Clinton Craig Steinhoff (CRD #6664344) Has a Regulatory Disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck

Clinton Craig Steinhoff (CRD #6664344) is a formerly registered broker with a regulatory disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on May 7, 2026. It reflects one regulatory event. If you invested with Clinton Steinhoff and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Regulatory Action(s)

Clinton Steinhoff’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one regulatory disclosure. A summary of the regulatory action is below:

On April 14, 2026, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation entered a final order against Clinton Steinhoff. The Office found that Clinton Steinhoff rendered investment advice from Florida. He was not registered with the Office as an associated person of Optima Capital Management. Clinton Steinhoff FINRA BrokerCheck states that the matter resolved by order. The sanctions included a cease-and-desist order and an $8,125 administrative fine. The regulator statement says Clinton Steinhoff neither admitted nor denied the allegations. He consented to the findings and paid the fine on April 14, 2026.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 1210 (Registration Requirements)

FINRA Rule 1210 requires people in a member firm’s securities business to hold the right registration. Registration issues can matter when a disclosure involves securities activity or advice.

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

FINRA Rule 2010 requires member firms to observe high standards of commercial honor. It also requires just and equitable principles of trade. Regulatory disclosures can raise questions about whether conduct met those standards.

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, Clinton Steinhoff:

Is not currently registered as a broker.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Clinton Steinhoff has passed Series 7. He has also passed Series 65 and Series 66.

Was previously registered with Morgan Stanley from October 2016 to October 2017.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you worked with Clinton Steinhoff and have concerns, Kurta Law may help you evaluate your options. To speak with Kurta Law, call 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com.

Helpful resources: Securities Attorney | Securities Fraud

For nearly 20 years, Kurta Law has advocated for investors. 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. An attorney can also explain possible next steps.