Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an investigation into Peter Lawrence (CRD# 2695687), a financial advisor formerly registered with American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. If you invested with Peter Lawrence and experienced losses, unauthorized transactions, or suspect your signature was forged on documents, you may be entitled to recover your losses through FINRA arbitration. Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut at 1-888-885-7162 for a free, confidential consultation.
Who Is Peter Lawrence?
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Peter Thomas Lawrence is a financial professional with approximately 27 years of industry experience. According to publicly available regulatory records, Lawrence held registrations as both a broker and investment adviser throughout his career. He is currently no longer registered with FINRA and holds no active state licenses or FINRA registrations.
His employment history includes:
| Firm | Years |
|---|---|
| American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. | 2019–2023 |
| Questar Capital Corporation | 2006–2019 |
| USAllianz Securities, Inc. | 2005–2006 |
| Pruco Securities, LLC | 2000–2005 |
American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. was acquired by Osaic Holdings, Inc. in June 2022 and officially merged into Osaic Wealth, Inc. on October 14, 2024.
FINRA Regulatory Actions Against Peter Lawrence
Lawrence’s regulatory history includes significant actions by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
October 3, 2024 – FINRA Suspension: FINRA suspended Lawrence in all capacities after he allegedly failed to respond to requests for information. The suspension began on October 28, 2024. FINRA indicated that failure to cure could result in an automatic bar. The suspension was lifted in January 2025.
January 20, 2026 – FINRA Investigation: FINRA initiated Case #20230799055 and made a preliminary determination to recommend disciplinary action. The allegations include:
- Failure to respond to multiple FINRA requests for documents and information in June and July 2025
- Failure to appear for on-the-record testimony in September 2025
- Violations of FINRA Rules 8210 and 2010
Rule 8210 authorizes FINRA to require testimony and documents during investigations. Failure to comply can result in suspension or a permanent bar from the securities industry.
Complete List of Customer Complaints Against Peter Lawrence
Peter Lawrence’s disclosure record reflects 17 customer disputes, along with 2 employment separations and settlements. Many of these complaints share similar allegations.
Common Allegations Include:
- Forged client signatures on variable annuity applications
- Unauthorized trades and transfers
- Misrepresentation of variable annuities
- Unsuitable investment recommendations
- Forged suitability documents
Notable Settlements and Outcomes:
| Date | Allegation Summary | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | Forged signatures and unauthorized trades | $70,000 settlement |
| 2024 | Misrepresentation and unsuitable variable annuity sales | $24,500 settlement |
| 2024 | Annuity misrepresentation | $23,454.50 settlement |
| Late 2023–Early 2024 | Various forgery and suitability allegations | Additional settlements |
| November 2024 | Forged suitability documents | Pending |
| November 2024 | Forged signatures on 2021 variable annuity purchase | Pending |
The frequency and similarity of these allegations—particularly those involving variable annuities and forged documentation—represent a pattern that investors should carefully consider.
Prior Employment Separation
Lawrence’s record also includes a 2004 employment separation from Pruco Securities. According to the disclosure, the termination involved allegations that a manager signed agents’ names to applications to meet production requirements. While this occurred years ago, patterns in disclosure history are often examined in securities arbitration proceedings.
Red Flags for Investors
When reviewing a financial advisor’s background, certain warning signs warrant attention. In Peter Lawrence’s case, investors may want to consider:
- 17 customer disputes over his career
- Multiple allegations of forged signatures appearing across different complaints
- FINRA suspension for failure to respond to regulatory requests
- Ongoing FINRA investigation with potential for disciplinary action
- Concentration of complaints involving variable annuities
- Employment separation involving documentation concerns
You can verify a broker’s background by visiting FINRA BrokerCheck.
Understanding Variable Annuity Concerns
Many complaints against Lawrence involve variable annuities. These products can be appropriate for certain investors, but they also carry considerations that aren’t always properly disclosed:
- Surrender charges that can last for years
- Mortality and expense fees that reduce returns
- Potential unsuitability for short-term investors or those needing liquidity
- Significant commissions that may incentivize sales
When brokers recommend variable annuities without properly assessing suitability—or when documentation is allegedly altered—it raises serious compliance concerns that may form the basis for arbitration claims.
Broker-Dealer Supervisory Responsibility
Because Lawrence was registered with American Portfolios Financial Services during a period when multiple customer disputes were filed, questions may arise regarding firm supervision. Broker-dealers have a duty to supervise their registered representatives. This includes identifying red flags, monitoring for patterns of complaints, and implementing compliance systems to protect investors.
In many securities arbitration cases, firms are named alongside individual brokers. Investors typically file claims against the brokerage firm that employed the broker at the time of the alleged misconduct.
What Investors Can Do Now
If you worked with Peter Lawrence and experienced any of the following, you may have grounds to pursue recovery:
- Discovered your signature on documents you didn’t sign
- Found unauthorized trades or transfers in your account
- Were sold variable annuities that didn’t match your investment goals or risk tolerance
- Received misrepresentations about products or their features
- Suffered investment losses you believe resulted from misconduct
FINRA arbitration provides a process for investors to seek recovery of losses. Claims are typically resolved faster than traditional litigation and can result in meaningful recoveries for affected investors.
Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut for a Free Consultation
Haselkorn & Thibaut (InvestmentFraudLawyers.com) is a national securities fraud law firm with over 50 years of combined experience. The firm maintains a 98% success rate and has recovered millions of dollars for investors harmed by broker misconduct, unsuitable recommendations, and unauthorized trading.
Their attorneys handle cases involving:
- Broker misconduct and negligence
- Variable annuity misrepresentation
- Unauthorized trading and forged signatures
- Supervision failures by broker-dealers
There is no fee unless you recover. If you have questions about Peter Lawrence, American Portfolios Financial Services, or potential recovery options, the firm offers free, confidential consultations to help you understand your rights.
Call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-885-7162 to discuss your situation with an experienced investment fraud attorney. Your consultation is free and completely confidential.
