Thomas Anthony Bucholtz (CRD #6200914) Has a Customer Dispute Disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck

Thomas Anthony Bucholtz (CRD #6200914) is a broker with a customer dispute on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on January 27, 2026. It reflects one customer dispute. If you invested with Thomas Bucholtz and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

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

On November 10, 2025, a customer alleged he failed to follow instructions for a stock sale on November 6, 2025. FINRA BrokerCheck lists the product type as Equity-OTC. The matter settled on December 4, 2025 for $12,860.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade)

FINRA Rule 2010 sets a broad standard for fair and ethical conduct. A complaint about ignored trade instructions can raise questions about whether a broker met that standard.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 5310 (Best Execution and Interpositioning)

FINRA Rule 5310 requires reasonable diligence to obtain the best market for customer orders. Order-handling disputes often focus on how the firm routed and executed the trade.

Why This Matters to Investors (Regulation Best Interest)

Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) is a U.S. securities regulation designed to strengthen the standard of conduct that broker-dealers owe to retail investors when making recommendations about securities transactions or investment strategies. Adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and effective as of June 30, 2020, Reg BI aims to enhance investor protection while preserving investor access to brokerage products and services.

Reg BI requires broker-dealers and financial advisors to act in the best interest of the retail customer at the time a recommendation is made, and not to place their own financial or other interests ahead of the customer’s. This represents a higher standard than the historical “suitability” requirement, which only required that recommendations be suitable, not necessarily optimal or conflict-free.

Reg BI is built around four key obligations:

1. Disclosure Obligation – Broker-dealers must disclose material facts about the relationship and recommendations, including fees, scope of services, and conflicts of interest.
2. Care Obligation – Recommendations must be made with reasonable diligence, care, and skill, considering costs, risks, and alternatives.
3. Conflict of Interest Obligation – Firms must identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate conflicts, particularly those that create incentives to favor one product over another.
4. Compliance Obligation – Firms must establish policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with Reg BI as a whole.

Importantly, Reg BI applies at the recommendation level, not as a continuous duty like the fiduciary standard applicable to registered investment advisers. Still, it significantly narrows the gap by emphasizing cost considerations, conflict management, and investor-focused decision-making.

Overall, Regulation Best Interest seeks to promote transparency, improve the quality of investment recommendations, and reinforce trust between retail investors and broker-dealers in the U.S. securities markets.

Background Information (from BrokerCheck)

Based on His FINRA BrokerCheck report, Thomas Bucholtz:

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

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Thomas Bucholtz has passed Series 7. He has also passed Series 66, Series 9, and Series 10.

Was previously registered with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Thomas Bucholtz and you have concerns about his activity, Kurta Law may be able to help you evaluate your legal options. You can read more about potential claims and investor protections here: Unauthorized Trading and Securities Attorney. To speak with Kurta Law, call 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com.

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.