William Bryan (CRD #6907467) Has a Regulatory Action and Employment Separation Disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck

William Bryan (CRD #6907467) was previously registered as a broker and has disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on March 5, 2026. It reflects one regulatory action and one employment separation. If you invested with William Bryan and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Regulatory Action(s)

William Bryan’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one regulatory action disclosure. A summary is below:

On February 4, 2026, FINRA reported a final regulatory action involving William Bryan. The disclosure states that he consented to findings that he refused to provide information and documents requested by FINRA. FINRA sought records in an investigation related to a Form U5 and an internal review involving transfers from a family member’s account. FINRA barred him permanently in all capacities starting February 4, 2026. You can review the disciplinary document here: AWC

Employment Separation

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

According to William Bryan’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated reported that he voluntarily resigned on June 23, 2025. The disclosure lists allegations of conduct involving transfers from a family member’s account.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 8210 (Provision of Information and Testimony and Inspection and Copying of Books)

FINRA Rule 8210 allows FINRA to request documents, information, and testimony during investigations and examinations. A refusal to respond can lead to serious sanctions, including a suspension or bar. FINRA Rule 8210

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

FINRA Rule 2010 requires members and associated persons to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. FINRA often cites this rule alongside other violations when conduct falls below basic ethical standards. FINRA Rule 2010

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, William Bryan:

Is not currently registered as a broker.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. William Bryan has also passed Series 7 and Series 66.

Was previously registered with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with William Bryan 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 Fraud | 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.