Christopher A. Pesce (CRD #3274301) Has Customer Dispute and Termination Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Christopher A. Pesce (CRD #3274301) is a broker with disclosure events on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on February 15, 2026. It reflects two customer disputes and two terminations. If you invested with Christopher A. Pesce and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

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

On September 18, 2025, a customer alleged Christopher Pesce recommended unsuitable long duration premium bonds. The customer also alleged the principal would be preserved and that income would be interest-based. The customer sought $140,000.00 in damages. FINRA BrokerCheck lists the status as denied as of October 14, 2025.

On January 7, 2026, a customer dispute was reported as pending. The trustee’s attorney alleged unsuitable long duration premium bonds based on the grantor’s age. The claim sought $140,000.00 in damages. FINRA BrokerCheck indicates the matter is in FINRA arbitration.

Employment Separation

Christopher A. Pesce’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects two termination disclosures. A summary is below:

FINRA BrokerCheck shows that on October 18, 2010, Christopher Pesce voluntarily resigned from Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. The disclosure states the firm reported conduct related to the exercise of discretion, solicitation of securities transactions, and order ticket marking.

FINRA BrokerCheck also shows that on December 13, 2002, Christopher Pesce was permitted to resign from Prudential Securities. The disclosure states the firm investigation concerned annuities replacement procedures and New York State Regulation 60. The disclosure states the investigation was not prompted by a customer complaint.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 requires a reasonable basis for each recommendation. A broker should match a bond strategy to the customer’s age, time horizon, and liquidity needs. Disputes can focus on whether the recommendation and disclosures fit those factors.

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

FINRA Rule 2010 requires members to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. Claims about misstatements or incomplete explanations can raise concerns under this broad conduct standard.

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, Christopher Pesce:

Is currently registered with Wells Fargo Advisors and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Christopher Pesce has passed Series 7. He has also passed Series 65 and Series 63.

Was previously registered with firms that include UBS Financial Services Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, and Prudential Securities Incorporated.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Christopher Pesce and you have concerns about his activity, Kurta Law may be able to help you evaluate your legal options. You can read more about potential claims and investor protections below. To speak with Kurta Law, call 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com.

Helpful resources: Unsuitable Investments | Securities Attorney

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.