Martin Gonzalez (CRD #7369592) Has a Customer Dispute Disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck

Martin Gonzalez (CRD #7369592) is a broker with a customer dispute on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on May 23, 2026. It reflects one customer dispute. If you invested with Martin Gonzalez and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

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

On March 25, 2026, a customer alleged Martin Gonzalez misappropriated funds in an account in March 2026. The customer sought $35,000 in damages. Martin Gonzalez’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report lists the product type as no product. The complaint was not arbitration or civil litigation. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated closed the complaint with no action on April 16, 2026. Gonzalez’s statement denies wrongdoing. It says the firm investigated the complaint and found it lacked merit.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2150 (Improper Use of Customers’ Securities or Funds)

FINRA Rule 2150 bars improper use of customer funds or securities. It may apply when a complaint raises concerns about possible misuse of account assets.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor)

FINRA Rule 2010 requires high standards of commercial honor and fair dealing. Customer complaints may raise questions about whether conduct met that standard.

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, Martin Gonzalez:

Is currently registered with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Martin Gonzalez has passed Series 7 and Series 6. He has also passed Series 66 and Series 63.

Was previously registered with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you worked with Martin Gonzalez, you may 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: Securities Attorney | 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. That review can help explain possible next steps.