Laura Ashley Fortenberry (CRD #4392399) Has a Customer Dispute Disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck

Laura Ashley Fortenberry (CRD #4392399) was previously registered as a broker. Her FINRA BrokerCheck report shows one customer dispute disclosure. We reviewed the report on March 12, 2026. If you invested with Laura Fortenberry and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Laura Fortenberry’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one customer dispute disclosure. A summary of the dispute is below:

On January 20, 2026, a customer alleged Laura Fortenberry misled her when she bought two variable universal insurance policies for her children in May 2023. The customer said the policies did not match her goals. She also said she needed cash flow. The customer asked for the return of principal without surrender charges. Laura Fortenberry’s FINRA BrokerCheck report lists the matter as settled on February 25, 2026, for $8,224.04. BrokerCheck also lists the product type as insurance and states the firm made a good-faith determination that damages would exceed $5,000.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2320 (Variable Contracts of an Insurance Company)

FINRA Rule 2320 addresses variable contracts sold by insurance companies. A complaint about variable insurance can raise questions about how the broker explained product features, charges, and surrender terms before the sale.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 requires a recommendation to fit the customer’s investment profile. A dispute like this can raise questions about whether the product matched the customer’s goals, liquidity needs, and financial circumstances.

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, Laura Fortenberry:

Is not currently registered.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Laura Fortenberry has also passed Series 6 and Series 63.

Was previously registered with firms that include NYLife Securities LLC and State Farm VP Management Corp.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Laura Fortenberry and you have concerns about her 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 | Security 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.