Christopher Michael Gardner (CRD #6399817) Has Two Customer Dispute Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Christopher Michael Gardner (CRD #6399817) is a broker with two customer dispute disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on March 19, 2026. It reflects two pending customer disputes. If you invested with Christopher Michael Gardner and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Christopher Gardner’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects two customer dispute disclosures. Summaries of the disputes are below:

On January 9, 2026, a customer alleged Christopher Gardner failed to provide margin call notices. The customer sought $4,500,000 in damages. FINRA BrokerCheck lists the product as options. The matter is pending.

On October 14, 2025, a customer alleged Christopher Gardner made an unsuitable recommendation involving option trading. The customer sought $465,000 in damages. FINRA BrokerCheck lists the product as options. The matter is pending.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2360 (Options)

FINRA Rule 2360 governs options accounts and options trading. Complaints about option trading can raise questions about account approval, disclosures, and supervision.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 4210 (Margin Requirements)

FINRA Rule 4210 sets margin requirements for customer accounts. A dispute about margin call notices can raise questions about how a firm handled margin obligations and account maintenance.

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.

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 Gardner:

Is currently registered with Signature Estate Securities, LLC.

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

Was previously registered with firms that include Osaic Wealth, Inc. and Towneley Capital Management, Inc.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Christopher Gardner 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 | What Is 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.