Jason Paul Merrill (CRD #4605088) Has Customer Dispute Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Jason Paul Merrill (CRD #4605088) is a broker with customer disputes on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on January 29, 2026. It reflects two customer disputes. If you invested with Jason Paul Merrill and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Jason Merrill’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects two customer dispute disclosures. A summary of the disputes is below:

On October 31, 2025, a customer alleged Jason Merrill made unauthorized trades in the customer’s non-qualified managed and brokerage accounts. The customer said the trading occurred on June 24, 2025. Jason Merrill’s FINRA BrokerCheck report lists the product as equity listed (common & preferred stock). The customer sought $19,793.98 in damages. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC denied the complaint on December 15, 2025.

On September 29, 2025, a customer alleged Jason Merrill sold stock positions and an exchange traded fund without authorization. The customer said the sales occurred between May and June 2025. Jason Merrill’s FINRA BrokerCheck report lists the products as equity-OTC, equity listed (common & preferred stock), and an exchange traded fund. BrokerCheck lists claimed damages of $5,000.00. The report also states the customer did not provide a specific amount and the firm believed compensatory damages exceeded $5,000.00. Ameriprise denied the complaint on October 9, 2025.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 3260 (Discretionary Accounts)

FINRA Rule 3260 addresses discretionary authority and trading without prior approval on each transaction. It generally requires written authorization from the customer and written acceptance by the firm. Unauthorized trading allegations often turn on whether the account was approved for discretion or the customer approved the trades.

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

FINRA Rule 2010 requires brokers and firms to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. Unauthorized trading complaints can raise questions about how the account was managed and whether the 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, Jason Merrill:

Is currently employed by and registered with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC.

This report reflects he is registered as a General Securities Representative and Investment Company and Variable Contracts Representative through FINRA.

He has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. He has also passed Series 7, Series 6, Series 63, Series 65, and Series 24.

He was previously registered with Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC, Hartford Life Distributors, LLC, and Van Kampen Funds Inc.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Jason Merrill and you have concerns about his 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: Unauthorized Trading | Stockbroker 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.