Who is Timothy Lee Claypool?
Table of Contents
Timothy Lee Claypool (CRD #4729794) is a former broker whose most recent employer was Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (2017–2021) in Amarillo, Texas. Over his career, Mr. Claypool was also registered with several other broker-dealers, including Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC (2014–2017); Edward Jones (2010–2013); Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. (2004–2010); and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (2004).
Timothy Lee Claypool is currently barred by FINRA from association with any FINRA-member firm in any capacity. This action marks a serious regulatory issue that all investors should understand.
Summary Table: Timothy Lee Claypool
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Name of Advisor | Timothy Lee Claypool |
| CRD Number | 4729794 |
| Last Known Firm | Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (2017–2021) |
| Previous Firms | Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC; Edward Jones; Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.; Merrill Lynch |
| Status | Barred by FINRA (since August 28, 2023) |
| Location | Amarillo, Texas |
Complaints, Regulatory Actions, and Red Flags for Timothy Lee Claypool
Investors are encouraged to be aware of the following details and timeline related to Mr. Claypool’s regulatory and financial history:
- FINRA Bar: On August 28, 2023, Timothy Lee Claypool was barred by FINRA after failing to respond to multiple FINRA requests for required information. The bar came after a suspension in May 2023 (Case No. 2021073166102), and Mr. Claypool did not seek to terminate this suspension within the mandated period.
- Employment Separation after Allegations: In 2021, Mr. Claypool was “permitted to resign” from Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC. This resignation took place under internal review for potential unsuitable sales activity involving a variable annuity contract, and potentially unsuitable and/or discretionary investment account trades—actions in violation of firm policy and possibly designed to generate excessive commissions. He was also noted for referring a client to a passive investment.
- Outstanding Civil Judgment/Lien: As of August 2016, there is a recorded civil judgment against Mr. Claypool in the amount of $8,613 in the Randall JP Court 4, Amarillo, Texas. This remains an outstanding lien, further raising concerns for investors regarding financial responsibility.
- Sanctions and Disclosure History: Mr. Claypool’s regulatory record reflects formal sanctions by securities regulators and disclosure of outstanding liens.
What Do These Red Flags Mean for Investors?
The regulatory bar from FINRA means that Mr. Claypool is permanently prohibited from acting as a broker or associating with any FINRA-member broker-dealer. Investors who experienced losses connected to accounts under his management or related to his advice during his tenure at FINRA-member firms may have viable claims to recover those losses.
The underlying allegations of unsuitable sales and potentially unauthorized or discretionary trading are serious. Such activities can lead to excessive commissions, increased costs, unnecessary risk-taking, and financial harm to clients—particularly if investments were not appropriate for the investor’s needs or not authorized.
Outstanding liens or civil judgments can also signal financial challenges for professionals who owe a fiduciary duty to their clients. Investors are advised to review past account statements and any relevant correspondence for evidence of questionable activity during Mr. Claypool’s time with Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC and other firms.
Key Points to Consider
- Mr. Claypool is currently barred by FINRA—no longer eligible to serve as a registered broker or financial advisor.
- He separated from Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC in 2021 while under internal investigation for suitable sales practices.
- Too many investors misunderstand the significance of a FINRA bar or regulatory sanction. If your broker has been barred, it is a strong signal to independently review your accounts and the advice you received.
- A history of outstanding civil judgments, even minor ones, should be carefully considered when evaluating the integrity and trustworthiness of an advisor.
What Should You Do Next?
If you worked with Timothy Lee Claypool or experienced any losses in accounts he managed at Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC or his prior firms, now is the time to take action. Investors with questions or concerns about handling of their accounts under Mr. Claypool, or about the suitability of investment recommendations, can consult with independent professionals to determine if there are grounds for a FINRA arbitration or other claim for potential recovery.
Take advantage of a free, no-obligation consultation with the experienced investment loss recovery team at Haselkorn & Thibaut. Our team brings over 50 years of experience, a 98% success rate, and a client-friendly, “no recovery, no fee” policy. Millions have been recovered for clients nationwide.
- Have concerns about unauthorized trading, unsuitable securities, or improper sales in your accounts?
- Want to know if your losses are eligible for recovery?
- Looking for a second opinion on your brokerage accounts?
Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-994-8066 for a free and confidential review of your situation. There are no out-of-pocket costs unless your funds are recovered.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Interests as an Investor
Timothy Lee Claypool’s regulatory history and the numerous red flags surrounding his time at Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC highlight why investor vigilance is so important. If you or someone you know sustained investment losses while working with Mr. Claypool—or if you have questions about any account formerly managed by him—it is critical to seek a qualified, independent review.
Don’t wait. The sooner you consult with Haselkorn & Thibaut, the better your chances for a timely and successful resolution. Call 1-888-994-8066 today to protect your rights and explore your options for recovery.
