Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national investment fraud law firm, has opened an investigation into William Blair & Company financial advisor Robert J. Rumley III following concerning regulatory disclosures on his record. If you’ve invested with Mr. Rumley or have concerns about your account, understanding his background and regulatory history is crucial for protecting your financial interests.
Who is Robert J. Rumley III?
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Robert J. Rumley III (CRD# 4474706) currently works as a stockbroker and financial advisor with William Blair & Company L.L.C. in Atlanta, Georgia. The firm was recently acquired by Advent, adding another layer of transition that investors should monitor carefully.
Mr. Rumley’s career spans several major financial institutions, including:
- Morgan Stanley
- Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
- William Blair & Company L.L.C. (current employer)
Red Flags: Understanding the Regulatory Disclosures
According to FINRA BrokerCheck records, Robert Rumley has 7 regulatory disclosures on his record. This number significantly exceeds the industry average and raises important questions for investors.
Complete List of Complaints Against Robert J. Rumley III
| Date | Type | Allegations | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2021 | Customer Dispute | Unsuitable investment recommendations | Settled for $175,000 |
| August 2020 | Customer Dispute | Breach of fiduciary duty, negligence | Settled for $425,000 |
| March 2019 | Customer Dispute | Excessive trading, unsuitable recommendations | Settled for $95,000 |
| July 2018 | Customer Dispute | Misrepresentation, unsuitable investments | Settled for $250,000 |
| November 2017 | Customer Dispute | Failure to supervise, negligence | Denied |
| April 2016 | Customer Dispute | Unauthorized trading | Settled for $50,000 |
| September 2015 | Regulatory Action | Violation of firm policies | Suspension (30 days) |
Why These Disclosures Matter to Your Investments
The pattern of complaints against Robert Rumley reveals several concerning themes that investors should understand:
1. Unsuitable Investment Recommendations
Multiple settlements involve allegations that Mr. Rumley recommended investments that weren’t appropriate for his clients’ risk tolerance, financial situation, or investment objectives. This is particularly troubling as financial advisors have a fundamental duty to ensure recommendations align with their clients’ best interests.
2. Significant Financial Settlements
The total settlements exceed $995,000, suggesting these weren’t minor misunderstandings but serious issues that resulted in substantial client losses. When firms pay large settlements, it often indicates they want to avoid the risk of even larger judgments at arbitration.
3. Pattern of Similar Allegations
The repeated nature of similar complaints—unsuitable recommendations, excessive trading, and misrepresentation—suggests a pattern of conduct rather than isolated incidents.
What This Means for Current and Former Clients
If you’re currently working with Robert Rumley or have in the past, consider these important steps:
- Review your account statements carefully for any unauthorized trades or unusual activity
- Evaluate whether your investments match your stated risk tolerance and investment objectives
- Document any promises or representations made about investment performance
- Calculate your actual returns versus what was projected or promised
Understanding Your Rights as an Investor
Securities laws provide strong protections for investors. You have the right to receive suitable investment recommendations based on your individual circumstances. When advisors breach their duties through negligence, misrepresentation, or unsuitable recommendations, you may be entitled to recover your losses.
Time limits apply to bringing claims, so understanding your options promptly is essential. The FINRA arbitration process typically allows claims within six years of the occurrence, but earlier action often leads to better outcomes.
How Haselkorn & Thibaut Can Help
With over 50 years of experience representing investors nationwide, Haselkorn & Thibaut (InvestmentFraudLawyers.com) maintains a 98% success rate in recovering losses for clients. The firm has recovered millions of dollars for investors who suffered losses due to broker misconduct.
Their team understands the complexities of securities law and the FINRA arbitration process. Most importantly, they work on a contingency basis—no recovery, no fee—ensuring your interests align with theirs throughout the process.
Take Action to Protect Your Financial Future
If you’ve invested with Robert J. Rumley III at William Blair & Company or any of his previous firms, now is the time to understand your rights and options. Even if you’re unsure whether you have a claim, speaking with experienced securities attorneys can provide clarity about your situation.
Don’t let concerns about cost prevent you from seeking help. Haselkorn & Thibaut offers free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your options with no obligation.
Call Haselkorn & Thibaut for a Free Consultation
1-888-885-7162
No Recovery, No Fee
Your financial security deserves protection. If you’ve suffered investment losses or have concerns about your account management, taking action now can make all the difference in recovering what you’ve lost and securing your financial future.
