Haselkorn & Thibaut, a leading national law firm dedicated exclusively to advocating for investment fraud victims, has opened an investigation into Gary Harlap, a financial advisor registered with UBS Financial Services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If you have concerns about investment losses or your portfolio’s management, this comprehensive report offers valuable insights to aid your decision-making—and provides important next steps for impacted investors.
Who Is Gary Harlap (CRD# 3125590) of UBS Financial Services?
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Gary Harlap is a seasoned financial advisor and broker operating in Philadelphia, PA, with over 27 years of experience in securities and investment management. He has been affiliated with UBS Financial Services since 1998 as a broker and since 2012 as an investment advisor. Harlap holds a suite of industry qualifications, including:
- Securities Industry Essentials Examination (SIE)
- Series 7 – General Securities Representative Examination
- Series 31 – Futures Managed Funds Examination
- Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination
- Series 65 – Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination
He is currently licensed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. This indicates a broad client base and a high level of industry accomplishment.
Current and Past Investor Complaints Against Gary Harlap
As of February 2026, available regulatory records and public disclosures indicate the following complaint and disclosure history:
| Year | Allegations | Status | Claimed Damages | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Improper recommendation of a concentrated position in structured notes and alternative investments while at UBS Financial Services. | Pending | $100,000 – $500,000 | Awaiting Resolution |
| 2008 | Recommendation of unsuitable investments in auction rate securities. | Settled | $1.75 million (at par value) | UBS repurchased securities; client made whole |
Details of Each Complaint:
- 2025 Complaint (Pending): The most recent complaint was filed in December 2025. The investor alleges that Harlap “improperly recommended a concentrated position in structured notes and alternative investments.” Such concentration can expose investors to increased risk. The complaint is pending with damages estimated between $100,000 and $500,000.
- 2008 Complaint (Settled): In 2008, an investor alleged unsuitable recommendations related to auction rate securities. The matter was settled when UBS repurchased the securities at their original value—a $1.75 million repurchase—thereby making the client whole.
Understanding Over-Concentration Risks
Over-concentration occurs when a broker fails to adequately diversify a client’s investments, increasing vulnerability if a particular sector or product declines. According to FINRA BrokerCheck, a diversified portfolio is essential to mitigating risk, and it requires careful asset selection and regular rebalancing. Investors are urged to review their exposure across major asset classes, regularly assess liquidity needs, and avoid excessive holdings in one security or asset category.
No Known Regulatory or Legal Sanctions
Beyond the noted investor complaints, no regulatory sanctions, fines, or disciplinary proceedings are currently listed against Gary Harlap:
- No FINRA investigations or disciplinary actions
- No SEC orders, sanctions, or enforcement proceedings
- No class actions or private federal lawsuits
- No reported bankruptcy, liens, or financial infractions
Clients should be aware that the absence of regulatory findings does not eliminate the possibility of improper conduct or actionable losses, but rather indicates no formal regulatory conclusions to date.
Red Flags and What Investors Should Watch For
- Improper concentration of assets in complex or illiquid securities (such as structured notes and alternatives)
- Recommendations unsuitable for your financial objectives, experience, or risk tolerance
- Lack of regular portfolio reviews and risk evaluations
- Failure to provide transparency about risks and illiquidity
- Large, unexplained losses or excessive account volatility
If you have experienced any of these issues, consult with a professional for personalized guidance. Investment losses from unsuitable recommendations or failure to diversify may be recoverable through claims or arbitration.
Why Choose Haselkorn & Thibaut?
Haselkorn & Thibaut is a nationally recognized investment fraud law firm with over 50 years of combined experience, a 98% success rate, and millions recovered for investors. Our approach is always investor-first: No recovery, no fee. If you are concerned about Gary Harlap of UBS Financial Services, you are not alone—and now is the time to seek clarity and consider your legal options.
We offer free and confidential consultations to determine if you have a viable claim. Our team will review your complaint, analyze account documentation, and help you make an informed decision—empowering you to pursue compensation if warranted.
Take Action: Protect Your Financial Interests
- Have you noticed unexpected losses in your UBS account or structured products?
- Were you advised to hold high concentrations of complex, illiquid, or alternative investments?
- Do you feel your portfolio wasn’t diversified or your concerns were ignored?
Call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-885-7162 for a free and confidential review of your situation. Don’t wait—your financial future deserves experienced and compassionate advocates on your side.
