Haselkorn & Thibaut has launched an independent investigation into William Scott Meador (CRD# 2202512), a Naples, Florida-based financial advisor currently registered with UBS Financial Services Inc.. If you or someone you know has invested with Mr. Meador, this report aims to provide you with a transparent, comprehensive overview of his professional background, complaint history, and key considerations for investors. For a free, confidential consultation, call Haselkorn & Thibaut at 1-888-885-7162.
Who Is William Scott Meador – UBS Financial Services (Naples, FL)?
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William Scott Meador stands out for his 34 years of industry experience and long tenures at major brokerage firms. Since 2008, he’s been an advisor and broker with UBS Financial Services Inc. in Naples, Florida, after spending over 16 years with Merrill Lynch in New York. He currently holds active securities licenses in 46 states, making him accessible to a broad base of investors nationwide.
| Current Firm | UBS Financial Services Inc. (Naples, FL) |
|---|---|
| Years of Experience | 34 |
| Past Employer | Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith |
| Licenses | Registered in 46 U.S. states |
You can verify his registration and licensing at FINRA BrokerCheck.
Comprehensive Complaint & Disclosure History
When considering entrusting your finances to any advisor, reviewing their regulatory and complaint history is essential. William Scott Meador has two reported customer dispute disclosures in his 34-year career. Below, we offer a transparent, fact-based breakdown of each complaint, focusing on timeline, allegations, and outcomes.
| Date | Allegations | Requested Damages | Settlement | Outcome/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 1, 2024 | Alleged unsuitable allocation of equities in an account used to collateralize a line of credit. Claims strategy was not in clients’ “Best Interest”. | $1,000,000 | $50,000 | Settled for 5% of requested amount. Allegations span 2008-2022. No broker comment available. |
| Apr. 21, 2009 | Customers alleged unsuitable investment recommendations. | $90,761 | $40,000 | Broker stated claims were withdrawn, issue related to mortgage payoff. Mr. Meador did not contribute to settlement. |
Understanding the Complaints—What Investors Should Know
- 2024 Disclosure: This complaint stands out due to both the amount requested ($1 million) and the extended timeframe of the alleged activity (2008–2022). The claim focused on an alleged unsuitable equity allocation in a line-of-credit-collateralized account, with a further claim that the overall investment approach was not in the “best interest” of the client. The matter settled for just 5% of the requested sum ($50,000), which sometimes suggests the claims had limited merit or were resolved as a business decision. There’s no broker comment.
- 2009 Disclosure: Allegations centered on unsuitable investment recommendations but were later clarified by Mr. Meador as relating to mortgage payoff rather than true investment issues. The claimants withdrew their sales practice claims, and the firm—not Meador personally—funded the $40,000 settlement.
Both complaints are now classified as settled, with no regulatory or disciplinary actions arising from these matters. Mr. Meador has never been barred or subject to any regulatory sanction.
Risk Factors and Red Flags: Expert Assessment
- Low Disclosure Frequency: Over more than three decades in the industry, a total of two customer complaints—both settled—places Mr. Meador’s disclosure ratio below the average for similarly tenured financial professionals.
- Settlement Size vs. Claimed Damages: The large gap in the recent settlement (5% of claimed damages) may suggest a negotiated settlement or that initial allegations could not be fully substantiated. However, any complaint of this magnitude and duration should be examined in context of your personal investment experience and portfolio.
- No Regulatory Discipline: No record of enforcement actions, suspensions, or regulatory investigations by FINRA or state authorities.
- Firm Retention: Mr. Meador has remained with two firms in 34 years, which typically signals professional stability.
Even with a relatively low complaint rate, it always pays to be vigilant. Disputes—even settled ones—can suggest issues related to suitability, communication, or investment oversight. Investors should independently review their own experience and not assume that a lack of disciplinary record eliminates financial risk.
Why Investors Are Contacting Haselkorn & Thibaut
Haselkorn & Thibaut—a nationally recognized securities fraud law firm with a 98% success rate and over 50 years of combined experience—is currently investigating William Scott Meador in relation to complaints involving unsuitable investments and alleged breaches of the “Best Interest” standard, particularly with line-of-credit accounts.
Legal claims against brokers and firms often focus on suitability and fiduciary duty. If you are concerned about losses, have questions about your account’s allocation or were recommended risky lines of credit or leverage, you may have options for recovery. There are no upfront fees and no obligation to participate in an investigation—if there’s no recovery, there’s no fee.
- Experience and Results: 50+ years combined experience
- National Scope: Offices and representation across the United States
- Millions Recovered: For investors nationwide
- 98% Success Rate: Track record of client satisfaction and monetary recovery
What To Do If You Have Concerns
If you are a client or former client of William Scott Meador at UBS Financial Services in Naples, Florida, and faced losses or suspicious investment recommendations, it is crucial that you
