Steven Kim (CRD #7044604) Has an Employment Separation Disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck

Steven Kim (CRD #7044604) was previously registered in the securities industry and has an employment separation disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on February 23, 2026. It reflects one employment separation disclosure. If you worked with Steven Kim and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Employment Separation

Steven Kim’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one employment separation disclosure. A summary is below:

On November 24, 2025, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. discharged Steven Kim. FINRA BrokerCheck states the allegations were that he did not follow the firm’s recordkeeping requirements.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 4511 (General Requirements)

FINRA Rule 4511 requires firms to make and preserve required books and records. Recordkeeping failures can raise questions about what was documented and how long records were retained.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 3110 (Supervision)

FINRA Rule 3110 requires firms to maintain a supervisory system designed to achieve compliance with securities laws and FINRA rules. Recordkeeping issues may also point to questions about supervision and follow-up.

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, Steven Kim:

Is not currently registered as an investment adviser representative.

Has passed the Series 66 exam.

Was previously registered with firms that include Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Fidelity Personal and Workplace Advisors, LPL Financial LLC, and Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Steven Kim 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: 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 and explain possible next steps.