Kevin Lawrence Kelly (CRD #2293119) Has Customer Disputes Reported on FINRA BrokerCheck

Kevin Lawrence Kelly (CRD #2293119) is currently registered as a broker with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC and as an investment adviser representative with Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on March 11, 2026. It reflects 10 customer dispute disclosures. If you invested with Kevin Kelly and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Kevin Kelly’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects 10 customer dispute disclosures. Below are two examples. Eight additional customer disputes are listed on the report.

On January 26, 2026, Kevin Kelly’s FINRA BrokerCheck report listed a pending customer dispute. The customer alleged the investments purchased were not suitable. BrokerCheck lists the product type as structured notes and alleged damages of $700,000. The matter is pending in FINRA arbitration under docket number 26-00172, which was filed on January 23, 2026.

On April 2, 2025, Kevin Kelly’s FINRA BrokerCheck report listed a settled customer dispute. Customers alleged the investments they purchased were not suitable. BrokerCheck lists alleged damages of $190,000 and a settlement amount of $100,000. The broker statement says the matter settled without any admission of liability or wrongdoing to avoid the costs, distractions, and uncertainties of a formal hearing.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 requires a reasonable basis for a recommendation. It also requires a broker to match the investment to the customer’s profile, including risk tolerance, time horizon, and liquidity needs.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2090 (Know Your Customer)

FINRA Rule 2090 requires firms and brokers to use reasonable diligence to know the essential facts about each customer. Disputes over unsuitable recommendations can raise questions about whether the broker understood the customer’s objectives and account needs before making the recommendation.

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, Kevin Kelly:

Is currently registered with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC and Cetera Investment Advisers LLC.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Kevin Kelly has also passed Series 31, Series 7, Series 66, and Series 63.

Was previously registered with firms that include Avantax Investment Services, Inc., Avantax Advisory Services, LPL Financial LLC, IFG Advisory, LLC, and Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Kevin Kelly 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: Securities Attorney | Unsuitable Investments

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.