Haselkorn & Thibaut, a leading national investment fraud law firm, has initiated an investigation into financial advisor Chad Christopher Zawacki of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Below, we provide investors with a detailed, research-driven analysis of Mr. Zawacki’s professional history, registrations, qualifications, and the most recent known complaints. This resource empowers clients and investors to make informed decisions regarding their financial accounts and offers actionable guidance for those who have experienced concerns.
Who is Chad Christopher Zawacki?
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Chad Christopher Zawacki—CRD# 2996799—serves as a registered broker and investment adviser at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (CRD# 7691). Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Mr. Zawacki brings nearly three decades of industry experience, having begun his career in 1998. Over his 28-year career, he has remained with Merrill Lynch since joining, offering financial services and investment products to individual and institutional clients across the United States.
Professional Background & Qualifications
- Years in Industry: 28
- Current Brokerage: Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (CRD# 7691, Saint Paul, MN)
- Previous Affiliations: Ascend Financial Services, C.R.I. Securities (both briefly in 1998)
- Licenses: Registered in 53 U.S. states and territories, serving a wide range of clients nationwide
- Designations: Holds Series 3, 7, 9, 10, 63, and 66 licenses
- SRO Memberships: Registered with FINRA, multiple Cboe exchanges, the Nasdaq Stock Market, and the New York Stock Exchange
- Employment: Also listed as a Sales Manager at Bank of America, NA in St. Paul, MN
Disclosure & Complaint Record: What Investors Need to Know
As of January 12, 2026, Chad Zawacki’s official FINRA BrokerCheck record shows no disclosures or disciplinary actions. Investors can review his FINRA BrokerCheck profile for the latest status and registration information.
Pending Complaint Reported in Internal Database
While public records with FINRA show a clean record, Haselkorn & Thibaut’s investigation draws attention to an important pending matter:
| Date Reported | Status | Allegations | Requested Damages |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 5, 2024 | Pending |
Attorney for client alleges:
(Alleged period: May 2023 – January 2024) |
Not Specified |
Details: The disclosure involves claims of unsuitable investment recommendations, possible misrepresentations, and concerns with failing to adhere to the client’s best interest standard. As of this writing, there is no resolution, damage calculation, or settlement reported. This is the only known complaint in internal records, and it does not yet appear on the FINRA BrokerCheck system.
It is not uncommon for pending customer complaints to appear in firm or internal records before becoming public on regulatory platforms like FINRA BrokerCheck. Reporting delays can be due to investigation timelines, regulatory review, and compliance cycles.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- No public disclosures as of January 12, 2026—but one pending customer complaint has been identified internally regarding alleged unsuitable investment recommendations and related conduct.
- Chad Zawacki’s professional track record reflects significant tenure and a broad national client base—a sign of both experience and reach.
- Regulatory records can take time to update. If an advisor has a pending or unresolved complaint, it may not yet be available on public databases.
- Haselkorn & Thibaut is investigating these concerns on behalf of investors and offering all affected clients a free, confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Chad Zawacki currently barred?
No, there are no current regulatory bars against him as of the report date. - Has he been involved in past complaints?
Publicly, no. One internal complaint is pending and under review. - What should I do if I invested with Mr. Zawacki and have concerns?
It is crucial to seek guidance from experienced securities attorneys who can review your situation confidentially and help pursue any appropriate claims. - Can I recover losses if something went wrong?
Possible. Each case is unique, and prompt action may be critical. Haselkorn & Thibaut’s seasoned team can help assess eligibility for recovery.
What Should Investors Do Now?
If you are a client of Chad Zawacki at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith (Saint Paul, MN) or have questions about your investment experience, we encourage you to act.
- Monitor your account statements for unusual activity or unexpected losses
- Document conversations or recommendations that led to any investment decision in question
- Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut for a free, private review of your potential claim
Haselkorn & Thibaut’s team—a national investment fraud law firm with over 50 years of experience, a 98% success rate, and millions recovered for clients—is committed to standing up for investors. There are no fees unless there is a recovery, and all consultations are strictly confidential.
Call 1-888-885-7162 for a free and private consultation.
Haselkorn & Thibaut – Protecting Investors Nationwide
Why Choose Haselkorn & Thibaut?
- National scope, local knowledge – representing clients across the U.S.
- Contingency fee structure – no recovery, no fee
- Seasoned securities attorneys – decades of legal experience in investment fraud and broker misconduct cases
- Outstanding success rate – 98% recovery on behalf of investors
- Personalized, client-focused approach
Do not delay—all initial case reviews are free, with no obligation. If you or a loved one have questions about your investments with Chad Christopher Zawacki or Merrill Lynch, now is the time to take action.
