holds brokers to high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. Issuing a variable annuity without the investor’s consent would violate this rule. 

Background Information 

Brian Koehl has passed the following exams: 

• Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law Examination 
• Series 63 Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination 
• SIE – Securities Industry Essentials Examination 
• Series 7 General Securities Representative Examination 
• Series 6 Investment Company Products/ Variable Contracts Representative Examination

He is a registered broker in 11 states and is a registered investment adviser in North Carolina. 

During his 24 years of experience, Brian Koehl has registered with the following firms: 

• Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation (CRD #: 3978) 
• Osaic FA (CRD #: 3978) 
• AIG Capital Services (CRD #: 13158) 
• Planco Financial Services (CRD #: 8326) 
• TransAmerica Capital (CRD #: 8217) 
• Berger Distributors (CRD #: 41436) 

Kurta Law Can Help 

If you have worked with Brian Koehl and have concerns about your investments, do not hesitate to contact us at 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com for a free consultation. 

For nearly 20 years, Kurta Law has advocated for investors to recover their investment losses from brokers and brokerage firms. Kurta Law is a nationally recognized law firm that exclusively represents investors against brokers and brokerage firms on a contingency basis. This means that the firm only earns a fee if our securities attorneys recover money on your behalf. Do not let securities fraud go unchecked. Start your recovery process today.