Marc Charles Koch (CRD #4978078) Has Customer Dispute Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Marc Charles Koch (CRD #4978078) is a broker with customer dispute disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on February 8, 2026. It reflects two customer disputes. If you invested with Marc Koch and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Marc Koch’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects two customer dispute disclosures. A summary of the disputes is below:

On December 18, 2025, a customer alleged Marc Koch made an unsuitable investment recommendation. FINRA BrokerCheck lists the product type as a real estate security. The customer sought $1,000,000 in damages. The matter is pending and is listed as a FINRA arbitration (Case #25-02768).

On March 11, 2024, a customer alleged Marc Koch made a misrepresentation. FINRA BrokerCheck lists the product type as a mutual fund. The complaint was denied, with a status date of May 21, 2024. Marc Koch’s statement says the firm reviewed the allegations and found no merit. He said the client was advised the investment was illiquid.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) requires a reasonable basis for each recommendation. Suitability disputes often focus on whether the recommendation matched the customer’s profile, including risk tolerance and liquidity needs. You can read the rule here: FINRA Rule 2111.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2020 (Fraud and Misrepresentations)

FINRA Rule 2020 prohibits inducing the purchase or sale of a security through manipulative or deceptive conduct. Customer complaints about misrepresentation can raise questions about whether material facts were stated clearly and accurately. You can read the rule here: FINRA Rule 2020.

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, Marc Koch:

Is currently registered with Morgan Stanley.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Marc Koch has passed Series 7. He has also passed Series 66.

Was previously registered with firms that include J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, First Republic Securities Company, LLC, and First Republic Investment Management, Inc.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Marc Koch 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: Unsuitable Investments | Securities Attorney

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.