Investigation Alert: John Hardiman and Janney Montgomery Scott Face $660,000 Investor Complaint
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Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an investigation into financial advisor John Hardiman following a significant investor complaint filed against him and his firm, Janney Montgomery Scott. The pending complaint, which alleges unsuitable mutual fund investments, seeks $660,000 in damages – a substantial sum that warrants careful attention from current and former clients.
Understanding the Recent Complaint Against John Hardiman
The complaint filed in August 2025 raises serious concerns about investment recommendations made by John Hardiman while representing Janney Montgomery Scott. According to FINRA records, the investor alleges that Hardiman recommended unsuitable mutual fund investments, resulting in significant financial losses.
For many investors, mutual funds represent a cornerstone of their retirement planning and wealth-building strategies. When these investments are unsuitable for an investor’s specific situation, the consequences can be devastating. The six-figure damage claim suggests this wasn’t a minor oversight but potentially a significant failure in investment advisory duties.
Who Is John Hardiman? A Comprehensive Profile
John Hardiman brings 26 years of securities industry experience to his role at Janney Montgomery Scott, where he’s been registered as both a broker and investment advisor since 2017. Based in Melville, New York, he operates as part of Hardiman, Lepping & Associates, a team within the larger firm.
Professional Background and Credentials
| Credential Type | Details |
|---|---|
| CRD Number | 2089333 |
| Experience | 26 years in securities industry |
| State Licenses | 31 states |
| Securities Exams Passed | Series 3, 7, 31, 63, 65, and SIE |
His extensive credential list demonstrates significant knowledge across various investment products and regulations. However, credentials alone don’t guarantee suitable investment recommendations for every client’s unique circumstances.
Previous Employment History
Before joining Janney Montgomery Scott, John Hardiman worked at several prominent financial institutions:
- Merrill Lynch
- AG Edwards & Sons
- UBS Painewebber
- Continental Broker-Dealer Corporation
This employment history at major firms might initially inspire confidence. Yet investors should remember that even experienced advisors at reputable firms can make recommendations that don’t align with client interests.
Red Flags for Investors to Consider
While one complaint doesn’t necessarily indicate a pattern, several factors merit careful consideration:
1. The Size of the Alleged Damages
$660,000 represents a life-changing amount for most investors. Such substantial alleged losses suggest either significant portfolio concentration in unsuitable investments or recommendations affecting a large portion of the investor’s assets.
2. The Nature of the Allegation
Unsuitable investment recommendations strike at the heart of an advisor’s fiduciary duty. When advisors recommend mutual funds, they must consider:
- Your risk tolerance
- Investment timeline
- Financial goals
- Overall financial situation
- Age and retirement plans
3. Mutual Fund Suitability Concerns
Mutual funds come in many varieties, each with different risk levels, fee structures, and investment strategies. What works for one investor may be completely inappropriate for another. High-risk growth funds might devastate a retiree’s portfolio, while conservative funds might fail to meet a younger investor’s long-term growth needs.
What Current and Former Clients Should Know
If you’ve worked with John Hardiman or Janney Montgomery Scott, now is the time to carefully review your investments. Consider these important steps:
Review Your Account Statements
Look for unexpected losses or investments you don’t understand. Pay particular attention to:
- Mutual fund holdings and their performance
- Fee structures and expenses
- Overall portfolio balance changes
- Any investments that seem misaligned with your stated goals
Document Your Investment Goals and Communications
Gather any documentation showing what you told your advisor about your:
- Risk tolerance
- Investment objectives
- Financial situation
- Investment experience
Understand Your Rights
Investors have rights when advisors make unsuitable recommendations. You don’t have to accept losses from inappropriate investment advice. The securities industry has established procedures for investors to seek recovery of losses caused by unsuitable recommendations.
Time Matters in Investment Loss Cases
Securities arbitration claims have strict time limits, typically requiring action within six years of the purchase date. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to recover losses, even if you have a valid claim.
How Haselkorn & Thibaut Can Help
With over 50 years of experience and a 98% success rate, Haselkorn & Thibaut has helped investors nationwide recover millions in losses from unsuitable investment recommendations. Our team understands the complexities of mutual fund suitability claims and knows how to build strong cases for our clients.
We work on a contingency basis – if we don’t recover money for you, you don’t pay us. This means you can pursue your claim without upfront legal costs or financial risk.
Take Action Today
If you’ve suffered investment losses while working with John Hardiman or Janney Montgomery Scott, don’t wait to explore your options. The pending $660,000 complaint suggests serious concerns that deserve immediate attention.
Call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-628-5590 for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced team will review your situation, explain your rights, and help you understand your options for recovering investment losses. Visit us at investmentfraudlawyers.com to learn more about how we’ve helped investors like you.
Remember, you’ve worked hard for your money, and you deserve investment advice that protects and grows your wealth appropriately. If that trust has been broken, we’re here to help you seek the recovery you deserve.
