Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an investigation into Vincent Ferrara, a Garden City, New York financial advisor currently registered with Ameriprise Financial Services. With 37 years in the securities industry, Ferrara’s recent investor complaints have raised concerns that merit careful examination by investors who may have worked with him.
Understanding Vincent Ferrara’s Background and Registration History
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Vincent Ferrara (CRD# 1791902) brings nearly four decades of experience to his role as both a broker and investment advisor. Currently affiliated with Ameriprise Financial Services since February 2024, his extensive career spans multiple prestigious firms throughout the financial services industry.
His professional journey includes registrations with several well-known institutions:
- Merrill Lynch
- Citigroup Global Markets
- Citicorp Investment Services
- Financial Horizons Securities Corporation
- Pruco Securities
- The Prudential Insurance Company of America
- JT Moran & Company
- Sherwood Capital
Ferrara’s credentials demonstrate comprehensive industry knowledge. He has successfully passed five securities examinations, including the Series 7, Series 24, Series 63, Series 66, and the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Additionally, he maintains licenses in 29 states, indicating a broad geographic reach in his practice.
Recent Allegations and Investor Complaints
The most concerning development involves a September 2025 investor complaint alleging misappropriation of funds totaling $2 million. This complaint specifically relates to Ferrara’s time as a representative at Merrill Lynch. The allegation of fund misappropriation represents one of the most serious violations a financial professional can face.
Under FINRA regulations, the misappropriation of investor funds directly violates FINRA Rule 2150, which explicitly prohibits registered persons from making improper use of customer securities or funds. Such conduct may also breach FINRA Rule 2010, requiring brokers to maintain high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.
Historical Complaint Pattern
This recent allegation isn’t Ferrara’s first encounter with investor complaints. A 2001 complaint filed against him during his tenure at Citicorp Investment Services alleged failure to disclose information regarding the possibility of a call order. While this earlier matter reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount, the presence of multiple complaints spanning decades creates a pattern worthy of investor attention.
| Year | Firm | Allegation | Status/Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Merrill Lynch | Misappropriation of funds | Pending – $2 million claimed |
| 2001 | Citicorp Investment Services | Failure to disclose call order information | Settled – Unknown amount |
Red Flags for Investors to Consider
Several factors emerge when analyzing Vincent Ferrara’s professional record that investors should carefully evaluate:
1. Severity of Recent Allegations: Misappropriation claims represent fundamental breaches of trust between advisor and client. The substantial $2 million amount claimed suggests significant financial impact.
2. Multiple Complaints Over Time: While complaints spanning 24 years might seem isolated, any pattern of client disputes warrants attention, especially when they involve disclosure failures and alleged misappropriation.
3. Recent Firm Change: Ferrara’s move to Ameriprise Financial Services in February 2024 occurred relatively recently. Investors should understand the circumstances surrounding any advisor’s firm transitions.
What This Means for Current and Former Clients
If you’ve worked with Vincent Ferrara at any point during his career, now is the time to review your account statements and transaction history carefully. Look for any unauthorized transactions, unexplained fees, or investment activities that weren’t properly discussed or disclosed.
Key areas to examine include:
- Account statements for any discrepancies or unauthorized activity
- Trade confirmations to ensure all transactions were authorized
- Fee structures and any changes that weren’t properly explained
- Investment recommendations that may have been unsuitable for your risk tolerance or financial goals
Steps to Protect Your Interests
Taking prompt action can make a significant difference in protecting your financial interests. Consider these important steps:
First, gather all documentation related to your accounts and interactions with Ferrara. Second, create a timeline of your relationship and any concerns you may have noticed. Third, review your current account status to ensure no ongoing issues exist.
Remember that FINRA’s BrokerCheck provides public access to regulatory records, allowing you to stay informed about any updates to Ferrara’s professional record.
Why Legal Consultation Matters
Haselkorn & Thibaut brings over 50 years of experience in securities law, with a remarkable 98% success rate in helping investors recover losses. The firm has recovered millions for clients nationwide, operating on a contingency basis—meaning no recovery, no fee.
Understanding your rights and options requires experienced legal guidance. Securities law involves complex regulations and strict filing deadlines that can impact your ability to recover losses.
If you’ve invested with Vincent Ferrara through Ameriprise Financial Services, Merrill Lynch, or any of his previous firms and have concerns about your accounts, don’t wait to seek professional guidance. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes in investment loss recovery cases.
Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-628-5590 for a free, confidential consultation. Their experienced team can review your situation, explain your options, and help determine the best path forward to protect your financial interests.
