Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as Investment Fraud Lawyers, has opened an independent investigation into Richard Timothy Kersting Jr., a broker with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC and KWM Wealth Partners, in connection with recent investor complaints and allegations of misconduct in Fishkill, New York, and Naples, Florida. If you believe you have suffered losses under the management of Mr. Kersting, or if you have questions about your investment accounts, our attorneys offer confidential, no-cost consultations. Call 1-888-885-7162 now to discuss your options and potential avenues for recovery.
We approach every case with the strength and knowledge forged by our backgrounds as former Wall Street defense lawyers. As advocates for individual investors, our insider knowledge—combined with a 98% success rate across hundreds of investor claims, 95+ years of combined securities law experience, and over $520 million involved in securities matters—empowers us to fight relentlessly on your behalf. Our firm is ranked in the top 2% peer-reviewed (Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent) and includes Super Lawyers-designated attorneys, all committed to representing your best interests with a no recovery, no fee commitment.
Overview of Richard Timothy Kersting Jr. (CRD #1835418) – Fishkill, NY & Naples, FL
Table of Contents
| Name: | Richard Timothy Kersting Jr. |
| Current Employer/Broker-Dealer: | Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC / KWM Wealth Partners |
| Locations: | Fishkill, NY & Naples, FL |
| CRD Number: | 1835418 |
| Prior Firms: | Bruderman Asset Management, LLC; Bruderman Brothers LLC; Gary Goldberg Planning Services Inc.; Gary Goldberg & Co., Inc.; Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments; Josephthal & Co., Inc.; Southwick Investments |
Mr. Kersting’s career as a stockbroker and financial advisor spans several high-profile firms, yet recent records and case filings raise serious concerns for investors. Our investigation focuses on both resolved and pending disputes, analyzing patterns of conduct that may signal risks to retail clients’ funds.
Red Flags and Complaints Involving Richard T. Kersting Jr.
Below is a transparent summary of complaints and allegations against Mr. Kersting, crucial for anyone considering, or currently using, his services at Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC or KWM Wealth Partners:
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October 2001: Settled Customer Complaint
NASD Case No. 02-20948
The customer alleged churning (excessive trading), misrepresentation, and unsuitable investment recommendations during Mr. Kersting’s time with Southwick Investments and Josephthal & Co. The case settled for $24,500, with Mr. Kersting personally contributing $16,500. These practices are prohibited under FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) and can erode client funds through excessive commissions and inappropriate investment strategies. -
February 2026: Pending FINRA Arbitration
FINRA Case No. 26-00065
A current customer dispute alleges that Mr. Kersting recommended an aggressive investment strategy—specifically variable annuities and listed equities—that was not aligned with the client’s investment profile. The claimant is seeking $500,000 in recovery. This pending arbitration may implicate FINRA Rule 2111 and the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest (Rule 15l-1), both of which require brokers to provide recommendations that are in the customer’s best interests.
Our attorneys are actively monitoring the status of these cases and are gathering further evidence to determine the full scope of any potential investor harm.
Understanding & Identifying Broker Misconduct: Key Terms & Implications
- Churning (Excessive Trading): According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, churning occurs when a broker makes excessive trades in a client’s account primarily to generate commissions, rather than to serve the client’s objectives or preferences.
- Unsuitable Recommendations: This refers to recommendations that do not fit the investor’s financial profile, risk tolerance, or stated investment goals, which may constitute a violation of FINRA Rule 2111.
- Misrepresentation: Providing misleading information, or omitting material facts, is a serious breach. Such allegations may fall under FINRA Rule 2020 and Rule 2010, which demand high standards of commercial honor and fair practice.
Each of these practices can result in significant investor losses and create potential grounds for financial recovery through FINRA arbitration.
What Does the Public Record Show?
For a comprehensive view of Mr. Kersting’s regulatory and complaint history, you can review his profile on FINRA BrokerCheck using either his full name or CRD #1835418.
- As of mid-2024, BrokerCheck lists no customer-filed complaints, regulatory actions, civil lawsuits, or criminal actions involving Mr. Kersting beyond those noted above. This underscores the importance of confirming details with an experienced investment fraud attorney before making decisions regarding any investment losses you may have suffered.
How to Protect Yourself and Recover Your Losses
If you have invested with Richard Timothy Kersting Jr. at Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC or KWM Wealth Partners—especially if you reside in Fishkill, New York, or Naples, Florida—and have experienced losses, you have options. Our attorneys are former defense lawyers with decades of industry experience, including adversarial knowledge of how firms manage these complaints internally. We fight for individual investors and utilize every tool possible to maximize your potential recovery.
Our process includes:
- Analyzing your account statements and trade confirmations for signs of churning or misrepresentation;
- Comparing your stated risk tolerance against the actual products and strategies recommended or purchased;
- Evaluating records for compliance with FINRA and SEC suitability rules;
- Representing you in FINRA arbitration and advocating for the full recovery of your damages.
Our representation is contingency-based—no recovery, no fee. That means you pay nothing unless we recover losses for you.
Take Action: Free, Confidential Consultation
If you lost money with Richard T. Kersting Jr. as your stockbroker, do not wait. Early investigation often means stronger cases and the potential for greater recovery. Call our experienced team of securities fraud attorneys at 1-888-885-7162 for a complimentary, confidential consultation. We offer clear, honest evaluations and can help you understand whether you have grounds to pursue lost funds. Take advantage of our firm’s decades of insider experience fighting for investors—and let us advocate for your recovery today.
