Haselkorn & Thibaut has launched an investigation into Fred Hohensee, an Oconomowoc, Wisconsin-based financial advisor with Abacus Investments, following recent disciplinary action by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). If you or someone you know invested with Fred Hohensee (CRD# 1431948), now may be an important time to review your investments and consider your options. Haselkorn & Thibaut is a national investment fraud law firm with a 98% success rate and millions recovered for clients. No recovery, no fee. For a free and confidential consultation about your case, call 1-888-885-7162.
Fred Hohensee: Background and Experience
Table of Contents
Fred Hohensee stands out for his lengthy tenure in the financial services industry, with four decades of experience. Based in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Hohensee has been registered as a broker with Abacus Investments since 1994 and as an investment advisor with Hohensee Financial Services since 1995. His professional history includes affiliations with major firms such as First Securities Corporation, Dean Witter Reynolds, Investacorp, and Offerman & Company.
His industry qualifications include passing the following securities examinations:
- Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)
- Compliance Officer (Series 14)
- General Securities Principal (Series 24)
- Registered Options Principal (Series 4)
- Operations Professional (Series 99TO)
- General Securities Representative (Series 7)
- Uniform Securities Agent State Law (Series 63)
Fred Hohensee is licensed in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Regulatory Action: FINRA Suspension and Fine
In April 2026, FINRA filed a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (AWC No. 2023079674901) outlining disciplinary action against Fred Hohensee. According to records, he was suspended for six weeks and fined $10,000, with an additional order to pay $7,530 in interest, following allegations regarding the sale of structured note products. This action stemmed from regulatory findings that Hohensee recommended the purchase of 18 structured notes to two retail clients—including a senior citizen—without a reasonable basis to believe these high-risk investments were suitable for their needs or risk profiles.
Key points from the regulatory action include:
- The structured notes lacked any principal protection, had long maturity periods (at least five years), and carried "significant risks" as stated in their prospectus documents.
- Clients had low-risk tolerance and short-term liquidity needs, making the investments unsuitable.
- Hohensee recommended investing a substantial portion of the clients' net worth in these products despite the risks.
- He earned a commission of $7,530 from these sales, but the investments’ values fell significantly, and 12 of the notes ceased to pay interest.
- FINRA concluded he violated both Regulation Best Interest and FINRA Rule 2010 by failing to place his customers’ interests first.
Current and Past Complaints: Complete List
| Complaint Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Action (FINRA) | April 2026: Suspended for 6 weeks and fined $10,000 plus $7,530 in interest for unsuitable recommendations of structured notes. |
| Customer Disputes/Arbitrations | No reported customer disputes, arbitrations, or civil suits according to BrokerCheck as of the most recent review. |
| SEC or State Regulatory Action | No SEC orders, administrative proceedings, or state regulatory actions found. |
| Bankruptcy Filings | None reported. |
| Criminal/Civil Actions | No civil or criminal actions associated with Fred Hohensee or his CRD #1431948. |
| Other Public Complaints | No press or industry reports or consumer complaints identified in internet or court docket searches. |
To verify current regulatory disclosures, you may visit the BROKERCHECK database online.
What Should Investors Do Next?
If you invested with Fred Hohensee at Abacus Investments or have concerns about your portfolio’s performance or suitability of recommendations, it is important to act proactively. Haselkorn & Thibaut is reviewing investment losses related to the sale of structured note products and can help you evaluate your case in a confidential and pressure-free environment.
- Was your risk tolerance or financial needs appropriately considered?
- Did you understand the risks of structured note or other complex investments?
- Have your investment losses negatively impacted your retirement or financial goals?
Haselkorn & Thibaut has 50+ years of combined experience, with a 98% case success rate, and millions recovered for investors nationwide. There are no fees unless there is a recovery.
Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut For a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one invested with Fred Hohensee or Abacus Investments and have questions about recent account activity or recommendations, reach out for your complimentary case review today.
- Call Haselkorn & Thibaut at 1-888-885-7162 for your free and confidential consultation.
- Learn your legal options—there is no obligation and no recovery, no fee.
- Haselkorn & Thibaut represents investors nationwide in claims against broker-dealers and advisors.
Your investments are important. Taking a few minutes to discuss your situation could be the first step to protecting your financial future.
