Gayle Althea Hawkins (CRD #6150475) Has a Customer Dispute Disclosure and Judgment/Lien Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Gayle Althea Hawkins (CRD #6150475) is a broker with a customer dispute disclosure and two judgment/lien disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed the BrokerCheck report on April 16, 2026. It reflects one customer dispute and two judgment/lien disclosures. If you invested with Gayle Hawkins and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

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

On February 10, 2026, a customer alleged Gayle Hawkins did not discuss multiple options while recommending an annuity. Gayle Hawkins’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report lists the product as a variable annuity. The complaint was denied on March 31, 2026. The reported damages were listed as $0, with a note that damages were unknown but estimated at more than $5,000. Gayle Hawkins stated the available options were discussed with the client and that the client signed the appropriate e-documents.

Judgment / Lien

Gayle Hawkins’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects two judgment/lien disclosures. Summaries of those disclosures are below:

On December 14, 2023, Gayle Hawkins’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report shows a $10,021 tax lien filed in New Jersey Superior Court. The disclosure states the lien remained outstanding at the time of the report. Gayle Hawkins’s broker statement says the matter would be resolved in November or December.

On May 4, 2023, Gayle Hawkins’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report shows a $5,299 tax lien filed in New York County Court. The disclosure states the lien remained outstanding at the time of the report. Gayle Hawkins’s broker statement says the balance would be paid in November or December 2024.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2330 (Deferred Variable Annuities)

FINRA Rule 2330 covers recommended purchases and exchanges of deferred variable annuities. It requires firms and registered representatives to address key product features, such as fees, surrender charges, and risks, when making those recommendations.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 requires a reasonable basis for a recommendation. Questions about whether options were explained or whether an annuity fit the customer’s profile can overlap with suitability concerns.

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 the FINRA BrokerCheck report, Gayle Hawkins:

Is currently registered with LPL Enterprise, LLC.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam and Series 6.

Is currently registered with FINRA and is licensed in Florida and New Jersey.

Was previously registered with Pruco Securities, LLC.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Gayle Hawkins and you have concerns about the reported 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.