Scot Barringer (CRD #1385168) Has Regulatory and Customer Dispute Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Scot Barringer (CRD #1385168) is a former broker with disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on February 4, 2026. It lists four regulatory events, eight customer disputes, and one judgment/lien disclosure. If you invested with Scot Barringer and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Regulatory Events

Scot Barringer’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects four regulatory event disclosures. Two examples are below:

On May 28, 2025, the Maryland Securities Division reported a pending Order to Show Cause and Order of Summary Suspension. The disclosure ties the action to FINRA case number 2020068655903. It states the matter involved GWG L Bonds recommendations from October 2020 through February 2021.

On April 22, 2025, FINRA reported a final regulatory action that resulted in an Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (AWC). FINRA found Barringer recommended GWG L Bonds to four customers without a reasonable basis in light of their investment profiles. FINRA also found he submitted transaction forms with inaccurate concentration information. BrokerCheck states this caused his firm to maintain inaccurate books and records. FINRA imposed a three-month suspension and a $5,000 fine.

FINRA BrokerCheck reports two additional regulatory event disclosures for Scot Barringer.

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Scot Barringer’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects eight customer dispute disclosures. Two examples are below:

On December 30, 2025, a customer alleged that between April 2017 and November 2018, an investment in GWG L Bonds was unsuitable. The customer also alleged that material risks were misrepresented or omitted. The customer sought $99,000 in damages. The arbitration is pending, according to BrokerCheck.

On June 10, 2025, a customer alleged claims including breach of contract, promissory estoppel, and misrepresentations tied to a GWG purchase. BrokerCheck lists the matter as settled for $34,000.

FINRA BrokerCheck reports six additional customer dispute disclosures for Scot Barringer.

Judgment / Lien

Scot Barringer’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one judgment/lien disclosure. A summary is below:

On October 21, 2015, BrokerCheck lists a tax judgment or lien in the amount of $4,589.66. Barringer’s comment says he is on a payment plan with the IRS.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 requires a reasonable basis for a recommendation. Brokers should consider a customer’s profile, including risk tolerance and liquidity needs. Speculative bond complaints can raise questions about suitability. FINRA Rule 2111

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 4511 (Books and Records)

FINRA Rule 4511 requires firms to make and preserve required books and records. If transaction paperwork is inaccurate, a firm’s records can be inaccurate too. FINRA Rule 4511

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, Scot Barringer:

Is not currently registered.

Has passed four principal/supervisory exams, five general industry/product exams, and two state securities law exams.

Was previously registered with firms that include American Trust Investment Services, Inc., Westpark Capital, Inc., and Newport Coast Securities, Inc.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Scot Barringer 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 | What is 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 and explain possible next steps.