Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an investigation into Portland, Oregon financial advisor Ali Chehab following multiple investor complaints and regulatory actions. If you’ve experienced investment losses or unauthorized trading activity with this advisor, understanding the details of these allegations can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Understanding the Ali Chehab Regulatory Complaint
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Former Merrill Lynch financial advisor Ali Chehab (CRD# 7625979) faces serious regulatory scrutiny from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). In August 2024, FINRA filed a disciplinary complaint alleging multiple violations of industry rules and federal securities laws.
The regulatory complaint outlines several concerning allegations:
- Unauthorized trading in customer accounts
- Selling investments away from his member firm
- Making material misrepresentations to customers
- Refusing to cooperate with FINRA’s investigation
Perhaps most troubling, when FINRA requested information as part of their investigation, Chehab allegedly responded via email stating: “I’m not going to provide that information and I do not care if I get barred.” This refusal to cooperate with regulatory authorities raises significant concerns about transparency and accountability.
Recent Customer Complaints and Settlements
Ali Chehab’s BrokerCheck report reveals multiple recent investor complaints that paint a concerning pattern of alleged misconduct. These complaints involve substantial financial settlements and similar allegations of unauthorized account access.
| Complaint Year | Allegation | Settlement Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Used customer sign-on to trade through self-directed account | $42,783.93 |
| 2024 | Used customer credentials to trade through account | $319,415.23 |
The similarity between these complaints suggests a pattern of behavior where customers’ login credentials were allegedly used without authorization to conduct trades. This type of activity violates fundamental principles of customer protection and account security that are cornerstone requirements in the financial services industry.
Termination from Merrill Lynch
In 2024, Merrill Lynch terminated Ali Chehab’s employment based on several serious allegations. The termination disclosure on his BrokerCheck report cites three primary reasons:
- Selling away – conducting securities transactions outside the scope of his employment with the firm
- Impermissible use of personal email address – potentially circumventing firm supervision and compliance protocols
- Impermissible recommendations to self-directed customers – providing investment advice where it wasn’t authorized
These termination reasons align closely with the allegations in the FINRA complaint, suggesting a broader pattern of conduct that violated industry standards and firm policies.
Red Flags for Investors
Several warning signs emerge from Ali Chehab’s regulatory history that investors should be aware of:
- Limited industry experience – Only one year of securities industry experience according to FINRA records
- Rapid job changes – Moved between firms quickly (Equitable Advisors 2022-2023, Merrill Lynch 2023-2024)
- Currently unlicensed – Not registered with any state or firm as of August 2025
- Pattern of similar complaints – Multiple customers reporting unauthorized account access
- Refusal to cooperate with regulators – Declined to provide information to FINRA investigation
What This Means for Affected Investors
If you’ve worked with Ali Chehab, particularly during his time at Merrill Lynch, it’s crucial to review your account statements carefully. Look for any transactions you didn’t authorize or investment activities that seem inconsistent with your stated objectives.
Key areas to examine include:
- Trades executed without your knowledge or consent
- Changes to your investment strategy without proper consultation
- Unusual account activity during the 2023-2024 timeframe
- Communications received through personal email rather than official firm channels
Your Rights as an Investor
Investors who have suffered losses due to unauthorized trading, misrepresentations, or other misconduct have legal options available. The financial services industry operates under strict regulations designed to protect investors, and violations of these rules can form the basis for recovering losses.
Time limits apply to filing claims, so prompt action is essential. The sooner you understand your situation and options, the better positioned you’ll be to protect your interests and potentially recover losses.
Taking Action to Protect Your Investments
Given the serious nature of the allegations against Ali Chehab and the pattern of customer complaints, affected investors should consider seeking professional guidance. Understanding your rights and options is the first step toward addressing any potential losses or unauthorized activity in your accounts.
Haselkorn & Thibaut (investmentfraudlawyers.com) is a national investment fraud law firm with over 50 years of experience helping investors recover losses. With a 98% success rate and millions recovered for clients, the firm operates on a no recovery, no fee basis, ensuring you don’t pay unless they successfully recover compensation for you.
If you’ve experienced investment losses or suspect unauthorized trading activity related to Ali Chehab or Merrill Lynch, don’t wait to explore your options. Call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-885-7162 for a free, confidential consultation. Their experienced team can review your situation, explain your rights, and help you understand the best path forward to protect your financial interests.
