Haselkorn & Thibaut (investmentfraudlawyers.com), a national securities fraud law firm with over 50 years of experience and a 98% success rate, has opened an investigation into Christopher Burch (CRD 6001878), a former financial advisor with Cornerstone Securities based in Overland Park, Kansas. With millions recovered for clients and a “No recovery, no fee” policy, Haselkorn & Thibaut is reviewing allegations surrounding investment recommendations made to elderly clients and potential over-concentration in high-risk investments.
Background on Christopher Burch and Cornerstone Securities
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Christopher Burch, whose FINRA BrokerCheck report is associated with CRD number 6001878, began his career in 2005 and was most recently registered with Cornerstone Securities—a firm located in Overland Park, Kansas—until July 2023. According to public records, Mr. Burch’s registration history primarily includes his tenure at Cornerstone, with no regulatory sanctions or disclosures listed personally at this time.
Recent Lawsuit: Over-Concentration Allegations
A recently filed lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida brings attention to the practices of Cornerstone Securities and its former representative, Christopher Burch. The complaint focuses on alleged over-concentration of customer investments, particularly in a microcap stock issued by Predictive Oncology (POAI), which has lost over 99% of its value between 2018 and 2024.
- The lawsuit describes Burch’s alleged recommendation that a retired couple allocate 96% of their joint investment account to POAI shares.
- This risky allocation resulted in losses of $212,413 for the couple—retirees who depended on their investments, pensions, and Social Security for income.
- A third elderly investor allegedly received similar recommendations, as described in the lawsuit.
- The plaintiffs are seeking $400,000 in damages due to the alleged breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, breach of contract, and violations of Florida law by the firm and its leadership.
Key Red Flags for Investors
Allegations of over-concentration, especially in volatile, illiquid microcap stocks, represent a significant concern for investors—particularly those nearing or in retirement. Below are key red flags all investors should watch for:
- Over-concentration in a single security or sector
- High allocations to speculative or illiquid assets
- Failure to diversify retirement portfolios
- Unclear or insufficient explanations about investment risks
- Recommendations inconsistent with your risk tolerance and objectives
Regulators such as FINRA emphasize the critical importance of portfolio diversification—spreading investments across a variety of asset classes can help protect against losses due to the poor performance of any single investment. Particularly for retirees or those relying on a fixed income, a lack of diversification heightens the risk of devastating financial loss.
Christopher Burch: Public Record Status
| Area Reviewed | Findings (As of January 2026) |
|---|---|
| FINRA BrokerCheck | No complaints, arbitrations, regulatory actions, or disclosed events (bankruptcies/liens). |
| SEC Records | No SEC enforcement actions, cease-and-desist orders, or administrative proceedings. |
| Court Records | No lawsuits directly naming Burch as a defendant; pending action against firm for structured products (April 2024, NY Supreme Court). |
| News & Forums | No reported FINRA/SEC actions; investor forums reference Burch in connection with pending NY suit, but not as a defendant. |
As of mid-2024, Christopher Burch’s public regulatory record remains clean—with no customer disputes, regulatory actions, or civil complaints naming him personally. The main concerns are centered on his time at Cornerstone Securities and the firm’s supervision and investment recommendations to elderly and potentially vulnerable clients.
Understanding Over-Concentration: Why Diversification Matters
Over-concentration happens when a broker invests the majority of a client’s assets in a single stock or small handful of investments, rather than adequately spreading risk across asset classes and sectors. Regulatory agencies and investment experts warn that this practice can dramatically increase the risk of significant loss, especially for retirees and conservative investors.
According to FINRA’s guidance, a diversified portfolio is essential to help manage short- and long-term risks, and investors should regularly review their holdings and risk exposure to ensure they remain comfortable with their investment mix.
What Should Investors Do Next?
If you believe your financial advisor may have over-concentrated your accounts, failed to diversify your investments, or exposed your portfolio to inappropriate risk, it’s essential to seek guidance from experienced counsel. Haselkorn & Thibaut’s team is offering a free and confidential consultation to any investor concerned about Christopher Burch or Cornerstone Securities. With a “No recovery, no fee” policy and a relentless commitment to investor advocacy, Haselkorn & Thibaut has the experience and results to help guide you through your options.
Call Haselkorn & Thibaut now at 1-888-885-7162 to schedule your free consultation and protect your financial future.
