Keith Michael Dagostino (CRD #2837860) Was Disciplined by FINRA
Keith Michael Dagostino (CRD #2837860) has been the subject of disclosure events reported on Keith Michael Dagostino’s FINRA BrokerCheck. According to Keith Michael Dagostino’s FINRA BrokerCheck report accessed on January 12, 2026, Keith Michael Dagostino has been the subject of one regulatory disclosure and 24 customer dispute disclosures. If you invested with Keith Michael Dagostino and you have concerns about his activity, keep reading.
BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck
BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)
Regulatory action (FINRA)
According to Keith Dagostino’s FINRA BrokerCheck disclosure summary and the underlying settlement document (an Acceptance, Waiver & Consent), without admitting or denying the findings, Keith Dagostino consented to the sanctions and to the entry of findings that he willfully violated the Care Obligation under Rule 15l-1(a)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 when he recommended that retired and senior investors purchase speculative and low-priced securities that were not in their best interests. The findings stated that Keith Dagostino recommended that 10 customers purchase speculative low-priced securities from microcap issuers, that each customer had a low risk tolerance and investment objectives of preserving capital and generating income for retirement, and that the recommendations caused over $1.8 million in losses, which the member firm repaid after determining the losses were the result of Keith Dagostino’s recommendations.
AWC link: AWC
Keith Dagostino’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects that the matter resulted in a $25,000 fine and a 24-month suspension in all capacities, with the suspension scheduled to run from January 5, 2026 through January 4, 2028.
Rule summary #1: Exchange Act Rule 15l-1 (Regulation Best Interest)
Exchange Act Rule 15l-1 (Regulation Best Interest) establishes a “best interest” standard of conduct for broker-dealers and associated persons when they make recommendations to retail customers. In general, it requires a broker to act in the customer’s best interest at the time of the recommendation and not put the broker’s interests ahead of the customer’s. Keith Dagostino’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects that the AWC states Keith Dagostino willfully violated the Care Obligation under Rule 15l-1(a)(1).
Rule summary #2: FINRA Rule 2010
FINRA Rule 2010 is a broad, principles-based rule requiring high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. FINRA often references Rule 2010 when it alleges conduct falls below expected ethical standards.
Investor disputes / customer complaints
Keith Dagostino’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects 24 customer dispute disclosures. Below are two examples:
Example 1 (Pending): Keith Dagostino’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects a customer dispute received on October 27, 2025. The disclosure lists a time frame of April 2018 – July 2025 and includes allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and negligence. The product type is listed as Equity Listed (Common & Preferred Stock), and alleged damages are listed as $1,000,000. The disclosure also lists the forum as FINRA, New York, NY with docket/case number 25-02340.
Example 2 (Pending): Keith Dagostino’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects a customer complaint received on October 28, 2025 in which the client alleges unsuitable investments. The product type is listed as No Product. The disclosure’s damages explanation states: Unspecified damages but believed to be greater than $5,000.
In addition to the two examples above, Keith Dagostino’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects 22 other customer dispute disclosures.
Why this matters to investors (Regulation Best Interest)
Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) is a U.S. securities regulation designed to strengthen the standard of conduct that broker-dealers owe to retail investors when making recommendations about securities transactions or investment strategies. Adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and effective as of June 30, 2020, Reg BI aims to enhance investor protection while preserving investor access to brokerage products and services.
Reg BI requires broker-dealers and financial advisors to act in the best interest of the retail customer at the time a recommendation is made, and not to place their own financial or other interests ahead of the customer’s. This represents a higher standard than the historical “suitability” requirement, which only required that recommendations be suitable, not necessarily optimal or conflict-free.
Reg BI is built around four key obligations:
- Disclosure Obligation – Broker-dealers must disclose material facts about the relationship and recommendations, including fees, scope of services, and conflicts of interest.
- Care Obligation – Recommendations must be made with reasonable diligence, care, and skill, considering costs, risks, and alternatives.
- Conflict of Interest Obligation – Firms must identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate conflicts, particularly those that create incentives to favor one product over another.
- Compliance Obligation – Firms must establish policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with Reg BI as a whole.
Importantly, Reg BI applies at the recommendation level, not as a continuous duty like the fiduciary standard applicable to registered investment advisers. Still, it significantly narrows the gap by emphasizing cost considerations, conflict management, and investor-focused decision-making.
Overall, Regulation Best Interest seeks to promote transparency, improve the quality of investment recommendations, and reinforce trust between retail investors and broker-dealers in the U.S. securities markets.
Background information (from BrokerCheck)
Based on his BrokerCheck Report, Mr. Dagostino reportedly:
- Is not currently registered with a brokerage firm.
- Has passed the Series 24, Series 9 (Options Module), SIE, Series 7, and Series 63 exams.
- Was previously registered with firms that include EF Hutton LLC, Aegis Capital Corp., and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated.
Kurta Law Can Help
If you have worked with Keith Dagostino 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 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—because investors should not have to sit quietly while alleged misconduct and securities fraud go unchecked. Start your recovery process today.