Kathryn A. Bigbee (CRD #6978369) Has an Employment Separation Disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck

Kathryn A. Bigbee (CRD #6978369) is a broker with an employment separation disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed her BrokerCheck report on February 5, 2026. It reflects one termination disclosure. If you worked with Kathryn Bigbee and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Employment Separation After Allegations

Kathryn A. Bigbee’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects one termination disclosure. A summary of the disclosure is below:

On December 24, 2025, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney reported that Kathryn Bigbee had a voluntary resignation. The firm reported concerns about pre-trade client confirmation for certain mutual fund trades in a non-discretionary account. FINRA BrokerCheck lists the product type as a mutual fund.

Kathryn Bigbee submitted a statement about the disclosure. She acknowledged a lapse involving a trade placed without properly obtaining and documenting contemporaneous client authorization. She said she accepted responsibility and has strengthened her practices by confirming client instructions, improving documentation, and increasing oversight in team-based processes.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 3110 (Supervision)

FINRA Rule 3110 requires firms to maintain a supervisory system designed to achieve compliance with securities laws and FINRA rules. Terminations tied to trading or documentation issues can raise questions about whether the firm’s procedures were followed and enforced.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 4511 (Books and Records)

FINRA Rule 4511 requires firms to make and preserve required books and records. Issues involving trade authorization and recordkeeping often relate to how firms document client instructions and approvals.

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 her FINRA BrokerCheck report, Kathryn Bigbee:

Is currently registered with LPL Financial LLC.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Kathryn Bigbee has also passed Series 7TO and Series 66.

Was previously registered with firms that include Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo Advisors, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Kathryn Bigbee and you have concerns about her activity, Kurta Law may be able to help you evaluate your legal options. You can read more about potential claims and investor protections in the helpful resources below. To speak with Kurta Law, call 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com.

Helpful resources: Unauthorized Trading | Broker Negligence

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.