Craig E Fernsler (CRD #5558907) Has a Customer Dispute Disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck

Craig E Fernsler (CRD #5558907) is a broker with a customer dispute on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on May 7, 2026. It reflects one customer dispute. If you invested with Craig Fernsler and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Craig Fernsler’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one customer dispute disclosure. A summary of the dispute is below:

On March 25, 2026, customers alleged Craig Fernsler was involved in unsuitable DST investments. They sought $300,000 in damages. Craig Fernsler’s FINRA BrokerCheck report lists the product as a Delaware Statutory Trust. The matter is pending in FINRA arbitration under case number 26-00510. Fernsler’s BrokerCheck statement denies wrongdoing.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 requires a reasonable basis for each recommendation. A broker should match the investment to the customer’s profile. Customer disputes may question whether the product fit those facts.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 3110 (Supervision)

FINRA Rule 3110 requires firms to supervise associated persons. It also requires written procedures for the firm’s securities business. A dispute may question whether the firm reviewed the product and recommendation properly.

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 Craig Fernsler’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, Craig Fernsler:

Is currently registered with McDermott Investment Services, LLC.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Craig Fernsler has passed Series 22. He has also passed Series 63.

Was previously registered with firms that include RCX Capital Group, LLC and Omni Brokerage, Inc.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you worked with Craig Fernsler, Kurta Law may be able to help. The firm can review 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. An attorney can review the facts and explain possible next steps.