Dustin Allen Smith (CRD #2803156) Has Customer Dispute Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Dustin Allen Smith (CRD #2803156) is a broker with customer dispute disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on February 18, 2026. It reflects two customer disputes. If you invested with Dustin Allen Smith and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Dustin Smith’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects two customer dispute disclosures. Summaries are below:

On December 2, 2025, customers filed a FINRA arbitration (Case #25-02627) involving Dustin Smith. Claimants contend their retirement assets were invested entirely in illiquid structured notes. They sought $2,000,000 in damages. The arbitration is listed as pending.

On October 16, 2013, a customer alleged Dustin Smith did not update a mailing address. The customer also alleged premium-payment instructions for a life insurance policy were not followed. The customer said the policy lapsed and the death benefit was lost. The customer sought $330,000 in damages. The matter is listed as denied.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 requires a reasonable basis for a recommendation. It also requires the recommendation to fit the customer’s profile, including risk tolerance and liquidity needs.

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

FINRA Rule 2010 requires high standards of commercial honor. It also requires just and equitable principles of trade.

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, Dustin Smith:

Is currently registered with Citizens Securities, Inc.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Dustin Smith has passed Series 7. He has also passed Series 9, Series 10, Series 65, and Series 63.

Was previously registered with firms that include RBC Capital Markets, LLC and UBS Financial Services Inc.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Dustin Smith and you have concerns about your investments, 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: Structured Products | Unsuitable Investments

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.