John Engler Suspended and Barred by FINRA

John Engler (CRD #: 835827), a broker formerly registered with Ameriprise Financial Services, has been suspended and barred by FINRA, according to his BrokerCheck record, accessed on May 11, 2025. Read on if you want to know more about his alleged conduct as a broker.

FINRA Suspension

On March 20, 2025, John Engler received a Letter of Suspension from FINRA alleging that he failed to comply with an arbitration award/settlement agreement or to adequately respond to a request for information about the status of his compliance.

These allegations were made in relation to a dispute filed on January 24, 2025. John Engler was named in allegations involving state and federal securities laws and FINRA rules. His firm, Ameriprise Financial Services, sought indemnification for his alleged regulatory violations, negligence, and/or conversion/misappropriation.

The arbitration award made him liable for $41,000, payable to Ameriprise Financial Services and allegedly representing funds from a client’s check that ended up in John Engler’s account. You can read the arbitration award here.

John Engler’s suspension by FINRA will continue until the required payment is made or the debt is discharged.

Article VI, Section 3 of FINRA By-Laws

Article VI, Section 3 of FINRA By-Laws allows FINRA to suspend or cancel the membership of any member who fails to comply with arbitration awards or settlement agreements.

FINRA Rule 9554

FINRA Rule 9554 penalizes brokers for failing to comply with arbitration awards or settlements by suspending or canceling their registration. Brokers can request a hearing within 21 days, after which their suspension or cancellation becomes final.

What are blue sky laws?

Blue sky laws are state-level regulations that provide investors with an extra layer of protection against securities fraud. They typically also define which types of investments must register with the state securities board and empower state regulators to pursue civil and criminal charges.

Bar by FINRA

On April 1, 2024, John Engler consented to the entry of findings that he allegedly refused to appear for on-the-record testimony requested in connection with a FINRA investigation.

According to a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver & Consent (AWC), FINRA’s investigation concerned a Form U5 (Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry Registration) filed by Ameriprise Financial Services that allegedly disclosed a lawsuit against the firm. This lawsuit alleged that John Engler made unsuitable investments and misappropriated funds from a client.

The AWC concluded that the alleged refusal to appear for testimony constituted violations of FINRA Rules 8210 and 2010.

FINRA Rule 8210

FINRA Rule 8210 requires members to supply records, information, and testimony upon request by FINRA.

FINRA Rule 2010

FINRA Rule 2010 holds brokers to high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.

Sanctions

John Engler was permanently barred by FINRA on April 1, 2024. You can read the AWC here.

Investor Dispute

On November 1, 2023, an investor alleged that John Engler recommended unsuitable investments as well as an aggressive investment strategy involving margin. 

The investor also named Ameriprise Financial Services in allegations of negligence, unfair trade practices, and violations of Sections 206(1) and (2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the South Carolina Uniform Securities Act.

These violations allegedly related to investments made by the firm in the client’s account and blank checks signed and endorsed by the client that John Engler allegedly made payable to cash.

In the same dispute, Ameriprise Financial Services made claims against John Engler. The firm sought indemnification for John Engler’s alleged failure to comply with regulations, including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, South Carolina Uniform Securities Law, South Carolina Uniform Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, and FINRA rules.

The firm also sought indemnification for other claims, including his alleged negligence and/or conversion/misappropriation of funds.

The arbitration award made John Engler liable to pay Ameriprise Financial Services $41,000. You can read a copy of the award here.

According to John Engler’s detailed BrokerCheck page, the investor also received a settlement of $200,000.

FINRA Rule 2111

FINRA Rule 2111 requires that brokers tailor their investment recommendations to an investor’s profile, which describes their risk tolerance, age, and other characteristics.

Investment strategies must also meet the requirements of suitability. A common example is overconcentration, which can expose an investor to an unsuitable degree of risk.

Investors who rely on their broker for recommendations may be able to recoup their losses through FINRA arbitration.

Investment Advisers Act of 1940

Sections 206(1) and (2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 forbid the use of fraudulent and deceptive schemes or practices.

FINRA Rule 2150

FINRA Rule 2150 prohibits the improper use of investors’ funds.

Background Information

John Engler has passed the following exams:

• Series 65 – Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination
• Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination
• SIE – Securities Industry Essentials Examination
• PC – AMEX Put and Call Exam
• Series 7 – General Securities Representative Examination

In the past, he worked for the following firms:

• Ameriprise Financial Services (CRD#:6363)
• Wells Fargo Advisors (CRD#:19616)
• Prudential Securities (CRD#:7471)
• The Robinson-Humphrey Company (CRD#:723)

Kurta Law Can Help

If you worked with John Engler and you have concerns about your investments, please contact us today at 877-600-0098 or info@kurtalawfirm.com for a free consultation.

For over 20 years, Kurta Law has advocated on behalf of investors who want to recover their investment losses from brokers and brokerage firms. Kurta Law is a nationally recognized law firm and exclusively represents investors against brokers and brokerage firms on a contingency basis. This means that the firm only earns a fee if our securities attorneys recover money on your behalf.