Chad Michael Stranlund (CRD #5488606) Has Customer Dispute Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Chad Michael Stranlund (CRD #5488606) is a broker with customer dispute disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on May 7, 2026. It reflects two customer disputes. If you invested with Chad Stranlund and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Chad Stranlund’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects two customer dispute disclosures. A summary of the disputes is below:

On April 21, 2026, a customer alleged Chad Stranlund failed to disclose costs tied to a VUL policy purchased in 2025. The customer sought $5,000 in damages. Chad Stranlund’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report lists the product as insurance. The matter is pending.

On July 20, 2016, a customer alleged unsuitable recommendations in the purchase of a variable annuity in 2012. The customer did not specify a dollar amount. Chad Stranlund’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report lists the product as a variable annuity. Axa Advisors, LLC denied the claim on August 8, 2016. The broker statement says the firm found no basis for the complaint.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2330 (Deferred Variable Annuities)

FINRA Rule 2330 applies to recommended purchases and exchanges of deferred variable annuities. It addresses key features such as fees, surrender charges, and market risk. Customer disputes about variable annuities may raise questions about how those points were explained.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 requires a reasonable basis for each recommendation. The recommendation should match the customer’s investment profile. That profile includes risk tolerance, time horizon, and liquidity needs.

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, Chad Stranlund:

Is currently registered with Equitable Advisors, LLC.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Chad Stranlund has also passed Series 7 and Series 66.

Has no prior securities firm registration history reported.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Chad Stranlund 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: Variable Annuities | 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.