Kristopher Kessler Allegedly the Subject of a FINRA Investigation

Kristopher Kessler (CRD #: 4543640), a broker registered with American Trust Investment Services, is the subject of an investor dispute. This is according to his BrokerCheck record, accessed on July 2, 2024. Keep reading if you have questions regarding his alleged conduct. 

FINRA Investigation 

On March 11, 2024, FINRA made a preliminary determination to recommend disciplinary action be brought against Kristopher Kessler following allegations that he engaged in an outside business activity without prior written notice to his firm. He also allegedly submitted false annual compliance certifications to his firm.

Outside Business and Selling Away

FINRA Rule 3270 requires brokers to inform their firm of any outside business activities or any investments sold away from the firm. The brokerage firm may prohibit the activity if the firm believes the proposed activity may compromise the broker’s duties. Firms may also require brokers to seek approval of any outside business.

FINRA 2010

FINRA Rule 2010 holds brokers to high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. Submitting false compliance certifications violates this rule. 

Background Information 

Kristopher Kessler has passed the following exams: 

• Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law Examination
• Series 79TO Investment Banking Registered Representative Examination 
• Series 99TO Operations Professional Examination 
• SIE – Securities Industry Essentials Examination 
• Series 7 General Securities Representative Examination 
• Series 24 General Securities Representative Examination 

He is a registered broker in California and Illinois. He is a registered investment adviser in California, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, and Texas. 

During his 21 years of experience, Kristopher Kessler has registered with nine firms: 

• American Trust Investment Services (CRD #: 3001) 
• Asset Strategies (CRD #: 104512) 
• Chicago Capital Management Advisors (CRD #: 123483) 
• Westpark Capital (CRD #: 39914) 
• Newport Coast Securities (CRD #: 16944)
• Brookstreet Capital Management (CRD #: 14667) 
• WM Financial Services (CRD #: 599)
• American Express Financial Advisors (CRD #: 6363) 
• IDS Life Insurance Company (CRD #: 6321) 

Kurta Law Can Help 

If you have worked with Kristopher Kessler and have concerns about your investments, do not hesitate to contact us at 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com for a free consultation. 

For nearly 20 years, Kurta Law has advocated for investors to recover their investment losses from brokers and brokerage firms. Kurta Law is a nationally recognized law firm that exclusively represents investors against brokers and brokerage firms on a contingency basis. This means that the firm only earns a fee if our securities attorneys recover money on your behalf. Do not let securities fraud go unchecked. Start your recovery process today.