Haselkorn & Thibaut Investigate Richard Raymond Brown at Arete Wealth Advisors and Management

Haselkorn & Thibaut Opens Investigation into Richard Raymond Brown (CRD #2541545) – Arete Wealth Advisors, LLC, Valley Village, CA

Are you an investor who has worked with Richard Raymond Brown in Valley Village, CA? Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national securities fraud law firm, is actively investigating Richard Brown and his current affiliations with Arete Wealth Advisors, LLC and Arete Wealth Management, LLC. If you are concerned about your investments or how your account was managed, this report provides vital information and guidance.

Who is Richard Raymond Brown?

Richard Raymond Brown (CRD 2541545) is a registered financial advisor and stockbroker, currently with Arete Wealth Advisors, LLC and Arete Wealth Management, LLC—based in Valley Village, California. He entered the securities industry in the 1990s and has held prior roles at established firms including:

• Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation (1997–2019)
• The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (2001–2006)
• Cigna Financial Advisors, Inc. (1994–1998)

In addition to his core advisory roles, Brown is associated with Apheta (for insurance sales and premium financing) and is a continuing education instructor at CPA Academy.

Summary Table: Richard Raymond Brown Credentials

Red Flags and Complaints: What Should Investors Know?

While Richard Brown has a lengthy career and holds multiple licenses (including Series 7 and Series 6), it’s important for investors to be aware of any patterns or red flags that may have impacted clients historically.

Key customer disputes and complaints include:

• February 2010 – Large Settlement
  • Details: Clients alleged Richard Brown (then at Lincoln Financial) recommended investing with a private portfolio manager beginning in April 2007.
  • Nature of Allegation: The investments were allegedly unsuitable, due to high costs and illiquidity.
  • Outcome: Case settled in March 2012 for a substantial $2,250,000.
• March 2026 – Pending Complaint
  • Details: Investor claims involving the sale of premium-financed indexed universal life policies in 2021.
  • Allegations: Misleading illustrations, failure to disclose risks, and misuse of projections.
  • Damages Sought: $1,500,000 (pending).

Types of Alleged Misconduct:

• Unsuitable investment recommendations (possibly violating FINRA Rule 2111)
• Possible breach of fiduciary duty
• Alleged misrepresentation and omission of material risks (touching on FINRA Rules 2020 and 2010)

Please note: While these are among the most significant disputes, investors are encouraged to review Richard Brown’s complete regulatory history on FINRA BrokerCheck for up-to-date details.

Regulatory Background and BrokerCheck Summary

According to current public disclosures as of the latest available review:

• Regulatory Sanctions: None reported
• Arbitration Awards: No arbitration awards outside the settlement and pending complaint listed above
• SEC Actions: No SEC enforcement or cease-and-desist orders
• Civil Litigation: No civil lawsuits, judgments, or liens uncovered in federal or county court records
• Other Regulatory Actions: No findings from MSRB, CFP Board, or other industry organizations

That said, the prior settlement ($2.25 million) and pending complaint ($1.5 million sought) should be thoroughly evaluated by any current or former investor.

Why Are These Claims Important for Investors?

Even experienced financial advisors can generate customer disputes, especially in cases relating to complex products or opaque risk disclosures. While no enforceable regulatory actions have been found as of this writing, multiple high-value customer claims may serve as a warning to closely monitor your investments and advisor relationships.

Should you suspect that any securities or insurance products recommended to you were unsuitable—or that risks and costs weren’t fully explained—consider getting an authoritative review.

Your Steps for Recovery

If you have experienced losses in investment accounts managed by Richard Brown, either at Arete Wealth Advisors/Management or at former firms, evaluating your options may help you potentially recover damages. Haselkorn & Thibaut has a dedicated team with a deep track record in securities arbitration and investor loss recovery.

• 98% success rate in investment loss recovery.
• Over 50 years of cumulative experience.
• No recovery, no fee.
• Millions recovered on behalf of clients.

How Haselkorn & Thibaut Can Assist You

Professional attorneys at Haselkorn & Thibaut are available for a complimentary, confidential consultation. Most cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

• Get a detailed review of your investment statements and any correspondence with your advisor.
• Guidance on whether a formal claim through FINRA arbitration or other channels may be right for you.
• Strategic advice from an empathetic, experienced national team—every step of the way.

Take control of your financial future, verify your account’s handling, and get honest answers—so you can move forward with confidence.