Jeffrey Thomas Higgins (CRD #2871443) Has Multiple Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Jeffrey Thomas Higgins (CRD #2871443) is a formerly registered broker. FINRA BrokerCheck lists regulatory, civil, customer dispute, and employment separation disclosures. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on May 19, 2026. It reflects one regulatory event, one civil event, 11 customer disputes, and one termination disclosure. FINRA has barred him from acting as a broker or associating with a broker-dealer firm. If you invested with Jeffrey Higgins and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Regulatory Action

Jeffrey Higgins FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one regulatory disclosure. A summary of the disclosure is below:

On July 1, 2024, FINRA barred Jeffrey Higgins in all capacities. Higgins consented to the sanction and to findings that he refused to produce information and documents. He also refused to appear for on-the-record testimony during a FINRA matter that began after a regulatory tip. AWC link

The findings state that his member firm filed a Form U5 after his discharge. The filing said he notified the firm that he had misdirected client investments and funds. It also said he misappropriated client investments and funds for his own use. The conduct started at his prior broker-dealer firm and continued through termination.

Employment Separation

Jeffrey Higgins FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one employment separation disclosure. A summary of the disclosure is below:

Western International Securities, Inc. discharged Jeffrey Higgins on June 21, 2024. The firm reported that it was investigating his conduct. Higgins told the firm he had misdirected client investments and funds. The firm also reported that he misappropriated client investments and funds for his own use.

The disclosure says the conduct began around 2007 at his prior broker-dealer firm. It also says the conduct continued through the date of termination. Jeffrey Higgins FINRA BrokerCheck Report lists the product types as listed equity securities and cash.

Civil Charges

Jeffrey Higgins FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one pending civil disclosure. A summary of the disclosure is below:

On April 6, 2026, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. The SEC complaint states that Jeffrey Higgins misappropriated client securities for his personal benefit. It says the securities were worth more than $800,000 and belonged to 12 clients. The action seeks an injunction, disgorgement, monetary penalties, and other relief.

The SEC complaint says the conduct involved a sham investment program called Cumulus. It states that Higgins used client funds to buy securities at market prices. He then diverted some securities to his personal brokerage account. The SEC complaint says he used falsified documents and signatures. The matter remains pending in Jeffrey Higgins FINRA BrokerCheck Report.

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Jeffrey Higgins FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects 11 customer dispute disclosures. Two examples are summarized below. Nine additional customer dispute disclosures remain on BrokerCheck.

On September 23, 2025, customers alleged misappropriation of funds. The customers did not list a specific damage amount, but the firm made a good faith estimate above $5,000. Western International Securities, Inc. settled the matter for $348,243.47. Jeffrey Higgins FINRA BrokerCheck Report lists his contribution as $0.00.

On July 30, 2025, a customer alleged an unsuitable sale of GWG Holdings, Inc. L bonds in 2019 and 2020. The customer sought $65,000 in damages. The dispute remains pending in Jeffrey Higgins FINRA BrokerCheck Report. The matter was filed as a FINRA arbitration under docket number 25-01303.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 8210 (Provision of Information and Testimony)

FINRA Rule 8210 lets FINRA require documents, information, and testimony during an examination or investigation. Refusing to comply can lead to serious sanctions, including a bar.

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

FINRA Rule 2010 requires high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. Misuse of customer funds can raise serious concerns under this conduct standard.

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.

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, Jeffrey Higgins:

Is not currently registered as a broker or investment adviser representative. FINRA has barred him from acting as a broker or associating with a broker-dealer firm.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Jeffrey Higgins has also passed Series 7, Series 6, Series 31, Series 66, and Series 63.

Was previously registered with Western International Securities, Inc. and Financial West Group.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you worked with Jeffrey Higgins and have concerns, Kurta Law may be able to help. The firm can evaluate your legal options. To speak with Kurta Law, call 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com.

Helpful resources: Securities Attorney | 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. Counsel can also explain possible next steps.