Haselkorn & Thibaut has launched an investigation into Richard Kersting (CRD# 1835418), a Naples, Florida financial advisor affiliated with Ameriprise Financial Services. If you invested with Richard Kersting and have concerns about your investments or financial losses, we encourage you to review this research report for a comprehensive review of his background, complaints, and potential red flags, and to consider reaching out for a free and confidential case evaluation.
Background on Richard Kersting – Ameriprise Financial Services, Naples, Florida
Richard Kersting is a seasoned financial professional based in Naples, Florida, with over 37 years of experience in the securities industry. Currently, he is registered as both a broker and investment advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, with his current affiliation starting in 2021. He holds an impressive list of securities qualifications, including the Series 7, Series 24, Series 63, Series 65, Series 9, Series 10, SIE, and Series 99TO, and he is licensed in 30 states.
Throughout his career, Richard Kersting has been affiliated with a number of prominent broker-dealers, which include:
- Ameriprise Financial Services
- Bruderman Brothers
- Gary Goldberg & Company
- Purshe Kaplan Sterling
- Josephthal & Company
- Southwick Investments
- Grayson Financial
- Fahnestock & Company
- Reich & Company
- Wayne Grayson Capital
- American Bond Group
- JW Gant & Associates
- First Investors Corporation
- JF Lowe & Company
- FD Roberts Securities
- Thomson McKinnon Securities
- Hibbard Brown & Company
Review of Complaints & Red Flags for Richard Kersting (Ameriprise – Naples, FL)
It’s crucial for investors to be aware of any complaints or concerns involving their financial advisor. Here is a detailed summary of all known complaints and disclosures associated with Richard Kersting as of March 2026:
| Date | Broker-Dealer | Nature of Allegation | Status/Outcome | Damages Alleged |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | Ameriprise Financial Services | Recommended an aggressive investment strategy incompatible with customer’s investment profile. | Claim is pending | $500,000 |
| 2001 | Southwick Investments / Josephthal & Company | Alleged churning, misrepresentation of material facts, and recommendations of unsuitable products. | Settled | $24,500 |
- 2026 Pending Complaint: The most recent complaint alleges that Mr. Kersting recommended investments that were excessively aggressive, given the customers’ investment profile, leading to a pending claim of $500,000 in damages.
- 2001 Resolved Complaint: A prior complaint from 2001 involved accusations of churning and unsuitable recommendations, and was settled for $24,500.
What Do These Complaints Mean for Investors?
Investment recommendations should always align with an investor’s risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment experience. When advisers recommend strategies that are excessively aggressive or unsuited to the client’s circumstances, this can expose investors to unnecessary risk and potential losses.
In its investor resources, FINRA clarifies that excessive trading (sometimes known as “churning”) occurs when a broker executes a large volume of transactions in an account, not for the customer’s benefit, but to generate commissions for themselves. In some cases, this can even rise to the level of fraud when done with an intent to deceive or in reckless disregard for the client’s interests.
Common Red Flags to Watch For:
- Frequent and unnecessary trading in your account
- Investment recommendations that seem “too aggressive” compared to your stated objectives
- Unexplained or excessive fees or commissions
- Account statements or trade confirmations that don’t match your recollection or prior instructions
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t hesitate to seek an independent review of your accounts.
Regulatory and Legal Disclosures
Aside from the above-listed customer complaints:
- No regulatory actions by FINRA, the SEC, or state securities regulators have been disclosed against Richard Kersting based on the most recent review of available records.
- No reported bankruptcies, liens, or UCC filings against Mr. Kersting as of the latest disclosures.
- No federal civil lawsuits or media-reported class actions specifically naming Mr. Kersting by Ameriprise have been located.
While most records indicate a relatively clean regulatory background, the existence of multiple investor complaints – including one pending for $500,000 in damages – is a critical consideration for investors who prioritize safety and fiduciary responsibility.
What Should You Do If You Have Concerns?
The most important step you can take as an investor is to monitor your accounts and remain vigilant. If you have experienced unexpected losses, encountered investments that seem riskier than you intended, or suspect that your account is being inappropriately managed, you may have rights to recovery through FINRA arbitration or other legal action.
For ultimate transparency and the most current background information, investors are encouraged to check publicly available records, including FINRA BrokerCheck.
Get a Free Consultation: Haselkorn & Thibaut Can Help
Haselkorn & Thibaut (investmentfraudlawyers.com) is a national securities fraud law firm with over 50 years of experience, a 98% success rate, and millions recovered for clients nationwide. Their team of attorneys is now reviewing investment loss claims involving Richard Kersting and Ameriprise Financial Services.
If you or a loved one invested with Richard Kersting in Naples, Florida, and are concerned about possible mismanagement, aggressive strategies, or unexplained losses, contact Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-885-7162 for a FREE consultation. There is no fee unless recovery is obtained.
Don’t leave your financial future to chance. If you have concerns about your investments with Richard Kersting or any advisor, act now. Your consultation is completely confidential and without obligation.
