Mark William Lininger (CRD #2291478) Has Customer Dispute and Financial Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Mark William Lininger (CRD #2291478) is a broker with customer dispute and financial disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on May 23, 2026. It reflects one customer dispute and three financial disclosures. If you invested with Mark William Lininger and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Mark Lininger FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one customer dispute disclosure. A summary of the dispute is below.

On March 2, 2026, a customer alleged Mark Lininger misrepresented advisory fees. The fees involved cash and fixed income in the account. The customer sought $5,000 in damages. Mark Lininger FINRA BrokerCheck lists the product as an advisory account. Equitable Advisors, LLC settled the complaint for $4,732.80 on April 13, 2026. Lininger’s statement says the issue involved U.S. Treasury and cash-equivalent holdings after a firm transition. He stated that the matter was identified and corrected.

Financial Disclosures

Mark Lininger FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects three financial disclosures. Two examples are summarized below. One additional financial disclosure remains reported in this category.

On May 14, 2024, Mark Lininger reported a compromise with Citibank. Mark Lininger FINRA BrokerCheck lists the original amount owed as $20,583.70. The account was settled for $7,204.30. The disposition was satisfied or released on May 14, 2024.

On January 23, 2024, Mark Lininger reported another Citibank compromise. Mark Lininger FINRA BrokerCheck lists the original amount owed as $31,990.71. The account was settled for $12,000. The disposition was satisfied or released on January 30, 2024.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade)

FINRA Rule 2010 requires members to follow high standards of commercial honor. It can apply when a dispute raises concerns about account fees or fair dealing.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 covers suitable recommendations. It asks brokers to match a recommendation to the customer’s investment profile when the rule applies.

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, Mark Lininger:

Is currently registered with Equitable Advisors, LLC.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Mark Lininger has passed Series 7 and Series 3. He has also passed Series 65 and Series 63.

Was previously registered with firms that include RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Wachovia Securities, LLC, and A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Mark Lininger and have concerns, Kurta Law may be able to help. The firm can evaluate your legal options. To speak with Kurta Law, call 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com.

Helpful resources: Securities Attorney | Investment 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. That attorney can explain possible next steps.