Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an investigation into former Wells Fargo Clearing Services financial advisor Rob Goff (CRD#: 4388671), who was most recently based in East Lansing, Michigan. Investors who have suffered losses under his advisement are encouraged to contact Haselkorn & Thibaut at 1-888-885-7162 for a free and confidential consultation.
Background on Rob Goff – Wells Fargo Advisor in East Lansing, Michigan
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Rob Goff has accumulated over two decades of experience in the securities industry, working for several prominent firms. His career includes registrations with Wells Fargo Clearing Services (2022–2024), Fifth Third Securities, LPL Financial, H&R Block Financial Advisors, Chase Investment Services, Banc One Securities Corporation, IFMG Securities, and Financial Network Investment Corporation. During his career, he has passed five securities exams, including the Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 66.
However, FINRA’s recent disciplinary action against Mr. Goff raises important questions about his practices and compliance with industry standards. Understanding what occurred can help investors make informed decisions and recognize red flags in future advisor relationships.
Recent Regulatory Action: What Did Rob Goff Allegedly Do?
In January 2026, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) concluded an investigation into Rob Goff’s conduct, resulting in a suspension and fine. According to official records:
- Exercised discretion without written authorization in 12 customer accounts.
- Effected 46 transactions without prior written approval from the customers or the firm.
- Did not speak to clients before executing these trades, even though they were aware he was managing their accounts.
- The accounts in question were not accepted by Wells Fargo as discretionary accounts.
- Allegedly attested on compliance questionnaires that he had not engaged in discretionary trading.
It is important for investors to note that FINRA Rule 3260 strictly regulates discretionary trading. Any exercise of discretion in a customer’s account requires the customer’s written consent and the firm’s written approval of the account as discretionary. Deviation from these requirements is viewed as a serious matter and also implicates FINRA Rule 2010, which insists on high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.
Consequences for Rob Goff
| Date | Regulatory Action | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | FINRA Suspension & Fine | Suspended for 1 month; fined $5,000 for unauthorized discretionary trading in 12 client accounts at Wells Fargo Clearing Services | Concluded |
| 2024 | Resignation | Permitted to resign from Wells Fargo after a review regarding unauthorized trading concerns | Concluded |
These regulatory actions represent material events on Rob Goff’s broker record. Investors can review additional disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck for more detail.
Pattern of Red Flags and Complaints
The primary regulatory action centers on unauthorized discretionary trading, impacting a dozen client accounts. According to FINRA’s findings, Mr. Goff made investment decisions such as which securities to buy or sell, and the transaction amounts, all without the legally required permission. Though clients were apparently aware that he was exercising discretion, they reportedly had not signed any written authorizations.
Key takeaways for investors:
- Exercising discretion requires written permission – verbal consent is not enough. Investors should always know what permissions have been given and confirm them in writing with their advisor and broker-dealer.
- Broker-dealers must explicitly approve accounts for discretionary trading. If your account is not officially set up this way, any discretionary trading is a violation of industry rules.
- Omitting information on firm compliance forms is a red flag. Trust and transparency are pillars of an advisor relationship.
- Regulatory actions such as suspensions or fines are major signals of potential problems. These should prompt a review of the advisor’s conduct and choices in your accounts.
Advisor’s Employment History
| Firm | City, State | Registration Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Clearing Services | East Lansing, Michigan | 2022 – 2024 |
| Fifth Third Securities | Multiple | 2019 – 2022 |
| LPL Financial | Multiple | 2016 – 2019 |
| H&R Block Financial Advisors, Chase Investment Services, Banc One, IFMG, FNIC | Various | Prior to 2016 |
What Investors Should Do Next
If you invested with Rob Goff in Michigan, Florida, or through Wells Fargo Clearing Services and are concerned about unauthorized trading, inadequate disclosures, or losses, you may have options to recover your damages.
Haselkorn & Thibaut is a national investment fraud law firm with an outstanding 98% success rate and over 50 years of experience recovering millions of dollars for investors. If you have concerns or are uncertain about the activity on your investment accounts, call 1-888-885-7162 for a free, confidential consultation. There is no recovery, no fee—meaning there are no costs out-of-pocket unless there is a successful recovery for you.
You deserve to have answers and peace of mind. Let an experienced advocate help evaluate your account statements, trading history, and all available recourse. Early action may be critical, so don’t wait if you suspect wrongdoing.
