John B. Balmer (CRD #4569902) Has a Customer Dispute Disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck

John B. Balmer (CRD #4569902) is a broker with a customer dispute on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on March 26, 2026. It reflects one customer dispute. If you invested with John B. Balmer and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

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

On September 4, 2025, a FINRA arbitration was filed involving John Balmer and Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC. John Balmer’s FINRA BrokerCheck states that customers alleged misconduct by the respondents in connection with DSTs and REITs. The claim sought $100,000 in alleged damages. BrokerCheck lists Houston, Texas as the forum and 25-01993 as the docket number. It also shows the complaint was received on December 22, 2025, and the arbitration remained pending as of February 6, 2026.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) requires a broker to have a reasonable basis for a recommendation and to consider the customer’s investment profile. Disputes involving DSTs and REITs can raise questions about whether the recommendation fit the investor’s needs, risk tolerance, and liquidity goals.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 3110 (Supervision)

FINRA Rule 3110 (Supervision) requires firms to maintain a supervisory system that is reasonably designed to achieve compliance with securities laws and FINRA rules. When a dispute involves alternative investments, supervision issues may include how recommendations were reviewed, documented, and monitored.

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, John Balmer:

Is currently registered with Kingswood Capital Partners, LLC and DST Wealth Management LLC.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. John Balmer has also passed Series 7 and Series 66.

Was previously registered with firms that include Benchmark Investments, LLC, Centaurus Financial, Inc., Anfield Advisors, LLC, Girard Securities, Inc., and LPL Financial LLC.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with John Balmer 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: Securities Attorney | Security 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.