Florida Advisor Isaiah Williams Barred After $9.5 Million Merrill Lynch Settlement

Financial Advisor Lost My Money

Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an investigation into Isaiah Thomas “Isaiah T.” Williams Jr. (CRD 6211219), a former financial advisor from Royal Palm Beach, Florida who previously worked with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. If you invested with Isaiah Williams and have concerns about your accounts or investment losses, read below to understand the important facts, red flags, and your options. Haselkorn & Thibaut is a national securities law firm with over 50 years of experience, a 98% success rate, and millions recovered for investors—no recovery, no fee.

Who Is Isaiah Thomas “Isaiah T.” Williams Jr.?

Isaiah Williams, also known as Isaiah T. Williams Jr., was most recently registered as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated in Boca Raton, FL (04/2017–01/2025). His other experience includes serving at UBS Financial Services Inc. (08/2016–10/2016), Bascom Hill Wealth LLC, and other firms. As of 2025, he is no longer registered as a broker and has been permanently barred from the industry by FINRA.

Advisor Name Isaiah Thomas “Isaiah T.” Williams Jr.
(a.k.a. Isaiah Williams)
FINRA CRD # 6211219
Main Broker-Dealer Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
Location Royal Palm Beach & Boca Raton, FL
Status Permanently barred by FINRA, no longer registered

Summary of Complaints and Regulatory Actions

  • Permanently barred by FINRA (April 2025) for refusing to provide information requested in connection with serious firm-reported allegations.
  • Voluntary resignation from Merrill Lynch after discovery of customer complaints.
  • Subject of multiple customer complaints, disputes, and regulatory events—including the payment of millions of dollars in settlements.

Details on Customer Complaints and Regulatory Findings

Industry records and published reports reveal a pattern of significant customer complaints and regulatory action against Isaiah Williams, primarily during and after his employment with Merrill Lynch.

  • Largest Settlement/Award Paid: $9,500,000 (August 2025)
    A customer of Merrill Lynch was paid $9.5 million to resolve claims alleging:

    • Misappropriation
    • Unsuitable asset allocation strategies
    • Misrepresentations to clients
    • Improper outside business activities
  • Pending FINRA Arbitration (Case No. 25-01386):
    • Filed July 2025 – Seeks damages of $3,500,000
    • Allegations: Failure to act in client’s best interest, unsuitable asset allocation, violations of SEC Regulation Best Interest and FINRA suitability rules
  • Regulatory Sanction:
    • 04/11/2025 FINRA Permanent Bar (AWC): Williams was permanently barred for refusing to respond to FINRA’s requests for information after allegations surfaced regarding:
      • Misappropriation
      • Unsuitable recommendations
      • Misrepresentation and disclosure omissions
      • Improper “outside business activity”

Allegations and Broker Misconduct

The allegations and findings regarding Isaiah Williams include multiple types of potential misconduct. Understanding these helps investors recognize possible red flags:

  • Unsuitable asset allocation and recommendations (FINRA Rule 2111): Brokers are required to make recommendations that are consistent with each customer’s risk tolerance, financial situation, and investment objectives.
  • Failure to act in client’s best interest (SEC Regulation Best Interest): Advisors must put the client’s interests ahead of their own.
  • Misrepresentation/omissions (FINRA Rules 2010 & 2020): Advisors must be honest and transparent about investment risks and fees.
  • Improper outside business activities (FINRA Rule 3270): Brokers are required to notify their firm about any business activities outside of their employment, to prevent conflicts of interest and protect clients.
  • Misappropriation: The unauthorized use of client funds, which is strictly prohibited.

Summary Table: Regulatory Events & Customer Complaints

Date Type of Action Allegation Outcome
08/2025 Customer Settlement
(Merrill Lynch)
Misappropriation, unsuitable allocation, misrepresentations, improper OBAs $9.5 million paid to customer
07/2025 Pending Customer Arbitration Unsuitable allocation, failure to act in client’s best interests Seeking $3.5 million in damages
04/11/2025 FINRA Regulatory Action Refused information request regarding misconduct allegations Permanently barred in all capacities
2024 Employment Separation Resigned from Merrill Lynch after discovery of complaints Voluntary Resignation

Red Flags for Investors Who Worked With Isaiah Williams

  • Large, unexpected losses or suspicious account activity
  • Investments outside your stated risk tolerance or financial goals
  • Lack of communication or reluctance to provide documentation
  • Requests to invest in unusual or non-traditional products
  • Conflicts of interest or appearances of “side businesses”

What Should Concerned Investors Do Next?

If you were a client of Isaiah Thomas “Isaiah T.” Williams Jr. at Merrill Lynch, you may have rights to recover losses through FINRA arbitration. Regulatory records indicate serious concerns that could impact current and former clients’ accounts. Haselkorn & Thibaut is committed to helping investors in Florida and nationwide address investment losses with honesty, personal attention, and no out-of-pocket costs unless you recover funds.

Haselkorn & Thibaut offers a complimentary, confidential case review for clients of Isaiah Williams or those concerned about their investments at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith. If you have questions about how your accounts have been handled, our team can review your situation and help you understand your next steps. Engagement is easy and confidential—no pressure, just answers you need today.

Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut at 1-888-994-8066 for your free case review.
No recovery, no fee.

Don’t wait—if you’ve experienced losses or have unanswered concerns, a free, no-obligation consultation with a nationally recognized investment fraud attorney is the first step. Our process is straightforward and confidential, and our only priority is helping you recover what you are owed.

Disclaimer: The information contained in any post on this website is derived from publicly available sources and is not guaranteed as to accuracy and often involves allegations which may or may not be proven at some point in the future. All posts are believed to be accurate as of the time of original posting, but the accuracy and details are subject to and expected to change over time and which may contain opinions of the author at the time posted.
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