William Baquet (CRD #1332676) Has Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

William Baquet (CRD #1332676) is a broker with disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on March 26, 2026. It reflects two regulatory events and four customer disputes. If you invested with William Baquet and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Regulatory Action(s)

William Baquet’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects two regulatory event disclosures. Summaries of those disclosures are below:

On May 31, 2012, William Baquet’s FINRA BrokerCheck report states that, as the chief executive officer of Fordham Financial Management, Inc., he failed to sign the firm’s required CEO certifications for 2008 and 2009. The matter reached a final resolution through a Decision & Order of Offer of Settlement on March 11, 2013. Without admitting or denying the findings, he consented to a $5,000 fine. Related source: FINRA disciplinary action

In a second regulatory matter initiated on March 13, 1997, William Baquet’s FINRA BrokerCheck report states that Berkeley Securities Corporation, acting through him, conducted securities business from December 30, 1994 through January 12, 1995 while failing to maintain minimum net capital. The case ended through an Acceptance, Waiver & Consent on March 13, 1997. BrokerCheck reflects a censure and a $5,000 fine imposed jointly and severally.

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

William Baquet’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects four customer dispute disclosures. Below are summaries of two of those disclosures. William Baquet’s FINRA BrokerCheck report also reflects two additional customer dispute disclosures that are not summarized here.

On December 22, 2025, a claimant alleged that one investment was unsuitable. William Baquet’s FINRA BrokerCheck report lists the product as an equity listed common or preferred stock and shows requested damages of $215,990. The matter remains pending in FINRA arbitration under docket number 25-02759. BrokerCheck also states that he was named as a respondent in his role as president and that he said he had no direct contact with the claimant.

In an earlier dispute served on October 29, 1998, a customer alleged breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, gross negligence, and failure to disclose material facts. William Baquet’s FINRA BrokerCheck report shows the case ended in an award on August 4, 2000. BrokerCheck reflects compensatory damages of $59,250, plus interest, and lists an individual contribution amount of $29,625.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 requires a reasonable basis for each recommendation. A broker should match the recommendation to the customer’s profile, including risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and investment objectives. Suitability disputes often focus on whether the product fit those factors.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 3130 (Annual Certification of Compliance and Supervisory Processes)

FINRA Rule 3130 requires a firm’s chief executive officer to make an annual certification about the firm’s compliance and supervisory processes. That certification addresses written compliance policies, written supervisory procedures, and meetings with the chief compliance officer. A regulatory case about missing CEO certifications can raise questions about whether those required processes were completed.

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:

1.    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.

2.    Care Obligation – Broker-dealers must use reasonable diligence, care, and skill. They must consider costs, risks, and alternatives when making a recommendation.

3.    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.

4.    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, William Baquet:

Is currently registered with Thinkequity LLC.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. William Baquet has also passed Series 24, Series 52TO, Series 57TO, Series 99TO, Series 79TO, Series 55, Series 7, and Series 63.

Was previously registered with firms that include Commonwealth Associates and Berkeley Securities Corporation.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with William Baquet 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 | 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.