Nicholas H. Altenburger (CRD #5494247) Has a Customer Dispute Disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck

Nicholas H. Altenburger (CRD #5494247) is a broker with a customer dispute on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on March 25, 2026. It reflects one customer dispute. If you invested with Nicholas H. Altenburger and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Nicholas Altenburger’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one customer dispute disclosure. A summary of the matter is below:

On December 28, 2025, a customer alleged Nicholas Altenburger did not act in her best interest when recommending the transfer and sale of certain investments to fund a managed account. Nicholas Altenburger FINRA BrokerCheck says the recommendation allegedly caused a taxable event. The product type is listed as “Other: Managed Account,” and the alleged damages are $56,931.60. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC denied the complaint on January 5, 2026. Nicholas Altenburger FINRA BrokerCheck also states: “Claim Denied by Firm.”

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2090 (Know Your Customer)

FINRA Rule 2090 (Know Your Customer) requires firms to use reasonable diligence to know the essential facts about each customer. In a dispute about a transfer, liquidation, and move into a managed account, that information can matter. It can affect whether the recommendation fit the client’s needs and tax situation.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) requires a reasonable basis for a recommendation. It also requires attention to the customer’s investment profile. When a complaint alleges a recommendation caused a taxable event and was not in the customer’s best interest, suitability issues may be raised.

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, Nicholas Altenburger:

Is currently registered with Strategic Advisers LLC and Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Nicholas Altenburger has also passed Series 7, Series 66, and Series 63. BrokerCheck further lists one professional designation: Certified Financial Planner.

Was previously registered with Fidelity Personal and Workplace Advisors.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Nicholas Altenburger and you have concerns about his activity, Kurta Law may be able to help you evaluate your legal options. A securities attorney can help you assess potential causes of action and determine whether your losses may be recoverable through FINRA arbitration or other avenues. 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.