Joseph Frederick Eschleman (CRD #3237843) Has Regulatory, Customer Dispute, and Employment Separation Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Joseph Frederick Eschleman (CRD #3237843) is a broker with regulatory, customer dispute, and employment separation disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on April 29, 2026. It reflects one regulatory event, four customer disputes, and one employment separation. If you invested with Joseph Eschleman and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Regulatory Actions

Joseph Eschleman’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one regulatory action. A summary of the action is below:

On August 21, 2018, FINRA reported that Joseph Eschleman consented to findings without admitting or denying them. Joseph Eschleman’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report states that he exercised discretion in customer accounts without written authority. The report says the accounts were not accepted as discretionary by the firm. FINRA found that the trades involved an IRA and a trust account. The customers had given verbal authority, but not written authority. The matter resolved through an Acceptance, Waiver & Consent. FINRA ordered a $5,000 fine and a 10-business-day suspension from September 17, 2018, through September 28, 2018. The BrokerCheck report states that the fine was paid.

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Joseph Eschleman’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects four customer dispute disclosures. Two recent dispute summaries are below. BrokerCheck reports two additional customer dispute disclosures that are not summarized here.

On March 4, 2026, a customer alleged that a 1031 exchange into the Versity/Crew/Inspire DST was unsuitable. The customer sought $778,064.43 in damages. Joseph Eschleman’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report lists the product as a real estate security. The complaint was denied on March 15, 2026.

On September 2, 2025, a customer alleged that the recommendation to complete a 1031 exchange into Campus Walk DST and 4th & J DST was unsuitable. The customer sought $1,175,140.23 in damages. Joseph Eschleman’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report lists the product as a real estate security. The matter is pending. BrokerCheck also reports FINRA Arbitration No. 25-01790. Joseph Eschleman denied the allegations in his broker statement.

Employment Separation

Joseph Eschleman’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one employment separation disclosure. A summary of that disclosure is below:

On April 26, 2017, Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC discharged Joseph Eschleman. The firm reported concerns that he input trades and instructed a team member to process a required minimum distribution. It also reported concerns about revised notes tied to verbal authorization. Joseph Eschleman’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report includes his statement that he acted in the client’s best interest, had prior verbal authorization, and that there were no client complaints.

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

FINRA Rule 3260 covers discretionary accounts. It requires prior written customer authorization and written firm acceptance before a broker may use discretion in a customer account.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 requires a reasonable basis for a recommendation. Customer disputes about DSTs and 1031 exchanges may raise questions about whether the recommendation fit the investor’s profile.

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 Eschleman:

Is currently registered with Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments and Towerpoint Wealth, LLC.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam and the Series 7 exam. He has also passed the Series 65 and Series 63 exams.

Was previously registered with firms that include Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Prudential Securities Incorporated.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Joseph Eschleman 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: Investment Fraud | Securities Attorney

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.