Haselkorn & Thibaut (investmentfraudlawyers.com), a nationally recognized investment fraud law firm with over 50 years of experience, has opened an investigation into Josh Chapin (CRD# 5825638), a financial advisor based in Irvine, California, who is registered with Emerson Equity (doing business as Breakwater Capital). If you are an investor who has worked with Mr. Chapin, this is an important update aimed at ensuring you have the facts and know your rights.
Who Is Josh Chapin?
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Josh Chapin is a seasoned financial advisor and broker with 14 years of experience in the securities industry. He is currently licensed through Emerson Equity, operating as Breakwater Capital out of Irvine, California. According to public information, he specializes in providing unique investment and tax planning strategies to a wide array of clients, including high-net-worth individuals and small business owners.
- Registered representative and investment advisor at Emerson Equity since 2015
- Previous affiliations include Parkland Securities, Prudential Financial Planning, Pruco Securities, and NYLife Securities
- Passed five industry examinations: SIE, Series 65, Series 63, Series 7, and Series 6
- Holds 17 state licenses
His approach emphasizes creating tailored solutions in markets that may be less familiar to traditional investors. Over his tenure, he has led hundreds of seminars focused on advanced investment concepts.
Current Complaints and Allegations Against Josh Chapin
If you’re searching for information on current or past complaints, it’s important to know what is reported and what is pending. As of November 10, 2025, two investor complaints have been filed against Mr. Chapin. Here’s a detailed overview:
| Filing Date | Allegations | Status | Damages |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 |
• Violation of federal securities laws • Breach of contract • Fraud • Violations of the California Securities Act • Breach of fiduciary duty • Negligence |
Pending | Unspecified |
| September 2025 |
• Negligence • Breach of fiduciary duty (real estate investment related) |
Pending | Unspecified |
Many investors aren’t aware that even pending complaints may be valuable red flags, regardless of the ultimate outcome. The allegations, which include fraud, negligence, and breach of fiduciary duty, may suggest shortcomings in advising practices or sales of unsuitable investments.
Review of Public Regulatory History
- No finalized customer complaints or arbitration claims to date in FINRA records outside of the above 2025 filings.
- No regulatory enforcement actions by the SEC, FINRA, or state securities regulators.
- No pending arbitration awards or disciplinary events on BrokerCheck. You can verify this directly using BrokerCheck.
- No lawsuits or class actions publicly filed in federal or state court dockets under his name as related to securities or financial advice.
- No adverse media attention, press reports, or third-party alerts unrelated to the above complaints.
This regulatory record suggests that while no final actions or findings have been made, the recent investor allegations should be taken seriously, especially if you believe you may be at risk or have suffered losses associated with advice or investments made through Breakwater Capital.
Red Flags Every Investor Should Know
- Pending Investor Complaints: When a financial advisor faces allegations of fraud, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty, investors should consider this a prompt to double-check the status of their own accounts and investments.
- High-Complexity Strategies: Specialization in “unique” or less well-known products or strategies can sometimes involve increased levels of risk or lack of oversight. If you don’t fully understand an investment, ask your advisor for more details or a second opinion.
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Allegations like these can point to situations where the client’s interests may not have been prioritized. This is critical as fiduciary responsibility is meant to protect investors.
- No Public Resolution Yet: Pending and unresolved disputes can leave investors uncertain. Monitoring ongoing developments and seeking professional opinions can be crucial.
What Should You Do If You’re Concerned?
If you have invested with Josh Chapin in Irvine, California, through Emerson Equity/Breakwater Capital, it’s prudent to get a professional review of your situation, especially if you’ve experienced significant or unexpected losses.
- Gather your account statements and any communication records you have with Josh Chapin or Breakwater Capital.
- Stay alert for any further updates, either from regulatory agencies or from your advisor or firm.
- Consider requesting a free case review from an experienced investment fraud law firm.
Haselkorn & Thibaut offers no-cost, confidential consultations for investors nationwide. With a 98% success rate and millions recovered for clients, you can rely on our experience and focus—no recovery, no fee.
How to Protect Yourself Right Now
- Visit FINRA’s BrokerCheck for the latest records and updates.
- Be proactive: if you suspect you may be impacted, quick action can help preserve your legal rights.
For more personalized assistance, call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-994-8066 or visit our website to schedule your free, private assessment. There is no obligation, and every case is handled with care and professionalism. Your recovery starts with knowing your options and taking the first step—reach out today if you have questions or concerns about your investments with Josh Chapin, Emerson Equity, or Breakwater Capital in Irvine, California.
