Christopher Charles Fess (CRD #1335361) Has 5 Customer Dispute Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Christopher Charles Fess is a broker with 5 customer dispute disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on March 9, 2026. It reflects 5 customer disputes. If you invested with Christopher Fess and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Christopher Fess’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects 5 customer dispute disclosures. Below are 2 examples from that category. An additional 3 customer dispute disclosures also appear on his record.

On January 27, 2026, a customer alleged Christopher Fess gave improper and ill-advised investment advice tied to a July 24, 2013 real estate security purchase. The customer sought $80,000 in damages. Christopher Fess’s FINRA BrokerCheck report shows the complaint was denied on February 23, 2026. The broker statement says the investment was illiquid, the complaint lacked merit, and the estate later received liquidity through a separate purchase arranged after the client’s death.

On October 22, 2003, a customer alleged unsuitable investments, negligence, fraud, vicarious liability, and control person liability. The customer sought $50,001 in damages. Christopher Fess’s FINRA BrokerCheck report shows the matter settled on September 23, 2004 for $90,000, with no individual contribution listed for Christopher Fess.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 requires a reasonable basis to believe a recommendation fits the customer’s investment profile. Complaints about unsuitable or ill-advised investments often raise questions about whether the product matched the customer’s goals, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2090 (Know Your Customer)

FINRA Rule 2090 requires firms and brokers to use reasonable diligence to know the essential facts about each customer and any person acting on the customer’s behalf. That matters when a dispute involves investment objectives, account handling, or authority over trust and estate assets.

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 Fess:

Is currently registered with KCD Financial, Inc.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Christopher Fess has also passed Series 24, Series 7, Series 6, Series 65, and Series 63.

Was previously registered with firms that include SPC, Sammons Securities Company, LLC, and Walnut Street Securities, Inc.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Christopher Fess and have concerns about the handling of your account, 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: 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.