Kelli A. Mezzatesta (CRD #4701170) Has a Regulatory Disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck

Kelli A. Mezzatesta (CRD #4701170) is a broker with a regulatory disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed her BrokerCheck report on April 28, 2026. It reflects one pending regulatory event. If you invested with Kelli Mezzatesta and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Regulatory Action

Kelli Mezzatesta’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one pending regulatory disclosure. A summary of the regulatory action is below:

On March 2, 2026, FINRA initiated a pending regulatory action. Kelli Mezzatesta’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report states that the FINRA complaint named Reid & Rudiger LLC, Marc Harrison, Kelli Mezzatesta, Clifford Reid, and Edward Rudiger Jr. as respondents. The complaint says Reid and Rudiger used a high-volume, high-cost trading strategy in customer accounts. It also says the activity generated $548,566.77 in costs and $1,104,850.61 in realized losses.

Kelli Mezzatesta’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report states that the complaint includes claims about excessive trading, Regulation Best Interest, suitability, and supervision. It says Mezzatesta and Harrison failed to identify or investigate red flags of potential churning and excessive trading. It also says they did not use available exception reports or otherwise consider cost-to-equity ratio and turnover rate in supervisory reviews.

The matter remains pending. The Broker Statement says the allegations are denied and disputed. It also says Kelli Mezzatesta intends to vigorously contest the matter.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 3110 (Supervision)

FINRA Rule 3110 requires firms to maintain a supervisory system. The system must be reasonably designed to meet securities laws and FINRA rules. A pending matter about missed red flags can raise supervision issues.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor)

FINRA Rule 2010 requires high standards of commercial honor and fair dealing. Regulatory matters tied to account activity can raise questions under this rule.

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, Kelli Mezzatesta:

Is currently registered with Reid & Rudiger LLC.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Kelli Mezzatesta has passed Series 7, Series 79TO, Series 87, and Series 99TO. She has also passed Series 14, Series 24, and Series 63.

Was previously registered with Gilford Securities Incorporated.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Kelli Mezzatesta 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 below. To speak with Kurta Law, call 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com.

Helpful resources: Churning or Excessive Trading | Failure to Supervise

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.