Kirk Badii (CRD #5829768) Has Customer Dispute and Employment Separation Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Kirk Badii (CRD #5829768) is a broker and investment adviser registered with Independent Financial Group, LLC. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on April 29, 2026. It reflects six customer disputes and two employment separation disclosures. If you invested with Kirk Badii and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Kirk Badii’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects six customer dispute disclosures. Two are pending. Four additional customer dispute disclosures remain in this same category. Summaries of the two pending disputes are below:

On March 5, 2026, a customer alleged concerns about the handling of investment accounts and related loan activity. The customer sought $3,000,000 in damages. Kirk Badii’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report lists the product as EFTs and a loan. The dispute remains pending. Badii’s statement denies the claims and says the loan gave the customer access to liquidity while assets stayed invested.

On October 17, 2025, a customer alleged dissatisfaction with the management of investment and loan accounts. The customer sought $2,730,000 in damages. Kirk Badii’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report lists the product as a non-purpose loan. The dispute remains pending. Badii’s statement says the loan was not structured for personal gain and that account activity fit the client’s objectives.

Employment Separation

Kirk Badii’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects two employment separation disclosures. A summary of each disclosure is below:

On August 7, 2018, UBS Financial Services Inc. discharged Kirk Badii after a firm review. The firm reported that Badii violated its social media policy and blocked management from monitoring social media. The firm also reported a KYC/AML policy issue tied to onboarding certain clients and prospects. Badii’s statement says he was unaware of the social media policy at the time and corrected it. He also says he was given no evidence that he violated any other UBS policy.

On June 12, 2012, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC permitted Kirk Badii to resign. The firm reported that Badii first said another employee sent correspondence before approval. The firm then stated that Badii admitted he sent it. Kirk Badii’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report says the correspondence itself was not deemed problematic. Badii’s statement says he had already resigned on May 30, 2012 and was already employed by UBS.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) requires a reasonable basis for each recommendation. A broker should match the recommendation to the customer’s profile. That profile includes risk tolerance, time horizon, and liquidity needs.

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

FINRA Rule 2090 (Know Your Customer) requires firms to use reasonable diligence when opening and maintaining accounts. Firms must know and keep essential facts about each customer and account authority.

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.

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, Kirk Badii:

Is currently registered with Independent Financial Group, LLC.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Kirk Badii has passed Series 7 and Series 66.

Was previously registered with firms that include Cantella & Co., Inc., Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., UBS Financial Services Inc., and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Kirk Badii and you have concerns about his activity, Kurta Law may be able to help you evaluate your legal options. A securities attorney can help you assess potential claims and determine whether your losses may be recoverable through FINRA arbitration or other avenues. Contact Kurta Law at 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com for a free consultation.

Helpful resources: Securities Attorney | What Is Securities 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.