John Thomas Hardiman (CRD #2089333) Has Customer Dispute Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

John Thomas Hardiman (CRD #2089333) is a broker with disclosure events on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on January 28, 2026. It reflects three customer disputes and one employment separation. If you invested with John Thomas Hardiman and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

John Hardiman’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects three customer dispute disclosures. Summaries of two disputes are below. One additional customer dispute is also reported.

On November 5, 2025, a customer alleged John Hardiman misrepresented investment characteristics. The customer said the recommendations involved mutual funds from December 2024 through June 2025. The customer sought $5,000 in damages. John Hardiman’s FINRA BrokerCheck report states Janney Montgomery Scott LLC denied the complaint on January 5, 2026.

On August 19, 2025, claimants alleged their accounts were unsuitably invested. They seek $660,000 in damages. John Hardiman’s FINRA BrokerCheck report lists the matter as a pending FINRA arbitration. It says the claim was filed on August 18, 2025 under docket 25-01712.

Employment Separation

John Hardiman’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects one employment separation after allegations. A summary is below.

On September 27, 2002, Paine Webber reported it permitted John Hardiman to resign. The firm stated he signed his wife’s name on an options agreement for their joint account. Hardiman’s statement says he told an operations manager about the signature, and no trades were executed.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 requires brokers to have a reasonable basis for each recommendation. It also requires matching investments to a customer’s objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2010 (Commercial Honor)

FINRA Rule 2010 requires brokers and firms to observe high standards of commercial honor. Misrepresentations and unfair practices can violate this rule.

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, John Hardiman:

Is currently registered with Janney Montgomery Scott LLC.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. John Hardiman has passed Series 7, Series 3, and Series 31. He has also passed Series 65 and Series 63.

Was previously registered with firms that include Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, A. G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., UBS PaineWebber Inc., and Continental Broker-Dealer Corp.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with John Hardiman and you have concerns, Kurta Law may be able to help you. Our team can review what happened and explain possible legal options. To speak with Kurta Law, call 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com.

Helpful resources: Unsuitable Investments | Misrepresentation and Omission

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. The attorney can also explain possible next steps.