James Sunghoon Kim (CRD# 4693844) Suspended by FINRA for Non-Compliance with an Arbitration Award

James Sunghoon Kim (CRD# 4693844) was previously registered as a broker. James Kim has a regulatory event disclosure on his FINRA BrokerCheck report. That disclosure involves a FINRA suspension tied to an unpaid arbitration award or related settlement agreement.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report

Regulatory Action(s)

James Kim’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects one regulatory event disclosure. A summary is below.

On October 29, 2025, FINRA initiated a regulatory action against James Kim. The docket number listed on the disclosure is 25-00950. FINRA stated that James Kim failed to comply with an arbitration award or settlement agreement. It also stated he did not satisfactorily respond to a FINRA request about the status of compliance. The matter was marked final and resolved by letter.

FINRA ordered an indefinite suspension in all capacities. The suspension start date listed on the disclosure is 10/29/2025.

Related document: FINRA Arbitration Award

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 9554 (Failure to Comply with an Arbitration Award or Related Settlement)

FINRA Rule 9554 allows FINRA to start an expedited process when an associated person does not pay an arbitration award or honor a related settlement. If the issue is not resolved after notice, FINRA can suspend the individual from associating with any member.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 13904 (Awards)

FINRA Rule 13904 explains how arbitration awards are issued and served in industry cases. It also notes that awards are generally final, which matters when parties must address payment and compliance obligations.

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

Based on his FINRA BrokerCheck report, James Kim:

Is not currently registered.

Was previously registered with firms that include Stifel Nicolaus & Company, Raymond James & Associates, Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Jefferies LLC, and UBS Securities LLC.

Has passed 1 principal/supervisory exam, 4 general industry/product exams, and 1 state securities law exam.

Kurta Law Can Help

James Kim’s disclosure history can raise questions for investors. Kurta Law’s attorneys represent investors in FINRA arbitration and related claims. We focus on facts, account records, and industry rules to evaluate potential recovery options.

Contact Kurta Law at 877-600-0098 or info@kurtalawfirm.com for a free consultation.

Helpful resources: Commission Abuse | Failure to Execute