Justin Kim (CRD #6703074) Has Criminal and Civil Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Justin Kim (CRD #6703074) was previously registered with FINRA. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on February 8, 2026. It reflects two pending disclosure events: one criminal matter and one civil matter. If you invested with Justin Kim and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Criminal Disclosure

Justin Kim’s FINRA BrokerCheck report discloses a pending criminal matter. BrokerCheck lists a charge date of December 1, 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark). The report describes a felony criminal complaint with six counts, including conspiracy to commit securities fraud, conspiracy to commit insider trading, securities fraud, insider trading, and wire fraud.

Civil Disclosure

Justin Kim’s FINRA BrokerCheck report discloses a pending civil matter initiated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). BrokerCheck lists the filing date as December 22, 2025 in federal court in the District of New Jersey (docket 2:25-CV-18864). The SEC alleges the case involves market manipulation schemes and an insider trading scheme between at least June 2020 and February 2024. BrokerCheck describes alleged gains of about $630,000 from the market manipulation activity and about $41 million in combined profits tied to the insider trading scheme.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade)

FINRA Rule 2010 is a broad ethics rule. It can apply when conduct involves dishonesty or a lack of fair dealing. You can review the rule here: FINRA Rule 2010

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2020 (Use of Manipulative, Deceptive or Other Fraudulent Devices)

FINRA Rule 2020 prohibits inducing securities transactions through manipulative or deceptive devices. Claims involving market manipulation often raise questions about whether trading or information distorted prices. You can review the rule here: FINRA Rule 2020

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 Justin Kim’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, Justin Kim:

Is not currently registered.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Justin Kim has also passed Series 79 and Series 63.

Was previously registered with firms that include Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Lazard Freres & Co. LLC.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Justin Kim and you have concerns about his activity, Kurta Law may be able to help you evaluate potential recovery options. You may be entitled to pursue a claim through FINRA arbitration, depending on the facts of your situation and the investments involved. Contact Kurta Law at 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com for a free consultation.

Helpful resources: Unsuitable Investments | Stockbroker 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.