When seeking financial guidance, investors place tremendous trust in their advisors to act in their best interests. However, recent regulatory actions have raised significant concerns about Brandon J. Larsen, a financial advisor operating in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This report examines the documented issues surrounding Larsen’s practice to help investors make informed decisions about their financial partnerships.
Background and Current Practice
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Brandon Jerome Larsen currently serves as a financial advisor with Equity Services, Inc., a position he has held since February 2024. His office operates from 1500 River Pines Drive, Green Bay, WI 54311. Prior to joining Equity Services, Larsen spent over a decade with Thrivent Investment Management Inc., where he worked from 2013 through early 2024.
Documented Regulatory Violations
Recent regulatory findings have identified several concerning patterns in Larsen’s professional conduct that warrant investor attention.
Unauthorized Trading Violations
In August 2025, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) concluded an Acceptance, Waiver and Consent (AWC) proceeding against Larsen for conducting unauthorized discretionary trading. The investigation revealed that while employed at Thrivent Investment Management Inc., Larsen executed 165 trades across 14 client brokerage accounts without obtaining the required written authorization for discretionary trading authority.
This violation resulted in:
- A one-month suspension from securities activities
- A $5,000 monetary penalty
Additional Regulatory Red Flags
Beyond the recent FINRA action, Larsen’s regulatory record includes several other concerning elements:
- Sanctions by securities regulators: Multiple regulatory actions have been taken against Larsen
- Personal bankruptcy disclosures: Financial instability in an advisor’s personal life can signal potential conflicts of interest
- Employment termination: Larsen was discharged by a previous employer, raising questions about professional conduct standards
Understanding the Impact of Unauthorized Trading
Unauthorized trading represents a fundamental breach of the fiduciary relationship between advisor and client. In the securities industry, there are two primary account types:
Discretionary accounts allow brokers to execute trades without obtaining prior approval for each transaction, but only after clients have provided explicit written authorization for such authority.
Non-discretionary accounts require the broker to obtain specific client consent before executing any trades.
When an advisor conducts discretionary trading without proper authorization, they violate both regulatory requirements and client trust, potentially exposing investors to unauthorized risks and losses.
Historical Compliance Issues
Earlier concerns about Larsen’s practice emerged in January 2016, when a client filed a complaint alleging misunderstandings regarding interest preservation and principal protection features of a variable annuity product. While the employing firm denied the allegations and no formal action resulted from this complaint, it demonstrates the importance of clear communication and proper disclosure in financial advisory relationships.
Protecting Your Investment Interests
Investors who have worked with Brandon J. Larsen and experienced unexplained losses or concerning account activity should be aware of their legal rights and recovery options.
Recovery Through FINRA Arbitration
The securities industry provides specific mechanisms for investor protection through FINRA’s arbitration process. This forum is designed to efficiently resolve disputes between investors and financial professionals, often providing a more accessible alternative to traditional litigation.
Legal Consultation and Representation
Given the complexity of securities law and the specific nature of unauthorized trading claims, investors benefit from experienced legal guidance. Securities attorneys can evaluate the merits of potential claims, guide clients through the arbitration process, and advocate for appropriate compensation.
Haselkorn & Thibaut offers specialized representation for investors seeking to recover losses related to advisor misconduct. The firm handles most cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay legal fees only upon successful recovery. For those considering their options, a free consultation is available by calling 1-888-994-8066.
Moving Forward with Confidence After Brandon J. Larsen Misconduct
The financial advisory relationship depends on trust, transparency, and regulatory compliance. When these standards are compromised, as documented in Brandon J. Larsen’s regulatory record, investors must take proactive steps to protect their interests.
Key recommendations for Brandon J. Larsen clients include:
- Reviewing account statements for unauthorized trading activity
- Understanding the difference between discretionary and non-discretionary account authorizations
- Consulting with qualified securities attorneys when concerns arise about investment losses
- Utilizing available regulatory resources to verify financial advisor backgrounds
For comprehensive background information on Brandon J. Larsen or any financial professional, investors can access FINRA’s BrokerCheck database at brokercheck.finra.org, which provides detailed regulatory history and current licensing status.
The documented regulatory violations in Brandon J. Larsen’s record serve as important reminders that investors must remain vigilant in monitoring their advisory relationships and should not hesitate to seek professional guidance when questions or concerns arise about their investment management in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
