Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national securities law firm with over 50 years’ combined experience, has opened an investigation into financial advisor Christian de Berardinis. If you invested with de Berardinis—especially while he was registered with Morgan Stanley or other major firms—this is information you cannot afford to ignore. Our firm is committed to helping investors recoup losses and fully understand what red flags have emerged regarding his conduct in the industry.
Who Is Christian de Berardinis?
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Christian Eduardo de Berardinis (CRD#: 4312327) is a financial advisor who has worked in the securities industry for more than two decades. His employment history includes stints at well-known broker-dealers such as Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Securities, Oppenheimer & Co., Citigroup Global Markets, and Banc of America Securities.
His most recent registration was with Morgan Stanley until July 2023. He is also connected to Aperture Advisors in West Palm Beach, Florida. His background might look impressive on paper, but recent disciplinary actions and customer complaints reveal significant investor concerns.
Recent Investigations, Complaints, and FINRA Actions
Investors should be aware of several key developments:
1. FINRA Suspension and Disciplinary Action
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In September 2024, FINRA suspended Christian de Berardinis for 24 months and issued a $15,000 fine plus $22,500 in disgorgement.
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He was found to have participated in private securities offerings totaling $2.45 million for four customers without notifying or receiving approval from his firm (Morgan Stanley)—a practice known as “selling away.”
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De Berardinis introduced clients to the CEO of a dairy company, recommended the investment, and even assisted with paperwork and fund transfers. He received referral fees, which he failed to disclose.
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He also falsely answered compliance questionnaires at his firm regarding outside securities transactions.
2. Customer Complaints and Settlements
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In March 2023, a customer filed a dispute alleging that de Berardinis “solicited outside investment opportunities not authorized by the firm.” This was related to transactions dated February 20, 2020, to March 1, 2023.
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This dispute settled for $1,350,000—a significant figure that speaks to the seriousness of the claims.
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In June 2023, de Berardinis voluntarily resigned from Morgan Stanley following allegations of involvement with unapproved securities offers.
What Does “Selling Away” Mean for Investors?
Selling away refers to a broker recommending investments not offered or approved by their affiliated firm. This practice violates FINRA rules designed to protect investors from unauthorized and potentially risky products. Brokerage firms are required to supervise their advisors and ensure outside investment activities are properly disclosed and approved. When this doesn’t happen, investors are left vulnerable.
| Key Allegation/Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Private Securities Offerings | $2.45 million raised without firm approval |
| Firm Involved | Morgan Stanley |
| Regulatory Sanction | 24-month FINRA suspension; $15,000 fine; $22,500 disgorgement |
| Customer Complaint | “Solicited outside investments not authorized by firm” |
| Settlement Amount | $1,350,000 |
| False Answers on Compliance Reviews | Falsely denied outside deals in questionnaires |
| Voluntary Resignation | Left Morgan Stanley June 2023 amid allegations |
Red Flags and Risks Identified
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Investing in Unapproved Products: Offering investments not vetted or authorized by the broker-dealer raises concerns about the safety and legitimacy of those investments.
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Lack of Disclosure: Failing to inform his employer or clients about the outside business and receipt of referral fees demonstrates a lack of transparency.
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Large Settlement: A $1.35 million customer complaint settlement is a significant red flag.
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Regulatory Suspension: A two-year FINRA suspension is a major disciplinary action rarely imposed unless the violations are substantial.
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False Compliance Statements: Misleading the firm via compliance questionnaires shows intentional disregard for regulatory standards.
What Should Investors Do?
If you invested with Christian de Berardinis, act now to protect your interests. Haselkorn & Thibaut is actively investigating claims relating to his conduct and can help you determine if you have lost money due to improper advice or unauthorized investments.
Steps You Should Take:
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Monitor your accounts and review past investments, especially those outside traditional offerings.
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Request and review your advisor’s FINRA BrokerCheck report for disciplinary actions, pending complaints, and employment history.
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Consult with experienced securities fraud lawyers—timeliness is critical for possible recovery of losses.
How Haselkorn & Thibaut Can Help
With a 98% success rate, millions recovered for clients, and a “no recovery, no fee” policy, Haselkorn & Thibaut stands ready to help. Our experienced attorneys guide you through every step—from understanding your legal options to pursuing claims for unauthorized or unsuitable investment losses.
Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut for a free, confidential consultation at 1-888-885-7162 .
Additional Resources
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To review the FINRA record and disciplinary actions for Christian de Berardinis, visit the official FINRA BrokerCheck site.
If you suspect you’ve lost money due to investments with Christian de Berardinis, or if you simply want a second opinion from a team that puts investor protection first, call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-885-7162 —there is no obligation and no fee unless we help you recover. Your financial future deserves nothing less than clear answers and strong advocacy.
