Ronald Ray Botello (CRD #4809045) Has a Regulatory Action and Employment Separation Disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck

Ronald Ray Botello (CRD #4809045) was previously registered as a broker. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on February 5, 2026. It reflects one regulatory event and one employment separation disclosure. If you worked with Ronald Ray Botello and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Regulatory Action(s)

Ronald Botello’s FINRA BrokerCheck report lists one regulatory disclosure. A summary is below:

On December 29, 2025, FINRA reported a final regulatory action involving Ronald Botello. Without admitting or denying the findings, he consented to an Acceptance, Waiver & Consent. FINRA found that he borrowed a total of $173,000 from two customers who were senior retail investors. He did not provide notice to, or obtain approval from, his member firm. The findings state he used the funds to make a payment tied to a personal investment. FINRA reported that the loans were undocumented and did not include interest. FINRA also reported that both loans were later repaid in full. The sanctions included a $5,000 fine and a three-month suspension in all capacities from January 5, 2026 through April 4, 2026.

Related document: Acceptance, Waiver & Consent (AWC)

Employment Separation

Ronald Botello’s FINRA BrokerCheck report lists one employment separation disclosure. A summary is below:

On January 23, 2025, Osaic Wealth, Inc. discharged Ronald Botello. The firm stated that he engaged in personal transactions with clients without prior approval from the broker-dealer.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 3240 (Borrowing From or Lending to Customers)

FINRA Rule 3240 generally prohibits borrowing from, or lending money to, customers. It allows only limited exceptions, and most require firm procedures and firm approval.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2010 (Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade)

FINRA Rule 2010 requires firms and associated persons to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. Conduct involving undisclosed customer loans can raise issues under this rule.

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, Ronald Botello:

Is not currently registered as a broker.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Ronald Botello has also passed Series 6, Series 65, and Series 63.

Was previously registered with firms that include Osaic Wealth, Inc., Signator Investors, Inc., and Securian Financial Services, Inc.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Ronald Botello 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: FINRA Rule 3240 | 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.