Joseph Brian LaScala Jr (CRD #3070261) Has Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Joseph Brian LaScala Jr (CRD #3070261) is a broker with disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on February 18, 2026. It reflects one regulatory action and seven customer disputes. If you invested with Joseph LaScala and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Regulatory Action(s)

Joseph Brian LaScala Jr’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one regulatory action disclosure. A summary is below:

On January 24, 2022, FINRA reported that Joseph LaScala Jr entered into an Acceptance, Waiver & Consent. FINRA found he engaged in excessive and quantitatively unsuitable trading in a customer’s individual 401(k) account. The findings state the trading created $90,720 in costs and $116,194 in losses. FINRA also found he exercised discretionary authority without written authorization and without firm approval. FINRA imposed a $7,500 fine and a four-month suspension in all capacities from February 22, 2022 through June 21, 2022. You can review the underlying document here: AWC (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Joseph Brian LaScala Jr’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects seven customer dispute disclosures. Summaries of two disputes are below:

On December 3, 2025, a customer alleged breach of fiduciary duty tied to activity in November 2019. The customer sought $200,000 in damages. The matter is listed as pending.

On March 15, 2023, a customer alleged unauthorized trading. The dispute settled for $1,125,000. LaScala denied the claim and stated the trading was authorized by the court-appointed guardian.

FINRA BrokerCheck lists five additional customer disputes involving Joseph LaScala Jr.

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

FINRA Rule 3260 addresses discretionary trading and the supervision of discretionary accounts. It requires firms to approve discretionary orders and to review discretionary accounts to detect excessive trading. Cases involving unauthorized discretion often focus on whether the account had proper written authority. See FINRA Rule 3260.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 requires brokers to have a reasonable basis for recommendations. It includes quantitative suitability, which can be implicated when trading is excessive in light of a customer’s profile. Regulatory actions and disputes may raise questions about whether the trading pattern fit the account’s objectives. See FINRA Rule 2111.

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, Joseph LaScala:

Is currently registered with Aegis Capital Corp.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Joseph LaScala has passed Series 7. He has also passed Series 24, Series 4, Series 65, and Series 63.

Was previously registered with firms that include Paulson Investment Company, Inc., GunnAllen Financial, Inc., Investec Ernst & Company, and Royce Investment Group, Inc.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Joseph LaScala 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: Churning (Excessive Trading) | Unauthorized Trading

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.